Industrial Engineers
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 1 of 91 tasks
Create, populate, or maintain databases for tracking validation activities, test results, or validated systems.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 1.0% of the role's time · $350M · all three pass it
Does not pass
Apply continuous improvement methods, such as lean manufacturing, to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.6% of the role's time · $952M
Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.6% of the role's time · $944M
Troubleshoot new or existing product problems involving designs, materials, or processes.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.3% of the role's time · $841M
Study product characteristics or customer requirements to determine validation objectives and standards.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.3% of the role's time · $838M
Investigate or resolve operational problems, such as material use variances or bottlenecks.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.2% of the role's time · $798M
Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.0% of the role's time · $749M
Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.9% of the role's time · $708M
Analyze validation test data to determine whether systems or processes have met validation criteria or to identify root causes of production problems.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.9% of the role's time · $697M
Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.8% of the role's time · $674M
Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.8% of the role's time · $670M
Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.7% of the role's time · $636M
Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.7% of the role's time · $636M · waiting on a check
Recommend resolution of identified deviations from established product or process standards.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.7% of the role's time · $626M
Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.7% of the role's time · $626M
Develop validation master plans, process flow diagrams, test cases, or standard operating procedures.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.7% of the role's time · $615M
Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.6% of the role's time · $600M
Identify opportunities or implement changes to improve manufacturing processes or products or to reduce costs, using knowledge of fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment, assembly methods, quality control standards, or product design, materials and parts.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.6% of the role's time · $599M
Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.6% of the role's time · $581M
Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.6% of the role's time · $571M
Communicate manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, or other information to facilitate production processes.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.5% of the role's time · $567M · waiting on a check
Prepare, maintain, or review validation and compliance documentation, such as engineering change notices, schematics, or protocols.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.5% of the role's time · $563M
Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.5% of the role's time · $558M
Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.5% of the role's time · $557M
Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.5% of the role's time · $555M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.4% of the role's time · $531M
Prepare detailed reports or design statements, based on results of validation and qualification tests or reviews of procedures and protocols.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.4% of the role's time · $523M
Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.4% of the role's time · $523M
Provide technical support to clients through activities, such as rearranging workplace fixtures to reduce physical hazards or discomfort or modifying task sequences to reduce cycle time.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.4% of the role's time · $523M
Participate in internal or external training programs to maintain knowledge of validation principles, industry trends, or novel technologies.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.4% of the role's time · $513M
Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.3% of the role's time · $488M
Maintain validation test equipment.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.3% of the role's time · $483M
Conduct validation or qualification tests of new or existing processes, equipment, or software in accordance with internal protocols or external standards.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.3% of the role's time · $481M
Design validation study features, such as sampling, testing, or analytical methodologies.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.2% of the role's time · $457M
Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.2% of the role's time · $449M
Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.2% of the role's time · $444M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Communicate with regulatory agencies regarding compliance documentation or validation results.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.2% of the role's time · $439M
Draw samples of raw materials, intermediate products, or finished products for validation testing.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.2% of the role's time · $430M
Prepare reports summarizing information or trends related to manufacturing performance.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.2% of the role's time · $425M · waiting on a check
Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.1% of the role's time · $417M
Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.1% of the role's time · $417M
Conduct audits of validation or performance qualification processes to ensure compliance with internal or regulatory requirements.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.1% of the role's time · $409M
Implement methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and defective or damaged parts, and assess cost and responsibility.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.1% of the role's time · $409M
Train users in task techniques or ergonomic principles.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.1% of the role's time · $399M
Direct validation activities, such as protocol creation or testing.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.1% of the role's time · $395M
Coordinate the implementation or scheduling of validation testing with affected departments and personnel.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked · 1.1% of the role's time · $389M
Supervise technicians, technologists, analysts, administrative staff, or other engineers.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.0% of the role's time · $375M
Prepare documentation for new manufacturing processes or engineering procedures.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.0% of the role's time · $370M
Review product designs for manufacturability or completeness.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.0% of the role's time · $368M
Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.0% of the role's time · $364M
Determine root causes of failures or recommend changes in designs, tolerances, or processing methods, using statistical procedures.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.0% of the role's time · $356M
Validate or characterize sustainable or environmentally friendly products, using electronic testing platforms.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.0% of the role's time · $356M
Evaluate manufactured products according to specifications and quality standards.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.0% of the role's time · $354M
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, participate in educational programs, attend meetings or workshops, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the manufacturing field.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $341M
Write, review, or comment on documents, such as proposals, test plans, or procedures.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $341M · waiting on a check
Assess the user-interface or usability characteristics of products.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $337M
Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 0.9% of the role's time · $333M
Provide human factors technical expertise on topics, such as advanced user-interface technology development or the role of human users in automated or autonomous sub-systems in advanced vehicle systems.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $315M
Review health, safety, accident, or worker compensation records to evaluate safety program effectiveness or to identify jobs with high incidence of injury.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 0.9% of the role's time · $313M
Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.8% of the role's time · $300M
Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.8% of the role's time · $292M
Conduct research to evaluate potential solutions related to changes in equipment design, procedures, manpower, personnel, or training.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.8% of the role's time · $280M
Incorporate new manufacturing methods or processes to improve existing operations.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 0.7% of the role's time · $272M
Establish system operating or training requirements to ensure optimized human-machine interfaces.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.7% of the role's time · $262M
Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organization charts, and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.7% of the role's time · $240M
Integrate human factors requirements into operational hardware.
