Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with optimizing production processes.
Industrial engineers design and develop integrated systems to help minimize or eliminate wastage in manufacturing. They also improve and streamline existing systems to make them safer and more efficient.
Most industrial engineers work in manufacturing plants, production sites, power plants, research and development firms, and healthcare facilities.
However, with more professionals opting to work remotely, one might wonder, can industrial engineers work from home?
This post explores whether industrial engineers can work remotely. Keep reading to find out more!
Can You Work from Home As An Industrial Engineer?
It’s possible for you to work from home as an industrial engineer depending on your job description.
Industrial engineering is unlike other engineering disciplines that normally require a hands-on approach. Industrial engineers do a lot of research about designing, developing, and improving systems used in production processes.
They can do most of the research remotely and only go to the office or manufacturing plant during the testing and installation stages.
Since industrial engineering entails improving the quality and efficiency of production processes, many industrial engineers work as consultants and offer their services remotely.
You can perform data analysis without going to the office in person. You can also use various virtual tools and software to create computer simulations, generate time studies, develop flow diagrams, and write technical reports, which you can submit to your industrial clients via online platforms.
Even though it’s possible to work from home as an industrial engineer, you require specific skills to become successful.
Freelance industrial engineers need excellent self-management and time management skills since they’re their own bosses.
They must have exceptional communication skills since they spend most of their time conversing with clients on the phone, through email, or via online video conferencing platforms such as Skype and Zoom.
Also read: Hardware Engineers Guide To Working From Home
How to Find Remote Jobs for Industrial Engineering?
Finding remote jobs for industrial engineering doesn’t have to be complicated. With the emergence of various freelancing websites, you can get work-at-home opportunities quickly via online platforms.
Big companies also advertise remote engineering jobs online through popular websites like Indeed.com, Zippia.com. Flexjobs.com and Ziprecruiter.com.
Other examples of popular freelancing websites that help industrial engineers work remotely include upwork.com and guru.com. You can also get jobs through social media platforms like Linkedin.com.
What Do You Need for Remote Working?
Becoming a successful remote worker can be a tough challenge if you don’t have proper tools and skills to handle the rigors of the job.
Here’s a list of the tools you need:
- Sufficient Internet connectivity.
- An up-to-date computer.
- Video conferencing apps.
- Screen recording software.
- Chat apps.
- Cloud storage.
- Smartphone or tablet.
Skills you need for remote working:
- Time management skills.
- Communication skills.
- Self-discipline/management skills.
- Teamwork skills.
- Research skills.
Also read: Can Chemical Engineers Work From Home
What Do Industrial Engineers Do for A Living?
Industrial engineers design, develop, improve, and install complex, integrated systems to reduce or eliminate wastage in production processes. Industrial engineering aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of manufacturing processes.
Some of the roles of an industrial engineer include:
- Designing and developing management control systems.
- Using statistical analysis to improve systematic processes.
- Analyzing and designing manufacturing and production systems.
- Evaluating the efficiency of production processes.
- Enacting quality control procedures.
What Are Good Jobs for Industrial Engineers?
Industrial engineering is a highly-employable discipline with significant room for career advancement. Since industrial engineers don’t specialize in a particular field, they can work in various industries ranging from manufacturing to consultancy.
Good jobs for industrial engineers include:
- Industrial mechanic.
- Manufacturing technician.
- Industrial designer.
- Supply chain analyst.
- Industrial electrician.
- Quality assurance inspector.
- Manufacturing production supervisor.
- Logistics engineer.
- Energy efficiency engineer.
Also read: Can Structural Engineers Work From Home?
What Type of Engineers Can Work from Home?
Most engineers have to visit the project site to delegate and supervise work. Remote engineering positions are only possible if no onsite inspections are required.
However, with the emergence of technology, working from home is becoming a reality for many engineering positions. Depending on your job description and nature of work, you can work remotely without ever coming to the office.
Types of engineers that can work from home include:
- Computer engineers.
- Software engineers.
- Mechanical engineers.
- Industrial engineers.
What Do Industrial Engineers Do on A Daily Basis?
The primary role of an industrial engineer is to design and develop systems that minimize or eliminate wastefulness in all production processes. They improve the quality of manufacturing procedures for enhanced safety and efficiency.
Some of the daily responsibilities of an industrial engineer include:
- Reviewing production schedules.
- Monitoring production processes.
- Evaluating manufacturing procedures.
- Coordinating quality control activities.
- Designing and developing cost-saving production methods.
- Communicating with industrial managers and other personnel.
Is There A Demand for Industrial Engineers?
The global demand for industrial engineers is increasing steadily. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for industrial engineers is 14%, which is higher than any other form of engineering.
Experts project 23,000 new industrial engineering jobs annually from 2020 to 2030.
That’s not all. Industrial engineering is a lucrative profession with significant room for career advancement. Industrial engineers earn an average salary of $88,950 per year, making it a job worth pursuing.
Also read: Electrical Engineering Vs Industrial Engineering
Which country is best for industrial engineering?
The best countries for studying industrial engineering include:
- USA.
- Germany.
- Turkey.
- Netherlands.
- Sweden.
- Finland.
- Lithuania.
Industrial engineers can work in any country, thanks to their soaring global demand. Many economies revolve around technology and industrialization, making it easy for industrial engineers to secure work.
The best countries to work as an industrial engineer include:
- Canada.
- New Zealand.
- USA.
- India.
- China.
- France.
- Denmark.
Final Thoughts
Industrial engineering is one of the most versatile engineering disciplines. Industrial engineers can work in the office or from home without any issues.
You only require self-discipline and excellent time management skills to work from home as an industrial engineer.
