Jobs › 3M

Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization

3M · Dekalb, IL · $145,676–$178,049 a year · Full time

Posted May 12, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a distribution network or facility design project you led. What did you change and what did it save?

What they are checking: Whether they have delivered measurable network or layout results at real scale.

Tell me about a project where you worked closely with IT to deliver a system change.

What they are checking: Whether they can translate operational needs into clear requirements for technical teams.

How do you present a complex analysis to operations leaders who want a simple answer?

What they are checking: Whether they can make data persuasive and actionable for non-engineers.

Tell me about a cost reduction you found that others had missed.

What they are checking: Whether they dig into data deeply enough to see opportunities that are not obvious.

What would you do

Associates push back on new labor standards, saying they are unrealistic. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they validate standards with the floor and earn trust instead of forcing numbers.

A slotting change you recommended made picks faster but slowed replenishment. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they look at the whole system instead of optimizing one step.

About the work

How do you decide whether to automate a process in a distribution center or improve the manual process first?

What they are checking: Whether they avoid automating waste and build a sound business case for automation.

Walk me through how you would set up a labor management program in a 3M distribution center.

What they are checking: Whether they understand engineered standards, measurement and how to roll them out fairly.

What data would you pull to find the biggest productivity losses in a warehouse?

What they are checking: Whether they know WMS data, travel time, pick rates and dwell time well enough to find constraints.

How do you model capacity for peak season when volume forecasts are uncertain?

What they are checking: Whether they use scenarios and ranges rather than a single number to plan capacity.

What simulation or optimization tools have you used, and when are they worth the effort?

What they are checking: Whether they choose analysis methods that fit the decision instead of overbuilding models.

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The full job description

As published by 3M.

Job Description: Job Title Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers. This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career. The Impact You’ll Make in this Role As a Sr. Industrial Engineer, Optimization at a 3M distribution center, you will play a pivotal role in driving operations excellence across our distribution centers. Your primary focus will be designing, implementing and optimizing network, drive advanced automation systems, labor management programs and continuous improvement projects. You will leverage your expertise in Industrial engineering to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality within our operations. Collaborating closely with cross functional teams, including logistics, IT and operations, you will lead projects that streamline processes, reduce costs, and elevate our distribution capabilities. Your ability to analyze complex data, develop innovative solutions, and manage large scale projects will be critical to our success in meeting evolving business needs. As a Senior Modeling Engineer in Global Logistics, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by: Supply Chain Network Optimization : Lead and model network optimization scenarios, redesign distribution networks to improve cost efficiency, accuracy and through put. Continuous Improvement Initiatives : Identify, analyze, and lead improvement projects across distribution centers, focusing on process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency gains. Cross-Functional Collaboration : Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Operations, IT, and Supply Chain, to ensure seamless integration of industrial engineering solutions and alignment with broader business goals. Financial Responsibility : Manages financial aspects of a project team, including estimating expenditures, contributing to the creation of AFE, purchasing materials and/or services, monitoring and tracking costs, and payment. Proficient in engineering, sourcing, and financial systems to stay within established budget guidelines L eadership: Manages business relationships across multi-disciplinary teams. Provides guidance and training to interns, new hires and other engineers. Participates in and leads teams. Applies working knowledge of key corporate initiatives and appropriate tools. May participate in or lead standards/guidelines teams. Your Skills and Expertise To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) in industrial/manufacturing engineering, operations research, statistics, or business from an accredited institution OR • High School Diploma/GED from an accredited institution and a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in logistics in lieu of the bachelor’s degree education requirement AND • Five (5) years of experience in network optimization within a distribution, supply chain, or logistics environment in a private, public, government or military environment • Five (5) years of experience in Supply Chain Network Optimization tools such as Llamasoft Supply Chain Guru, Optilogic, JDA Strategist or Gurobi and industrial engineering methodologies. • Three (3) years of experience proficiency level in ETL tool such as Alteryx or TableauPrep, and SQL, analytics and project management tools. Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include: • Master’s degree from an accredited institution • Distribution Automation technologies, labor management systems • Familiar with Lean Six Sigma and facility design tool (AutoCAD,) • Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex systems and processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop innovative engineering solutions to drive improvements • Communication and Leadership: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas and influence decision-making. Strong leadership and teamwork abilities, with a proven track record of successfully managing cross-functional projects Work location: • Dekalb, IL - onsite OR • Maplewood, MN - On-site office 4 days a week Travel: May include up to 25% domestic/international Relocation Assistance: May be authorized Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status). Supporting Your Well-being 3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope. Chat with Max For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers. Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $145,676 - $178,049, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/. Good Faith Posting Date Range 05/12/2026 To 06/11/2026 Or until filled All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M. Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties. Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement. Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/ 3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly. 3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms. Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here) . Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

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