JOB REPORT / 17-2112 · 91 TASKS

Industrial Engineers.

Can AI do the work of Industrial Engineers?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Review health, safety, accident, or worker compensation records…
Analyze validation test data to determine whether systems…
Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Industrial Engineers work. It covers the 85 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

85 of 91 tasks reviewed

This job has 91 core tasks. We went through 85 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Industrial Engineers actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Review health, safety, accident, or worker compensation records to evaluate safety program effectiveness or to identify jobs with high incidence of injury.
AI DOES
Scans injury records, flags patterns, and summarizes trends across job categories
YOU DO
Apply workplace context and safety expertise to judge what changes will actually work
TASK 02
Analyze validation test data to determine whether systems or processes have met validation criteria or to identify root causes of production problems.
AI DOES
Scans test data, spots trends and outliers, and drafts summary reports
YOU DO
Apply engineering judgment to confirm root causes and sign off on validation decisions
TASK 03
Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, formats data summaries, and suggests clear language from raw notes or test results
YOU DO
Apply professional judgment to what the findings mean for real people's safety and usability
TASK 04
Write, review, or comment on documents, such as proposals, test plans, or procedures.
AI DOES
Drafts sections, checks grammar, flags gaps, and suggests structure for proposals and test plans
YOU DO
Apply expert judgment on human safety, usability risks, and real-world testing context
TASK 05
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.
AI DOES
Runs simulations, fits statistical models, and spots patterns in behavioral data
YOU DO
Choose the right model assumptions and translate findings into real human context
TASK 06
Prepare detailed reports or design statements, based on results of validation and qualification tests or reviews of procedures and protocols.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, formats data tables, and suggests standard language for protocols
YOU DO
Interpret edge-case results and take professional responsibility for accuracy
TASK 07
Prepare, maintain, or review validation and compliance documentation, such as engineering change notices, schematics, or protocols.
AI DOES
Drafts protocols, flags missing sections, and formats compliance documents
YOU DO
Verify every detail matches real systems and current regulations
TASK 08
Recommend resolution of identified deviations from established product or process standards.
AI DOES
Searches standards, flags similar past deviations, and drafts resolution options with pros and cons
YOU DO
Weigh safety risk, regulatory exposure, and cross-team impact before signing off
TASK 09
Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
AI DOES
Pulls cost data, runs calculations, flags savings opportunities, and drafts summary reports
YOU DO
Apply real-world production knowledge and own the recommendations in front of leadership
TASK 10
Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
AI DOES
Drafts operation sequences, flags bottlenecks, and suggests efficiency improvements from production data
YOU DO
Validate plans against real shop floor conditions and make judgment calls on tradeoffs
TASK 11
Determine root causes of failures or recommend changes in designs, tolerances, or processing methods, using statistical procedures.
AI DOES
Runs statistical analysis, flags anomalies in data, and suggests likely failure patterns
YOU DO
Apply hands-on process knowledge and take responsibility for the final fix
TASK 12
Prepare documentation for new manufacturing processes or engineering procedures.
AI DOES
Drafts templates, structures procedure steps, suggests standard language, and checks formatting
YOU DO
Verify every step against real shop-floor conditions and safety requirements
TASK 13
Prepare validation or performance qualification protocols for new or modified manufacturing processes, systems, or equipment for production of pharmaceuticals, electronics, or other products.
AI DOES
Drafts protocol templates, formats test scripts, and suggests acceptance criteria based on regulatory standards
YOU DO
Apply site-specific process knowledge and sign off on safety-critical decisions
TASK 14
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.
AI DOES
Drafts statistical analysis plans, suggests study designs, and summarizes research literature fast
YOU DO
Apply expert judgment about real user safety, physical constraints, and what questions actually matter
TASK 15
Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
AI DOES
Runs statistical analysis, flags spec outliers, and drafts initial quality benchmarks
YOU DO
Apply engineering judgment to set safety-critical standards and sign off on final objectives
