Careers in industrial engineering

Industrial engineers are found wherever large-scale processes and systems exist. Their work could include shortening the wait times at a major amusement park, justifying a $3 billion expenditure in the oil and gas industry, or redesigning patient flow and staffing models to reduce nurse burnout and improve patient safety.

These professionals may be called industrial engineers, systems engineers, or industrial and systems engineers. In other cases, they earn a degree in ISE and take on roles such as project manager, quality manager, management analysts, and business process design manager.

What is industrial engineering?

Industrial engineers improve complex processes and systems by applying advanced analytical and decision-making tools.

They might do this by:

• helping an organization produce a product or service at a lower cost
• making work more comfortable or safer for employees
• developing a management control system to assist financial planning
• increasing the quality, safety, or life of a product
• automating a production line in a factory
• designing a goods delivery system for a supplier

Career outlook for industrial engineers

While job growth for all occupations over the next 10 years averages 8%, the field of ISE is projected to grow by around 14%, or almost double the average. Part of the reason that job outlook is so positive for industrial engineers is that their expertise translates well to nearly every industry. They are hired in energy, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, production, telecommunication, and many other industries.

While a graduate with a generic bachelor’s degree earns an average of $46,471 2 years after graduation, this number rises to $69,925 for industrial engineering graduates, meaning this career path offers a high return on investment.

How hard is it to become an industrial engineer?

The general consensus among engineering students is that it is slightly easier to earn a degree in industrial and systems engineering than in most other engineering fields. This is because the STEM focus is usually less intense, with a greater emphasis on practical skills.

Many industrial engineering programs require a mathematics entry exam along with some prerequisite courses that can be completed through dual credit during high school or in your first 2 years of college. Some engineers earn a master’s degree in industrial engineering to increase their professional growth and earning potential. Becoming a licensed professional engineer involves completing 2 challenging exams, the FE and PE, discussed in more detail below.

How long does it take to become an industrial engineer?

Industrial and systems engineers usually need a 4-year college degree, meaning it takes about 4 years to become an industrial engineer. Most programs accept students right out of high school as long as they have the required prerequisites.

Where do industrial engineers work?

Industrial and systems engineers can work in nearly any industry. The industries employing the greatest numbers of industrial and systems engineers are listed below.

While industrial engineering can be an office job, certain parts of the job may be completed in other environments. For example, if your role is to reduce worker injuries in a manufacturing plant, you may spend time observing the way people work within that plant to better understand and analyze current practices.

A few well-known organizations that employ ISEs are:

• Coca-Cola
• Dell
• Microsoft
• Mayo Clinic
• Estée Lauder
• Toys “R” Us
• Nike
• NASA
• Kennedy Space Center
• Walt Disney World

What’s the difference between industrial and systems engineering?

Industrial and systems engineering are not one and the same, but most colleges treat them as a single discipline until the master’s level. So, what’s the difference between the 2?

7 steps to becoming an industrial engineer

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering

The first step in becoming an industrial and systems engineer is earning a bachelor’s degree in the field. Most schools combine the 2 disciplines into a single program. Some programs offer specialization in areas like total quality management, human factors and ergonomics, facilities planning, and inventory control.

Step 2: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam (optional)

Students who are nearing graduation or have recently graduated can sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The FE is not a requirement, but many organizations prefer employing engineers who have completed it and are working towards licensure.

Step 3: Earn work experience as an industrial engineer

Once you finish school, you can join the workforce in your first engineering role. Organizations categorize engineers based on their qualifications and years of experience, but these levels are not standardized. As a result, you might see different engineering classifications or nomenclature.

Some organizations use numerical nomenclature, where new engineers are referred to as level 1 and progress through 6 levels as they gain experience and qualifications. Other organizations might use terminology like graduate, junior, intermediate, senior, or staff engineer to reflect experience and qualification.

Step 4: Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam (optional)

Once you have 4 years of experience in industrial and systems engineering and have passed the FE, you can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The exam tests minimum competency in the field. You are allotted 9.5 hours to complete 85 questions. The pass rate for the industrial and systems exam is 66%. Passing the PE is required to become a licensed professional engineer.

Step 5: Become a licensed professional engineer (optional)

Once you pass the PE exam, you can apply for licensure with your state licensing board. Having a license is not required, but may open additional doors for you.

Step 6: Complete a master’s degree in industrial engineering (optional)

Some engineers choose to pursue a master’s degree in ISE or a related field to advance to higher levels within their organization. A master’s degree can lead to management roles or the opportunity to specialize in a particular subdiscipline.

Step 7: Complete a doctorate in industrial and systems engineering (optional)

Engineers interested in advanced teaching roles at the college or university level can pursue a Ph.D. Mid-career engineers who want to start their own companies or enter the highest leadership roles usually opt for a doctor of engineering (DEng).