Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
(NOC 2141)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyIndustrial and manufacturing engineers conduct studies, and develop and supervise programs to achieve the best use of equipment, human resources, technology, materials and procedures to enhance efficiency and productivity. Industrial and manufacturing engineers are employed in consulting firms, manufacturing and processing companies, in government, financial, health care and other institutions, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. However, competition for positions may be low due to few qualified jobseekers. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 70% of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $82,032. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$34.00
Median$48.08
MaximumAnnual Pay
$25,941
Minimum$76,938
Median$128,676
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Industrial and manufacturing engineers conduct studies, and develop and supervise programs to achieve the best use of equipment, human resources, technology, materials and procedures to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Industrial and manufacturing engineers are employed in consulting firms, manufacturing and processing companies, in government, financial, health care and other institutions, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Industrial and manufacturing engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Plan and design plant layouts and facilities.
- Study new machinery and facilities and recommend or select efficient combinations.
- Develop flexible or integrated manufacturing systems and procedures.
- Conduct studies and implement programs to determine optimum inventory levels for production and to allow optimum utilization of machinery, materials and resources.
- Analyze costs of production.
- Design, develop and conduct time studies and work simplification programs.
- Determine human resource and skill requirements and develop training programs.
- Develop performance standards, evaluation systems and wage and incentive programs.
- Conduct studies of the reliability and performance of plant facilities and production or administrative systems.
- Develop maintenance standards, schedules and programs.
- Establish programs and conduct studies to enhance industrial health and safety or to identify and correct fire and other hazards.
- Evaluate or assess industrial facilities.
- Supervise technicians, technologists, analysts, administrative staff and other engineers.
Sample job titles
- computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) engineer
- cost engineer
- efficiency engineer
- industrial engineer
- manufacturing engineer
- plant engineer
- production engineer
- quality assurance (QA) engineer
- safety engineer
Skills
To work in this field, you should be interested in organizing, managing, and integrating automation in the workplace. Persistence, ingenuity, and the ability to think analytically and logically are important. You must be able to communicate and work well with others, as engineers often work in teams. Good judgement, problem-solving, and leadership skills are also expected. Computer experience would be helpful.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Other considerations
The services provided by people in these jobs are becoming more important as firms strive to become more competitive through the use of technologically advanced equipment and more efficient means of production. The rising importance of research into the design and production of new products should also contribute to job openings in these fields. It is essential for workers to keep up to date with changing technology. Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practice in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management. There is considerable mobility between industrial engineering specializations at the less senior levels. Supervisory and senior positions in this group require experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Professional Business Services
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
Public Administration
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$71,087 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$78,345 median annual incomeDoctorate
$84,328 median annual incomeUniversity advanced certificate or diploma
N/ATrades certificate
$85,355 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Engineering - General
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
Industrial engineering
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, material, information, and energy. These programs include courses in applied mathematics, physical sciences, the social sciences, engineering analysis, systems design, computer applications, and forecasting and evaluation methodology.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Materials engineering
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and materials science principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of materials and related processes used in manufacturing in a wide variety of settings; the synthesis of new industrial materials, including marrying and bonding composites; analysis of materials requirements and specifications; and related problems of system design dependent on materials factors.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Mathematics - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class comprises any general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. These programs include courses in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Mechanical engineering
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems used for specific uses, including machine tools, jigs and other manufacturing equipment; stationary power units and appliances; engines; self-propelled vehicles; housings and containers; hydraulic and electric systems for controlling movement; and the integration of computers and remote control with operating systems.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Physical sciences - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.
Institutions providing this program
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated and the job title is protected in Nova Scotia (you may not use this job title without holding a provincial licence). A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.