TASK 16
Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
AI DOES
Drafts change logs, flags outdated drawings, and organizes production problem reports
YOU DO
Judge which issues are critical and sign off on official engineering records
TASK 17
Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
AI DOES
Generates layout options, flags bottlenecks, and produces CAD-ready drafts from specs
YOU DO
Apply hands-on site knowledge and safety judgment to finalize designs
TASK 18
Estimate time or resource requirements for ergonomic or human factors research or development projects.
AI DOES
Drafts baseline estimates using similar past projects and standard task breakdowns
YOU DO
Apply hands-on knowledge of team capacity, site conditions, and project-specific risks
TASK 19
Estimate costs, production times, or staffing requirements for new designs.
AI DOES
Pulls historical cost data, runs parametric estimates, and flags outliers in production time models
YOU DO
Apply hands-on shop knowledge, supplier relationships, and judgment about what can actually be built
TASK 20
Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
AI DOES
Analyzes cost data, generates draft labor standards, and surfaces efficiency patterns from production records
YOU DO
Visit the floor, talk to workers, and judge what trade-offs make sense for your specific facility
TASK 21
Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
AI DOES
Reads and summarizes schedules, specs, and orders to pull out key facts fast
YOU DO
Apply shop-floor experience to catch issues AI would miss
TASK 22
Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
AI DOES
Drafts report templates, fills standard fields, and formats purchase orders from data inputs
YOU DO
Verify real-world accuracy and apply site-specific engineering judgment
TASK 23
Analyze the financial impacts of sustainable manufacturing processes or sustainable product manufacturing.
AI DOES
Pulls cost data, builds financial models, and summarizes research on green manufacturing ROI
YOU DO
Weigh real plant constraints, supplier relationships, and long-term business strategy
TASK 24
Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
AI DOES
Runs statistical models, crunches production data, and flags inefficiencies automatically
YOU DO
Judge whether the model fits real-world constraints and make the final call on process changes
TASK 25
Regulate and alter workflow schedules according to established manufacturing sequences and lead times to expedite production operations.
AI DOES
Analyzes production data, flags bottlenecks, and drafts optimized schedule options
YOU DO
Apply floor-level judgment and approve schedule changes that affect people and machines
TASK 26
Schedule deliveries based on production forecasts, material substitutions, storage and handling facilities, and maintenance requirements.
AI DOES
Analyzes production forecasts, spots scheduling gaps, and drafts optimized delivery timelines
YOU DO
Apply shop-floor judgment to handle unexpected disruptions and negotiate trade-offs across teams
TASK 27
Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
AI DOES
Drafts sampling plan templates, suggests standard methods (like MIL-STD-1916 or ISO 2859), and generates form layouts and instruction text
YOU DO
Apply deep process knowledge, set risk tolerances, and validate that plans fit the actual production environment
TASK 28
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.
AI DOES
Pulls emission data, compares benchmarks, flags waste hotspots, and drafts sustainability reports
YOU DO
Visit the plant, talk to workers, and decide which changes are safe, affordable, and realistic
TASK 29
Study product characteristics or customer requirements to determine validation objectives and standards.
AI DOES
Scans specs and customer documents to draft a list of possible validation objectives and flag relevant standards
YOU DO
Apply engineering judgment to decide which requirements are critical and set the right acceptance standards
TASK 30
Develop validation master plans, process flow diagrams, test cases, or standard operating procedures.
AI DOES
Drafts document templates, outlines test case structures, and suggests standard SOP language
YOU DO
Apply regulatory expertise and real process knowledge to finalize every plan
TASK 31
Troubleshoot new or existing product problems involving designs, materials, or processes.
AI DOES
Searches failure databases, flags patterns in quality data, and suggests root causes from similar past problems
YOU DO
Walk the floor, test physical samples, and judge what the data actually means in context
TASK 32
Establish system operating or training requirements to ensure optimized human-machine interfaces.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes standards, and drafts requirement checklists
YOU DO
Watch real users struggle, ask the right questions, and decide what truly matters for safety and usability
TASK 33
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.
