Industrial Engineering Career Paths

An industrial engineering career path holds several promises for graduates. Students choose to study an Industrial Engineering degree because of the programme’s career path, its critical role in the development process for almost any product across many sectors, and the flexibility of studying online. 

An Industrial Engineering degree covers manufacturing processes, design, production methods and techniques.

Why study an Industrial Engineering degree?

An industrial engineering degree is typically multidisciplinary.

The course often overlaps with related specialisations such as manufacturing engineering, project management, supply chain engineering, financial engineering, quality control, health and safety engineering, logistics, ergonomic design, business administration, and management science.

An industrial engineering degree will typically include both theoretical and applied aspects. Students learn about the history of industrial engineering, its fundamental theories, and how they can be applied to solve problems.

You will gain hands-on experience, which may be virtual, by working on real-life projects online.

Industrial Engineering degree subjects

When you study for an industrial engineering degree, you will learn how to apply calculus, statistics, probability theory, linear algebra, trigonometry, geometry, physics, chemistry, biology, economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

Students take mathematics, science, business, management, technology, human resource management, communication, and organisational behaviour courses.

Industrial engineers apply their knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, economics, sociology, psychology, and computer sciences to develop designs and systems for products, processes, machines, materials, and services.

Industrial engineers work with manufacturers to design equipment and machinery. They must understand the physical properties of materials and how those properties affect performance.

They must also know how to measure and control temperature, pressure, speed, and force. Industrial engineers must also be able to calculate forces and stresses using mathematical formulas.

Industrial engineers work with maintenance personnel to repair or replace damaged parts. They must inspect equipment regularly to identify potential problems before they become serious issues.

They must also perform routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters, replacing worn bearings, and checking fluid levels.

Industrial engineering career path and job opportunities

You can pursue different industrial engineering career paths in various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, agriculture to government, and technology to transportation.

Industrial engineers help companies find ways to increase profits while reducing costs. They analyse data from operations and use this information to improve productivity and quality. They also ensure that workers have safe and comfortable workplaces. 

Industrial engineers work closely with management to determine which products should be produced and where they should be manufactured. They also advise management on managing resources such as time, money, and people.

Industrial engineers work with manufacturers to design equipment and machinery. They must understand the physical properties of materials and how those properties affect performance.

They must also know how to measure and control temperature, pressure, speed, and force. Industrial engineers must also be able to calculate forces and stresses using mathematical formulas.

Industrial Engineering Carer Paths: Highest Paying Entry Level Industrial Engineering Jobs for Graduates

1. Manufacturing Technician (£32,150)

A manufacturing technician may study industrial engineering to work in this sector. They work in a factory or plant and ensure quality production standards in the manufacturing process.

A manufacturing technician uses equipment and machine knowledge to calibrate and manually adjust them according to production requirements. A manufacturing technician keeps records and completes essential maintenance on equipment as required.

2. Occupational Health and Safety Manager (£28,640)

An occupational health and safety manager is responsible for establishing safety policies and procedures at an industrial plant or construction site. This includes determining which hazards are present and developing ways to prevent accidents.

The manager may also be required to train employees about workplace safety. An occupational health and safety manager typically may have an online industrial engineering degree or production engineering degree.

3. Industrial Designer (£35,460)

Industrial designers are responsible for designing products that meet specific requirements. Their work involves creating detailed plans for how a product will be manufactured. This includes determining what materials should be used, where they should go and how much it will cost to make them.

An online industrial engineering degree can qualify you for this role. They may also have a background in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering.

4. Process Engineer (£33,000)

Process engineering is a sought-after industrial engineering career path. They are often responsible for creating new processes that can be used to make other products. This includes developing new ways to produce certain chemicals or metals.

Process engineers also work with other professionals, such as chemists, metallurgists, and mechanical engineers, to develop new methods for producing these items. Individuals who want to work as process engineers should study industrial engineering or chemical engineering.

5. Quality Assurance Inspector (£30,250)

Quality assurance inspectors are responsible for ensuring that products meet specific standards. The job is a popular industrial engineering career path for graduates.

These include checking that the materials used in making the products are safe and free of defects. This includes inspecting raw materials, parts and finished products.

They also maintain quality assurance records, including data on how often defective items are found during inspections, what percentage of inspected products fail tests and why some products don’t pass inspection. Study industrial engineering to gain an advantage in this role.

Industrial Engineering Career Path Entry-Level Salary

Industrial Engineering Degree Scholarships

If you want to study for an Industrial Engineering degree, you can find scholarships on university websites that offer courses in industrial engineering. You may also find industrial engineering scholarships on our website.