physical work, outside the screen · 0.6% of the role's time · $234M
Regulate and alter workflow schedules according to established manufacturing sequences and lead times to expedite production operations.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.6% of the role's time · $232M
Operate testing equipment, such as heat stress meters, octave band analyzers, motion analysis equipment, inclinometers, light meters, thermoanemometers, sling psychrometers, or colorimetric detection tubes.
physical work, outside the screen · 0.6% of the role's time · $231M
Resolve testing problems by modifying testing methods or revising test objectives and standards.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.6% of the role's time · $227M
Estimate time or resource requirements for ergonomic or human factors research or development projects.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.6% of the role's time · $210M
Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.6% of the role's time · $207M
Design tests of finished products or process capabilities to establish standards or validate process requirements.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.5% of the role's time · $201M
Estimate costs, production times, or staffing requirements for new designs.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.5% of the role's time · $201M
Train production personnel in new or existing methods.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.5% of the role's time · $195M
Design layout of equipment or workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.5% of the role's time · $190M
Design cognitive aids, such as procedural storyboards or decision support systems.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.5% of the role's time · $186M
Develop sustainable manufacturing technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize raw material use, replace toxic materials with non-toxic materials, replace non-renewable materials with renewable materials, or reduce waste.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 0.5% of the role's time · $186M
Analyze complex systems to determine potential for further development, production, interoperability, compatibility, or usefulness in a particular area, such as aviation.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 0.5% of the role's time · $167M
Perform statistical analyses, such as social network pattern analysis, network modeling, discrete event simulation, agent-based modeling, statistical natural language processing, computational sociology, mathematical optimization, or systems dynamics.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.4% of the role's time · $165M · waiting on a check
Schedule deliveries based on production forecasts, material substitutions, storage and handling facilities, and maintenance requirements.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked · 0.4% of the role's time · $161M
Analyze the financial impacts of sustainable manufacturing processes or sustainable product manufacturing.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.4% of the role's time · $161M
Develop or implement research methodologies or statistical analysis plans to test and evaluate developmental prototypes used in new products or processes, such as cockpit designs, user workstations, or computerized human models.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.4% of the role's time · $161M
Assist in training equipment operators or other staff on validation protocols and standard operating procedures.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.4% of the role's time · $159M
Prepare validation or performance qualification protocols for new or modified manufacturing processes, systems, or equipment for production of pharmaceuticals, electronics, or other products.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 0.4% of the role's time · $158M
Design, install, or troubleshoot manufacturing equipment.
physical work, outside the screen · 0.4% of the role's time · $154M
Investigate theoretical or conceptual issues, such as the human design considerations of lunar landers or habitats.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.4% of the role's time · $146M
Purchase equipment, materials, or parts.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked · 0.4% of the role's time · $130M
Apply modeling or quantitative analysis to forecast events, such as human decisions or behaviors, the structure or processes of organizations, or the attitudes or actions of human groups.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.3% of the role's time · $123M
Evaluate current or proposed manufacturing processes or practices for environmental sustainability, considering factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, water pollution, energy use, or waste creation.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.3% of the role's time · $101M
Redesign packaging for manufactured products to minimize raw material use or waste.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.2% of the role's time · $78.2M
Devise automated lab validation test stations or other test fixtures or equipment.
physical work, outside the screen · 0.1% of the role's time · $53.0M
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 25,010 | $2.9B | $27.6M | $27.6M |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 24,450 | $2.8B | $26.6M | $26.6M |
| Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing | 20,320 | $2.4B | $23.3M | $23.3M |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 15,770 | $1.9B | $18.0M | $18.0M |
| Machinery Manufacturing (3331, 3332, 3334, and 3339 only) | 19,000 | $1.9B | $18.0M | $18.0M |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | 15,950 | $1.7B | $16.5M | $16.5M |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 13,440 | $1.6B | $15.4M | $15.4M |
| Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 16,160 | $1.5B | $14.7M | $14.7M |
| Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | 13,840 | $1.5B | $14.1M | $14.1M |
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | 10,680 | $1.2B | $11.3M | $11.3M |