Overview
Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, and new technologies are transforming how products are designed, produced, and delivered. Industrial engineers play a key role in this transformation, integrating advanced tools such as Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), 3D modeling, virtual and physical prototyping, and simulation of manufacturing processes and systems.
Recent growth in U.S. manufacturing and national initiatives to re-shore production facilities have created a strong demand for engineers skilled in modern design and manufacturing methods. Graduates with this focus area find opportunities across a wide range of industries, including:
Supplier and equipment manufacturing – companies such as John Deere, Caterpillar, Rockwell Collins, Raytheon, and Boeing
Healthcare and medical devices – companies like Johnson & Johnson and Zimmer Biomet
Software and design technologies – firms developing tools such as Pro/Engineer, CATIA, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD
Students specializing in design and manufacturing build upon the core Industrial Engineering curriculum with advanced coursework in product design, process engineering, and manufacturing systems. This focus area prepares graduates for roles such as manufacturing engineer, product design engineer, process improvement specialist, or production systems analyst, with excellent prospects as technology continues to reshape global manufacturing.