AI DOES
Analyzes production data, flags cost patterns, summarizes process options, and drafts improvement proposals
YOU DO
Walk the floor, test ideas on real equipment, and judge what will actually work safely and practically
TASK 34
Apply continuous improvement methods, such as lean manufacturing, to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness.
AI DOES
Analyzes production data, flags waste patterns, summarizes lean frameworks, and drafts improvement plans
YOU DO
Walk the floor, read the team, and decide which changes will actually work in your specific plant
TASK 35
Communicate with regulatory agencies regarding compliance documentation or validation results.
AI DOES
Drafts submission letters, formats compliance reports, and flags missing documentation
YOU DO
Own the regulatory relationship and take accountability for every claim submitted
TASK 36
Train users in task techniques or ergonomic principles.
AI DOES
Drafts training materials, quizzes, and step-by-step guides on ergonomic principles
YOU DO
Watch real people work and give hands-on, in-the-moment coaching
TASK 37
Design validation study features, such as sampling, testing, or analytical methodologies.
AI DOES
Suggests sampling plans, testing protocols, and analytical methods from established standards
YOU DO
Apply site-specific risk knowledge and regulatory requirements to finalize the design
TASK 38
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.
AI DOES
Summarizes research, drafts technical reports, finds patterns in usability data, and explains human factors concepts quickly
YOU DO
Bring lived observation of how real people interact with systems and make safety-critical design calls
TASK 39
Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.
AI DOES
Drafts protocol templates, summarizes past research, and flags common methodology gaps
YOU DO
Judge whether the protocol fits the real-world setting and protects participant safety
TASK 40
Communicate manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, or other information to facilitate production processes.
AI DOES
Drafts status reports, schedules summaries, and capability documents from data inputs
YOU DO
Verify live floor conditions and negotiate priorities with real teams
TASK 41
Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
AI DOES
Drafts standard documents, summarizes meeting notes, and suggests design benchmarks from industry data
YOU DO
Lead conversations, read the room, and build agreement between people
TASK 42
Design cognitive aids, such as procedural storyboards or decision support systems.
AI DOES
Drafts decision trees, writes procedural steps, and generates layout options
YOU DO
Test designs with real users and validate safety in actual work conditions
TASK 43
Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
AI DOES
Analyzes production data, spots patterns in defects, drafts quality procedures, and summarizes cost trade-offs
YOU DO
Walk the floor, read team dynamics, and make final calls on process changes
TASK 44
Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organization charts, and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities.
AI DOES
Scans and summarizes documents, flags patterns, and drafts initial function lists
YOU DO
Walk the floor, talk to workers, and judge what the data misses
TASK 45
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.
AI DOES
Scans journals, summarizes new research, and flags trending topics in manufacturing
YOU DO
Show up, build relationships, and apply real-world context to what you learn
TASK 46
Redesign packaging for manufactured products to minimize raw material use or waste.
AI DOES
Generates material-reduction ideas, runs cost and weight calculations, and drafts packaging design options
YOU DO
Test prototypes physically and judge real manufacturing and safety limits
TASK 47
Conduct research to evaluate potential solutions related to changes in equipment design, procedures, manpower, personnel, or training.
AI DOES
Searches research databases, summarizes findings, and drafts evaluation frameworks
YOU DO
Judge which solutions are safe, practical, and right for the specific people and environment
TASK 48
Investigate or resolve operational problems, such as material use variances or bottlenecks.
AI DOES
Analyzes production data, spots variance trends, and suggests likely root causes
YOU DO
Walk the floor, test fixes hands-on, and decide what trade-offs are worth making
TASK 49
Assess the user-interface or usability characteristics of products.
AI DOES
Scans UI designs, checks against usability guidelines, and summarizes user research patterns
YOU DO
Watch real users struggle, read body language, and make nuanced calls about what truly matters
TASK 50
Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
AI DOES
Pulls ergonomic research, drafts design guidelines, flags known risk factors, and models basic workflow layouts
YOU DO
Watch real workers in real spaces, test prototypes hands-on, and weigh safety trade-offs with lived judgment
TASK 51
