Industrial engineering is a dynamic field that combines engineering know-how with business savvy to design, improve, and optimize systems that involve people, materials, information, equipment, and energy. According to the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), this discipline draws on knowledge from math, science, and engineering to help predict and evaluate how systems perform.
The Problem Solvers Behind Process Improvement
Industrial engineers play a vital role across a variety of industries, focusing on making processes more efficient and productive. Unlike other engineering fields that specialize in one area, industrial engineers have the flexibility to tackle a range of challenges—from streamlining hospital operations to enhancing manufacturing workflows, to improving customer service. By embracing principles of continuous improvement, industrial engineers help organizations save money, remain efficient, stay competitive, improve sustainability, reduce waste, or even save lives.
What Do Industrial Engineers Do?
Here’s a look at some of the key responsibilities of industrial engineers:
- Data Analysis: They gather and analyze data in order to thoroughly understand and model the current state of their systems.
- System Design: They optimize systems to integrate workers, machines, customers, and materials to maximize productivity.
- Process Improvement: They analyze existing systems to find ways to enhance quality, efficiency, sustainability, and safety.
- Collaboration: They work with teams of people to generate ideas, garner support, and implement changes.
Increasing Demand and Diverse Career Paths
The demand for industrial engineers is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for industrial engineers are expected to grow by 12 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This means about 25,200 new job openings each year, largely driven by the need to replace retiring workers and the growing demand for process efficiency that helps drive down costs.
Specializations to Consider
Industrial engineers can dive into various specializations, such as:
- Human Factors Engineering: Optimize how people interact with systems to improve performance, safety, and user experience.
- Manufacturing Engineering: Design and enhance manufacturing systems, including automation and facility layouts.
- Healthcare and Service Systems Engineering: Improve healthcare and service systems to improve quality of care and the customer experience.
A Robust Employment Outlook
A degree in industrial engineering leads to strong career prospects and excellent salaries. As reported by CNBC, graduates in operations research and industrial engineering can earn an average salary of $191,800 within ten years of earning their degree. It’s no surprise that industrial engineering is consistently ranked among the top jobs, thanks to its promising outlook and competitive salaries.
Driving Efficiency and Innovation Across Industries
Industrial engineering is a versatile and impactful career path, equipping professionals with the skills to improve systems in a wide range of industries such as:
- Manufacturing: From automotive to food to medical devices, anything manufactured is supported by an industrial engineer.
- Healthcare: Industrial engineers work in hospitals and healthcare systems to improve quality of care access to healthcare services for patients.
- Service Systems: From amusement parks, to hotels, to airlines, and other transportation systems, industrial engineers work to ensure high levels of customer service by creating efficient and cost effective services.
As businesses continue to seek ways to boost efficiency and cut costs, the role of industrial engineers will only become more crucial in shaping the future of productivity.