15 Industrial Engineer Interview Questions > 6 With Example Answers

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1. As an industrial engineer, your job may entail streamlining company processes to make them more efficient and
eliminate waste. What are your skills here?

Industrial engineers should be capable of looking at your company’s engineering processes, the people who work with them and how they
operate. Once they assess the situation, they should identify gaps to close to increase efficiency. Your industrial engineer should be able to
give insight into their methods for streamlining processes. What to look for in an answer:

➔ Ideas for reducing waste in various areas

➔ Strong organizational skills they apply to the industry

➔ Knowledge of company processes

Example Answer:“I studied my previous company’s protocols in detail. I have excellent organizational skills, and I restructured those
protocols so that the company could manage time and resources more efficiently.”

1. Your responsibilities as an industrial engineer may relate to safety in the workplace. Can you tell me about your processes
for improving safety?
➔ Creative problem-solving skills for hidden safety issues
➔ Ability to ensure safety while maintaining effectiveness
➔ Knowledge of best safety practices
Example answer: “I’m familiar with current compliance codes regarding safety in this industry. Safety in the workplace has always been a top
priority for me. My safety processes protocol includes ensuring that workers are safe and equipment operates as it should. I always
incorporate the most recent compliance codes into workplace tasks without sacrificing production efficiency.”
2. You may work as part of a team for various engineering projects. What experience do you have working on a team?

1. Specific examples of teams and tasks

2. Methods for improving teamwork and goals

3. Evidence of good interpersonal skills and communication

Example answer: “I’ve worked with other people in large and small groups as a part of a team. I have great communication skills and have
been a team leader. I learned a lot from others in an apprentice position that helped me look at job-related tasks in new ways.”
3. When you face obstacles with your industrial engineering projects, how do you work through these challenges to keep the
project on track?
➔ Methods for analyzing the situation critically
➔ Ability to reverse engineer an issue and find its source
➔ Willingness to seek advice
Example answer: “I take a look at the specific issue and see if I can work backward to find where it started. At my previous job, I would always
locate the source of the problem and determine the best course of action.”
4. As an industrial engineer, process analysis is an important part of your job. Can you tell me about your understanding and
application of process analysis?
➔ Working knowledge of process analysis
➔ Methods for applying the concepts to your industry
➔ Plans for new processes
Example answer: “Process analysis means looking at a problem as a series of stages. I’ve used process analysis to break down a task into
manageable steps that I can complete efficiently.”
5. What is your approach to training production professionals on how to complete new, more efficient workflows?
➔ Reference materials
➔ Checking for understanding among personnel
➔ Patience
Example answer: "I think the initial training and ongoing support are equally important when implementing a new system. I start by preparing
an outline that explains the key aspects of the change and how they relate to each role. This allows everyone to follow along with a document
during the training and review it afterward, accommodating multiple learning styles. I use call-and-response questions to confirm that everyone
understands key points. I have everyone practice the new workflow to give them chances to ask questions and troubleshoot issues."
 6. What is your approach to training production professionals on how to complete new, more efficient workflows? See
answer
7. As an industrial engineer you determine how to set up equipment to optimize production. How does the physical layout of
a production plant impact overall efficiency?
8. How does quality control impact your work as an industrial engineer?
9. Explain the difference between basic processes and secondary processes. How do you apply each when planning
company workflows?
10. Are you familiar with working in a line organization environment and delegating tasks based on authority?
11. Tell me about the process you use to source new locations for manufacturing and storage. How do you assess the
viability of a potential new location for expanding or moving the business?
12. Do you have experience in vendor management?
13. What is product grouping and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this organization method?
14. What does ISO 9000 mean and how do you apply this benchmark to your workflow assessments?
15. Are you familiar with industry time standards for selecting, installing and using key types of equipment?

15 ESSENTIAL INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER SKILLS FOR YOUR RESUME AND CAREER

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1. Procedures
Procedures are the established ways to perform a certain task. It is like an action plan for a team to perform their duties. It's like a map that
can save one from being confused or roaming about while attempting to achieve a goal. When an organization uses procedures, it promotes
positive practices and sets a good precedent
Here's how procedures is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Reviewed production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information necessary to enhance manufacturing
methods, procedures and activities.
➔ Established corporate-wide system to advance and sustain employee involvement in corporate decision-making, including
developing and drafting procedures and forms.
➔ Developed and implemented standard operating procedures in the areas of manufacturing, engineering, facilities, safety and quality
control.
➔ Increased paint standard operating procedures by 5% using time study observation that would evaluate and eliminate unnecessary
procedural steps.
➔ Served in a multifaceted technical role focused on designing engineering procedures, analyzing test data, and approving finished
designs.

2. Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is an ongoing process of improvement of products, services, and processes with the help of innovative ideas. It is an
organized approach that helps an organization to find its weaknesses and improve them.
Here's how continuous improvement is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Facilitated communication and coaching cross-functional teams towards development of standard work, lean practices, process
documentation, and continuous improvement.
➔ Assisted in developing long-term strategy in continuous improvements around safety & environmental compliance, quality,
productivity, and capacity planning.
➔ Performed analysis of mail processing operations using industrial engineering and continuous improvement principles to improve
cost performance, service and productivity.
➔ Determined and maintained Direct Labor Standards; evaluated and optimized work methods; identified and resolved waste through
continuous improvement.
➔ Collaborated with both national and international production sites on continuous improvement and site practices towards the
implementation of lean manufacturing.

3. Sigma
In Greek alphabets, sigma is the 18th letter that means "to sum up". In statistics, the lower case symbol of sigma is the unit of measurement
for standard deviation which is used to assess the variability in a given set of data. While the upper case symbol is for summation notation
means to add up all the given numbers in the data set.
Here's how sigma is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Provided training to mail processing managers and employees on standardization and lean/six sigma tools and processes using
nationally developed training material.
➔ Applied Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools in manufacturing processes and Quality Control procedures to eliminate customer
defects.
➔ Generate and implement improvement projects based upon Six Sigma methodology to obtain Green Belt certification year with
year.
➔ Developed optimized Production Schedule using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to establish Production Control and
minimize inventory/costs.
➔ Utilized Six Sigma DMAIC problem solving process to systematically identify, isolate and reduce process variation.
 4. Project Management
Here's how project management is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Complete project management from concept, to design, costing, vendor selection, management presentation and implementation
including contractor interface.
➔ Provided project management for office and manufacturing tenant improvement projects from concept to completion, including
preliminary design and cost estimates.
➔ Analyzed performance data and metrics to successfully lead and develop process improvement projects, utilizing project
management and facilitation skills.
➔ Provided engineering support for manufacturing of aircraft systems by performing time standards, process analysis, and project
management.
➔ Combined technical knowledge, communication skills, and project management to develop and implement improvement methods
and production processes.

5. Data Analysis
Here's how data analysis is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Provided recommendations for achieving productivity improvement based on quantitative (statistical data analysis and data
validation) and qualitative analysis.
➔ Conducted and completed data analysis and modeling of trend analysis study, normalizing data and producing charts from defined
data.
➔ Monitored and performed data analysis of production processes in accordance with Demand Flow and Lean methodologies utilizing
statistical software.
➔ Optimized engineering estimating process by adapting standard template and applying data analysis to correlate attributes to hours
per part.
➔ Implemented productivity standards in all areas of Distribution Centers One and Two using approved Industrial Engineering data
analysis techniques.

6. Logistics
Logistics is a complete organization and implementation of a problem. Logistics are often considered in a complex business operation, as
some works need detailed plannings. Logistics are also used in military action.
Here's how logistics is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Assisted in transportation logistics' dedicated fleet including rate negotiations and efficient routing per dealership in each
geographical region.
➔ Worked on national level process improvement projects focused on optimizing and improving logistics system performance
throughout the organization.
➔ Analyzed data and developed models to optimize logistics network configuration, storage and material handling system designs.
➔ Performed an activity based cost analysis and tool to assist logistics operations managers on resource planning.
➔ Co-designed and developed a financial application utilized at five maintenance U.S. Army logistics centers.

7. Cost Reduction
Here's how cost reduction is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Developed strategic plans with business managers to address business development, cost reduction, performance enhancements,
and internal activities.
➔ Generated 23% cost reduction by developing manufacturing strategy and reducing CAD manufacturing cost at lower outlay facility.
➔ Spearheaded activities that identified and installed cost reductions in the various pharmaceutical/medical device manufacturing
facilities throughout the world.
➔ Supported capacity planning and process cost reduction activities for manufacturing tools, including several risk scenario
estimations.
➔ Developed and led the implementation of direct and indirect labor cost reduction initiatives throughout the manufacturing facility.

8. Value Stream
A value stream applies to any of the phases or stages that a buyer has the willingness to pay to transport a product or service across the main
flows needed to manufacture the product or service.
Here's how value stream is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Develop manpower capacity analysis for each value stream in order to address dynamic output requirements.
➔ Performed Value Stream Mapping on production parts families to successfully establish production bottlenecks.
➔ Participated in multiple Value Stream Mapping events on assembly processes and warehouse distribution.
➔ Coordinated Value Stream Mapping and Production reconfiguration activities in the Thermal division.
➔ Facilitate value stream analysis events to develop F-35 assembly line requirements.