Incorporate new manufacturing methods or processes to improve existing operations.
AI DOES
Searches literature, benchmarks best practices, and drafts process improvement proposals
YOU DO
Walk the floor, test ideas hands-on, and judge what actually fits your equipment and team
TASK 52
Review product designs for manufacturability or completeness.
AI DOES
Scans design files to flag missing specs, tolerance errors, and known manufacturability issues
YOU DO
Apply shop-floor experience and material knowledge to catch problems AI has never seen in practice
TASK 53
Design layout of equipment or workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency.
AI DOES
Generates layout drafts, runs flow simulations, and flags bottlenecks in digital models
YOU DO
Walk the floor, talk to workers, and apply hands-on safety judgment
TASK 54
Resolve testing problems by modifying testing methods or revising test objectives and standards.
AI DOES
Searches for patterns in test failures, suggests modified test methods, and drafts revised test objectives
YOU DO
Apply domain knowledge and safety judgment to approve any real changes to test standards
TASK 55
Conduct audits of validation or performance qualification processes to ensure compliance with internal or regulatory requirements.
AI DOES
Scans validation documents for missing steps, flags regulatory gaps, and drafts audit checklists
YOU DO
Walk the facility floor, verify real-world conditions, and sign off on compliance decisions
TASK 56
Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
AI DOES
Analyzes measurement data, spots patterns in equipment errors, and drafts corrective action plan templates
YOU DO
Walk the floor, inspect equipment hands-on, and sign off on safety-critical fixes
TASK 57
Direct validation activities, such as protocol creation or testing.
AI DOES
Drafts protocols, generates test case outlines, and flags gaps in documentation
YOU DO
Judge risk, sign off on safety decisions, and adapt plans to real-world system behavior
TASK 58
Coordinate the implementation or scheduling of validation testing with affected departments and personnel.
AI DOES
Drafts meeting agendas, schedules, and coordination emails
YOU DO
Build trust across teams and navigate competing priorities in real time
TASK 59
Design tests of finished products or process capabilities to establish standards or validate process requirements.
AI DOES
Drafts test plans, suggests relevant standards, and flags gaps in test coverage
YOU DO
Apply hands-on process knowledge to decide what truly matters for safety and quality
TASK 60
Implement methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and defective or damaged parts, and assess cost and responsibility.
AI DOES
Drafts disposition procedures, summarizes defect data, and models cost scenarios
YOU DO
Own the final call on responsibility, sign off on dispositions, and negotiate with suppliers or teams
TASK 61
Assist in training equipment operators or other staff on validation protocols and standard operating procedures.
AI DOES
Drafts SOPs, training slides, quizzes, and step-by-step guides from existing protocols
YOU DO
Show up in person, answer real questions, and adapt to how each learner actually understands the work
TASK 62
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.
AI DOES
Searches literature, compares material options, models emissions scenarios, and drafts technical reports
YOU DO
Test real processes, weigh safety risks, and make final design decisions that affect people and the planet
TASK 63
Devise automated lab validation test stations or other test fixtures or equipment.
AI DOES
Drafts test station concepts, suggests test coverage gaps, and generates specification documents
YOU DO
Apply hands-on lab knowledge and make safety-critical design calls
TASK 64
Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
AI DOES
Drafts survey questions, summarizes responses, and spots patterns in large datasets
YOU DO
Read the room, ask follow-up questions, and build the human connection that gets honest answers
TASK 65
Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
AI DOES
Pulls relevant ergonomic research, drafts written recommendations, and summarizes safety standards for specific risk factors
YOU DO
Visit the workplace, watch how people actually move, and judge what changes will realistically work in that specific environment
TASK 66
Conduct validation or qualification tests of new or existing processes, equipment, or software in accordance with internal protocols or external standards.
AI DOES
Drafts test protocols, summarizes results, and spots patterns in test data
YOU DO
Run the physical tests, make safety calls, and sign off on compliance decisions
TASK 67
Participate in internal or external training programs to maintain knowledge of validation principles, industry trends, or novel technologies.
AI DOES
Summarizes training materials, finds relevant courses, and answers quick knowledge questions
YOU DO
Show up, engage deeply, and connect new ideas to your actual validation work
