How to become an industrial engineer
Optimise processes and systems to reduce waste, become more efficient, and integrate resources.
Pathways to this career
- Industrial engineers must study a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science, majoring in manufacturing, architecture or mechanical engineering. An honours year may be required depending on the chosen degree.
- Take the next step in your career and enrol in a postgraduate engineering degree or study a postgraduate environmental science degree.
- Ensure you're up-to-date with developments in your field with industry bodies like Engineers Australia. Memberships means you'll be the first to receive news, meet likeminded people and be able to access relevant seminars.
What does an industrial engineer do?
Duties and tasks
An industrial engineer’s primary focus is to achieve optimal output while taking time, resources, technology, safety and environmental factors into consideration.
- Analyse project and production documentation to identify and introduce changes to workflow and production processes.
- Maximise cost efficiencies by discovering new ways to manufacture parts or deliver services.
- Establish ways to achieve maximum efficiencies across production schedules, facility layout, workplace utilisation and equipment usage.
- Develop standards and policies for design and production.
- Ensure the design of operation and manufacturing processes are safe and meet compliance specifications.
Industry bodies
- Engineers Australia
- Association of Professional Engineers Australia
- The Institute of Industrial Engineers
Related jobs
Discover engineering courses
Undergraduate USA-ADE-DEG
Undergraduate SCU-ENG-DEG
Postgraduate TUA-MEM-MAS
Postgraduate UOQ-FSE-GCE
Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science (Fire Safety Engineering)
Step up your career with these resources
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
Humans of Open Universities Australia: Meet our Content Lead, Cat
A ‘braided river’ career path, a crystal ball moment from Bill Gates, and a heartfelt letter with complete disregard for the third wall—here's Cat.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.
We're here to guide you there
Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.