IndividualWebPage Zach Boley

What Do Engineers Do?

Engineers are responsible for building and improving all kinds of products. All engineers have a lot of math and science training that allows them to deal with many different problems. They do many sorts of jobs, from designing and overseeing the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges to creating new computer and electronics equipment. They use their knowledge to create new products that make life easier, and to improve upon already existing products. Their main goal is to use technology to improve the quality of life by improving the items we use everyday, as well as by improving medical and industrial equipment. There are several different fields of engineering:

  1. Civil Engineer
  2. Industrial Engineer
  3. Electrical Engineer
  4. Chemical Engineer
  5. Mechanical Engineer

Each of these engineers specializes in a specific area. Chemical engineers deal with chemicals, civil engineers build structures, mechanical engineers work with moving parts, electrical engineers work with electronics and wiring, and industrial engineers work on improving technology.

Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineers are the engineers that find ways to improve already existing items. They run simulations and tests to determine the problems that products have and to find ways to make them better. They are hired by many different kinds of companies, and are often given management jobs. They oversee work floors in factories and manufacturing plants and often direct others in doing their jobs. They always make sure that things are running smoothly and always make sure that they can find the most efficient way to do things. They also help manage the company by studying the production numbers and consumer factors to figure out the best way to use resources. Because of all of this, industrial engineers must be good at dealing with people. They need to be able to talk with people, be they consumers or workers, and figure out what problems they have and what sort of improvements they might like to see. They also need to be able to deal with the upper level management in order to get their ideas and suggestions implemented.

Here are some general examples of careers in the field of industrial engineering.

  1. Floor managers for large manufacturing plants
  2. Consultants for all types of industries, including automotive, airlines, and computer.
  3. Research and Development at many companies