9. CAD
Here's how cad is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Provided quality and/or process improvements to the CAD generated semi-auto insertion programs to improve production yields.
➔ Coordinated CAD and mechanical design with other technical teams including manufacturing, installation and stress engineering.
➔ Utilized CAD drawing systems exclusively.
➔ Performed CAD drafting and layout of utility piping, P&ID s and building architectural structures for various support disciplines.
➔ Supplied software (CAD) management for a mechanical engineering department to improve drawing production efficiency and
reduce mistakes.
 10. Business Process
A business process is a group of tasks that are performed by people working in a business to attain a worthy product and to present it to their
customers. A business process can also be defined as performing several steps to achieve a certain goal set by a company. Business
processes need to set purposeful goals and the outcome of that goal should be clear.
Here's how business process is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Established system requirements for successful implementation of SAP and Catering Points according to existing business
processes and new business requirements.
➔ Determined power requirements for customer business processes to accurately specify the design of both distribution and
substation facilities.
➔ Assist leadership team in identifying, defining and prioritizing improvement opportunities by reviewing end-to-end business
processes.
➔ Analyzed operational data to determine trends in operational processes, and improve business processes and performance.
➔ Enhanced retail customer services and improved operational performance through business process engineering and innovative
information technology.

11. Facility Layout

Here's how facility layout is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Designed and directed the consolidation and relocation of manufacturing operations, facility layout, assembly line, and redesigned
work processes.
➔ Improved facility layouts and manufacturing processes resulting in shorter cycle times and higher yields for electronic cards and
consumer-packaged options.
➔ Developed cross-docking operation for major consumer goods supplier involving facility acquisition, facility layout, equipment
acquisition and staffing plan.
➔ Analyze workforce utilization, facility layout, and operational data to determine efficient utilization of workers and equipment.
➔ Developed and recommended facility layouts that would accommodate APPS machines while maintaining necessary mail flow and
safety standards.

12. Capacity Analysis

Here's how capacity analysis is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Validated manufacturing processes and performed capacity analysis evaluations.
➔ Developed a comprehensive capacity analysis on four component manufacturing cells based on time study analysis coupled with
productivity improvement action items.
➔ Project IE responsible for material flow analysis, machine capacity analysis, manpower planning and productivity improvements of
specific production areas.
➔ Conducted inventory turns, stocking level, vendor managed inventory and stock room capacity analysis for Foods supply chain
optimization.
➔ Performed capacity analysis to assist in design and implementation of a UNIX based computer model for production capability.

13. Shop Floor

Here's how shop floor is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Developed, implemented and maintained efficiency/productivity/waste reporting system to inform management and facilitate
continuous improvement analyses at the shop floor level.
➔ Evaluated shop floor activity, extracted information, analyzed results and integrated findings into clear recommendations.
➔ Managed shop floor control functions to assure efficient production with minimum inventory and disruptions.
➔ Modified Phoenix shop floor control system configuration to track material movement against production orders.
➔ Determine and publish Operation performance metrics and explain variances to management/shop floor.

14. Material Flow

Material flow refers to the transportation of raw materials, components, work-in-progress inventory, integrated objects, and final products
flowing from one place to the other to get integrated or delivered. This plays a significant role in the functioning of supply chain management.
It is possible through warehouses among distributors, retailers, and dealers.
Here's how material flow is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organization charts and project information to determine wor ker
functions and responsibilities.
➔ Optimized material flow of the manufacturing area through layout improvements based on capacity requirements, material flow, and
operator work-methods.
➔ Develop and maintain material handling data to include bill of material, packaging information, and material flow/material handling
information.
➔ Plan operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, production schedules and engineering specifications looking for
maximum efficiency.
➔ Develop efficient storage layouts that maximize floor space utilization while also supporting efficient material flow within the facility.

15. Production Processes

Here's how production processes is used on industrial engineer resumes:
➔ Established and deployed production processes in support of a level production system and uninterrupted delivery to both internal
and external customers.
➔ Design and execute all processes and recommend improvements to the same and ensure efficiency of all production processes and
analyze manufacturing processes.
➔ Designed and implemented effective production processes and methods for improving efficiency and reducing waste of materials
and utilities.
➔ Completed a Statistical Engineer Apprenticeship by investigating Paint production processes to determine cause of sealer repair.
➔ Plant Industrial Engineer Performed time and motion studies, improved operating performance and re-engineered production
processes