TASK 68
Validate or characterize sustainable or environmentally friendly products, using electronic testing platforms.
AI DOES
Analyzes test data, spots anomalies, and generates summary reports from electronic testing platforms
YOU DO
Physically run tests, interpret context-specific results, and sign off on validation findings
TASK 69
Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.
AI DOES
Processes survey data, flags patterns in checklists, and helps analyze video footage for movement patterns
YOU DO
Conduct the physical observations, operate measurement tools, and interpret real-world context on-site
TASK 70
Evaluate manufactured products according to specifications and quality standards.
AI DOES
Scans images for defects, compares measurements to specs, and flags out-of-tolerance parts
YOU DO
Physically inspect parts, use precision tools, and apply judgment on borderline cases
TASK 71
Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
AI DOES
Summarizes user research, drafts reports, and highlights key pain points to support your case
YOU DO
Build relationships and persuade real people in the room
TASK 72
Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.
AI DOES
Analyzes inspection data, flags defects, and drafts quality checklists
YOU DO
Stay on the floor to coach workers and make real-time safety calls
TASK 73
Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
AI DOES
Drafts meeting prep materials, summarizes past conversations, and writes follow-up emails
YOU DO
Show up, read the room, and build trust through real human dialogue
TASK 74
Train production personnel in new or existing methods.
AI DOES
Drafts training guides, quizzes, slides, and step-by-step instructions fast
YOU DO
Show up on the floor, demonstrate techniques, and read when someone is truly confused
TASK 75SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Create, populate, or maintain databases for tracking validation activities, test results, or validated systems.
AI DOES
Auto-populates fields and structures database schemas
YOU DO
Decide what data matters most
About this analysis
59% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 76SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare reports summarizing information or trends related to manufacturing performance.
AI DOES
Generates charts, tables, and trend summaries from data
YOU DO
Interpret what the patterns mean for decisions
About this analysis
54% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 77
Integrate human factors requirements into operational hardware.
AI DOES
Drafts requirements checklists, flags design conflicts, and summarizes human factors standards
YOU DO
Test hardware with real users and make judgment calls on physical fit and feel
TASK 78
Design, install, or troubleshoot manufacturing equipment.
AI DOES
Suggests design options, searches technical docs, and helps draft troubleshooting checklists
YOU DO
Show up on the floor, test the equipment, and make real-time safety calls
TASK 79
Purchase equipment, materials, or parts.
AI DOES
Searches suppliers, compares prices, drafts purchase requests, and flags spec mismatches
YOU DO
Visit vendors, negotiate deals, and sign off on final purchases
TASK 80
Supervise technicians, technologists, analysts, administrative staff, or other engineers.
AI DOES
Drafts schedules, tracks performance data, and flags issues in reports
YOU DO
Show up, listen, and make judgment calls about people and safety
TASK 81SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
AI DOES
Analyzes usage patterns and suggests efficiency improvements
YOU DO
Judge what fits your culture and priorities
About this analysis
35% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 82SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Investigate theoretical or conceptual issues, such as the human design considerations of lunar landers or habitats.
AI DOES
Gathers research and generates initial conceptual frameworks
YOU DO
Ask the right questions and judge feasibility
About this analysis
30% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 83SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Analyze complex systems to determine potential for further development, production, interoperability, compatibility, or usefulness in a particular area, such as aviation.
AI DOES
Processes specs and identifies technical patterns
YOU DO
Judge real-world feasibility and strategic value
About this analysis
26% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 84SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing.
AI DOES
Analyzes data and suggests troubleshooting steps
YOU DO
Apply experience to complex problems
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 85SOURCE-BACKED TASK
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.
AI DOES
Runs calculations and generates initial models
YOU DO
Design the right approach and interpret results
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Industrial Engineers
SOC code: 17-2112
Tasks reviewed: 85 of 91

