Industrial Engineering Technologist

Job overview
Industrial engineering technologists specialise in the production of goods such as furniture, television sets, refrigerators, motorcars and so on.

They see to it that production is carried out as efficiently and as profitably as possible.

Continuous monitoring of the manufacturing process is necessary to ensure that these objectives are achieved and maintained.

They are also responsible for any alterations and improvements to the process in order to ensure profitability.

With keen competition between the goods they are producing and those produced by rival companies, costs must be kept as low as possible, without sacrificing quality.

What do people do in this job?
Industrial engineering technologists are responsible for the selection and layout of the machinery and equipment required for the production of the goods in the factory.

Work flow in the factory falls under their control.

They will be concerned with the control of the quality of the goods produced and will use time and motion studies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the factories.

Some of their greatest challenges are the proper management of staff under their control and the elimination of wastage of the material used in the factory.

They will have to work according to a prepared budget.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Industrial engineering technologists must be able to get on very well with people and accept full responsibility for their work.

The ability to analyse a situation and to make changes if necessary is vital.

In this regard a scientific approach to problem solving is particularly important.

What qualifications are needed?
Basically a university degree in one of the traditional engineering disciplines.