Industrial / Production Engineer

Overview

Industrial and production engineers design and optimise manufacturing systems, supply chains, and process flows. The role spans automotive, electronics, FMCG, pharma, steel, and consumer goods manufacturing. India's PLI-driven manufacturing expansion (electronics, semiconductors, pharma, automotive components) has driven sustained High demand. Major employers include Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Reliance, plus the Foxconn-Tata-Pegatron-Wistron electronics manufacturing wave in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Day-to-day responsibilities

Design plant layouts and material handling systems; conduct time and motion studies; implement Lean and Six Sigma improvements; manage production planning and scheduling; optimise cycle times and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness); lead Kaizen and 5S programmes; design and validate process improvements; coordinate with quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams; lead capex projects for line expansion.

Skills required

• Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Time and motion studies (work measurement)
• Plant layout design and simulation
• Production planning and scheduling
• OEE measurement and improvement
• Quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949 for auto)
• ERP manufacturing modules (SAP PP, Oracle MFG)
• Project management for manufacturing capex

Education path

Career progression

1. 1
   Graduate Engineer Trainee (0-1 yrs)
2. 2
   Industrial Engineer (1-4 yrs)
3. 3
   Senior Industrial Engineer (4-8 yrs)
4. 4
   Lead / Plant IE (8-13 yrs)
5. 5
   Plant Manager / Manufacturing Head (13+ yrs)

Top employers in India

Useful certifications

• GATE Production / Industrial Engineering
• Six Sigma Black Belt
• Lean Practitioner / Sensei
• PMP
• CPIM (APICS)
• CSCP (APICS)

Adjacent careers

Courses that lead to this career