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Industrial Engineers

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Service Branches

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Work Environment

Industrial engineers usually work in offices. They may work outdoors while performing field studies or overseeing the installation of equipment and systems.

  • Military Status

    Officer

  • Average Military Salary

    $117,101

Overview

Industrial engineers manage research to determine the most effective ways for the Military to use its people and equipment. They conduct studies and oversee projects to optimize the use of time, money, materials, energy, and other resources. These professionals create engineering processes to improve the efficiency and productivity of military operations. They also apply analysis and assessment methods to problems related to strategic planning, acquisitions, and mission support.

Military Training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Industrial engineers typically have a degree in engineering. Job training for industrial engineers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Management standards, principles, and policies
  • Problem analysis and decision making
  • Production and purchasing methods

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to plan and organize studies
  • Interest in technical work
  • Interest in working closely with people
  • Interest in working with mathematical models and formulas

Related Civilian Careers

  • Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers and Weighers
  • Materials Engineers
  • Computer Hardware Engineers
  • Statisticians
  • Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  • Cost Estimators
  • Industrial Production Managers
  • Construction Managers
  • Industrial Engineers
  • Architectural and Engineering Managers
  • Operations Research Analysts
  • Aerospace Engineers
  • Production, Planning and Expediting Clerks
  • Logisticians