4 answers
Kelly
Student
Esmeraldas
3
Questions
Asked
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Do industrial engineers design to solve problems? For example, if I see that to optimize the function of something the machine needs a piece, would I be able to create that piece or that's more of the mechanical engineer job.
I am very interested in engineering, but I am still deciding between what engineer to go into :) #career-choice
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4 answers
Brayden Reiland
119
Answers
Corvallis, Oregon
Updated
Brayden’s Answer
Hello!
From your question it sounds like you want to have more design oriented projects so in that case I would suggest going the mechanical engineering route. The main difference between a mechanical and industrial engineer is that a mechanical engineer does a lot of the design work or generating machines and equipment that would go into service. Mechanical engineers typically work with a prototype lab to make parts and test them for new projects. They will use CAD softwares to design to parts and fixtures that will hopefully be made on a large scale.
And on the flip side an industrial engineer would purchase or obtain the machinery or equipment to be able to design a process. Whether that is a bottling facility for a winery or a lumber mill making paper, the industrial engineer works to ensure that the overall process and running and running smoothly. Industrial engineers also look at production reports to determine the amount of raw materials they need to purchase and ensuring machines are having their routine maintenance done.
Hopefully this helps!
From your question it sounds like you want to have more design oriented projects so in that case I would suggest going the mechanical engineering route. The main difference between a mechanical and industrial engineer is that a mechanical engineer does a lot of the design work or generating machines and equipment that would go into service. Mechanical engineers typically work with a prototype lab to make parts and test them for new projects. They will use CAD softwares to design to parts and fixtures that will hopefully be made on a large scale.
And on the flip side an industrial engineer would purchase or obtain the machinery or equipment to be able to design a process. Whether that is a bottling facility for a winery or a lumber mill making paper, the industrial engineer works to ensure that the overall process and running and running smoothly. Industrial engineers also look at production reports to determine the amount of raw materials they need to purchase and ensuring machines are having their routine maintenance done.
Hopefully this helps!
Edgar Cantarero-Rodriguez
PMO, strategic, IT
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Edgar’s Answer
To add to Suzie's answer: there are educational institutions which offer Industrial Engineering (IE) degrees with electives in Mechanical Engineering (ME). Some may even offer minors in ME. You may also go the other way... earn a Mechanical Engineering degree with an IE minor. Having the mechanical engineering tool belt will allow you to help design or create a piece or a mechanical solution to the issue you find! Or at least collaborate with MEs and talk the same language =)
Adam Pridgen
Process Engineering
26
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Adam’s Answer
The base fundamental of engineering is problem solving which involves taking a simple or complex issue and installing mitigation strategies to resolve the frequency of occurrences and/or stopping process errors altogether. Each engineering field of study has a unique way of evaluating the structure and approach to finding solutions; however, the common goal is to apply problem solving techniques to reach a desired end goal. For industrial engineers particularly in manufacturing arenas, the focus is localized at the process improvement of established systems or designs. Calculating and introducing ways to be less wasteful, more cost proactive, time efficient, managing raw materials, and proper utilization of manpower and energy. The design aspect that industrial engineers I've worked with is assessing layout of systems and analyze, investigate, and predict potential results and roadblocks of processes, devices, platforms, etc.
For mechanical engineers, the common focus is more on functionality of equipment in regards to understanding the interworking componentry and overall generation output a machine or system exerts between different boundaries. Mechanical engineers aren't projected to solely work on equipment for lifelong career endeavors as they can expand to other engineering hats. In manufacturing, mechanical engineers are traditionally suited in equipment validation, maintenance engineering, or operations management where they work alongside operators to identify, mitigate, prevent, diagnose machinery issues. Often times, mechanical engineers will have dual degrees in synergistic areas such as business, computer science, manufacturing science (focuses on understanding and manipulating PLC programming language), and industrial engineering. Vice versa for industrial engineers.
Both Industrial and Mechanical engineering (along with the others) are great fields to pursue. Though with Industrial, there are more avenues of opportunities due to the flexibility of the field. Typical career routes for industrial engineers are in quality management, logistics, manufacturing, consulting, R&D, wholesales, and banking (amongst many others). Pathways for mechanical engineers can be in but not limited to: auto design/research, combustion and engine engineering, heating/cooling systems, robotics, tooling and die design, process engineering focused on machine optimization and PLC process control management, equipment validation, and any area where expertise in mechanics is required.
For mechanical engineers, the common focus is more on functionality of equipment in regards to understanding the interworking componentry and overall generation output a machine or system exerts between different boundaries. Mechanical engineers aren't projected to solely work on equipment for lifelong career endeavors as they can expand to other engineering hats. In manufacturing, mechanical engineers are traditionally suited in equipment validation, maintenance engineering, or operations management where they work alongside operators to identify, mitigate, prevent, diagnose machinery issues. Often times, mechanical engineers will have dual degrees in synergistic areas such as business, computer science, manufacturing science (focuses on understanding and manipulating PLC programming language), and industrial engineering. Vice versa for industrial engineers.
Both Industrial and Mechanical engineering (along with the others) are great fields to pursue. Though with Industrial, there are more avenues of opportunities due to the flexibility of the field. Typical career routes for industrial engineers are in quality management, logistics, manufacturing, consulting, R&D, wholesales, and banking (amongst many others). Pathways for mechanical engineers can be in but not limited to: auto design/research, combustion and engine engineering, heating/cooling systems, robotics, tooling and die design, process engineering focused on machine optimization and PLC process control management, equipment validation, and any area where expertise in mechanics is required.
Suzie Mkandawire
5
Answers
Updated
Suzie’s Answer
Kelly you have a great question. I studied mechanical engineering and I can say it is one of the most diverse fields. Industrial engineers do solve problems. I see industrial engineers has process optimizers or factory designers. In my career I have lead teams to make process improvements. I have worked on teams that have created unique solutions for manufacturability of product. I have developed new parts using CAD software and worked with machinists to prototype parts. If you want to create , design and think out of the box than mechanical engineering is for you. I hope this helps !!
Thank you, Suzie, in the end, I have decided to go for mechanical engineering!!! Your comment really helped :)
Kelly