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $102,440 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $109,750 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 365,740
Employed in Colorado: 5,200
Job outlook: +11% by 2034 · ~25,200 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Review health, safety, accident, or worker compensation records to evaluate safety program effectiveness or to identify jobs with high incidence of injury.

Analyze validation test data to determine whether systems or processes have met validation criteria or to identify root causes of production problems.

Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.

Write, review, or comment on documents, such as proposals, test plans, or procedures.

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.

Prepare detailed reports or design statements, based on results of validation and qualification tests or reviews of procedures and protocols.

Prepare, maintain, or review validation and compliance documentation, such as engineering change notices, schematics, or protocols.

Recommend resolution of identified deviations from established product or process standards.

Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.

Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.

Determine root causes of failures or recommend changes in designs, tolerances, or processing methods, using statistical procedures.

Prepare documentation for new manufacturing processes or engineering procedures.

Prepare validation or performance qualification protocols for new or modified manufacturing processes, systems, or equipment for production of pharmaceuticals, electronics, or other products.

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.

Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.

Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.

Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.

Estimate time or resource requirements for ergonomic or human factors research or development projects.

Estimate costs, production times, or staffing requirements for new designs.

Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.

Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.

Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.

Analyze the financial impacts of sustainable manufacturing processes or sustainable product manufacturing.

Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.

Regulate and alter workflow schedules according to established manufacturing sequences and lead times to expedite production operations.

Schedule deliveries based on production forecasts, material substitutions, storage and handling facilities, and maintenance requirements.

Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.

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.

Study product characteristics or customer requirements to determine validation objectives and standards.

Develop validation master plans, process flow diagrams, test cases, or standard operating procedures.

Troubleshoot new or existing product problems involving designs, materials, or processes.

Establish system operating or training requirements to ensure optimized human-machine interfaces.

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.

Apply continuous improvement methods, such as lean manufacturing, to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness.

Communicate with regulatory agencies regarding compliance documentation or validation results.

Train users in task techniques or ergonomic principles.

Design validation study features, such as sampling, testing, or analytical methodologies.

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.

Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.

Communicate manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, or other information to facilitate production processes.

Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.

Design cognitive aids, such as procedural storyboards or decision support systems.

Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.

Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organization charts, and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities.

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.

Redesign packaging for manufactured products to minimize raw material use or waste.

Conduct research to evaluate potential solutions related to changes in equipment design, procedures, manpower, personnel, or training.

Investigate or resolve operational problems, such as material use variances or bottlenecks.

Assess the user-interface or usability characteristics of products.

Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.

Incorporate new manufacturing methods or processes to improve existing operations.

Review product designs for manufacturability or completeness.

Design layout of equipment or workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency.

Resolve testing problems by modifying testing methods or revising test objectives and standards.

Conduct audits of validation or performance qualification processes to ensure compliance with internal or regulatory requirements.

Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.

Direct validation activities, such as protocol creation or testing.

Coordinate the implementation or scheduling of validation testing with affected departments and personnel.

Design tests of finished products or process capabilities to establish standards or validate process requirements.

Implement methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and defective or damaged parts, and assess cost and responsibility.

Assist in training equipment operators or other staff on validation protocols and standard operating procedures.

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.

Devise automated lab validation test stations or other test fixtures or equipment.

Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.

Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.

Conduct validation or qualification tests of new or existing processes, equipment, or software in accordance with internal protocols or external standards.

Participate in internal or external training programs to maintain knowledge of validation principles, industry trends, or novel technologies.

Validate or characterize sustainable or environmentally friendly products, using electronic testing platforms.

Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.

Evaluate manufactured products according to specifications and quality standards.

Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.

Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.

Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.

Train production personnel in new or existing methods.

Create, populate, or maintain databases for tracking validation activities, test results, or validated systems.

Prepare reports summarizing information or trends related to manufacturing performance.

Integrate human factors requirements into operational hardware.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.