Unlock Your Future in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering: Thriving Careers Await!
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering stands at the forefront of revolutionizing production systems, blending operations research, automation, and sustainable practices to meet global demands. Faculty jobs in this dynamic field are surging, with universities hiring experts to lead research in Industry 4.0, robotics, and supply chain resilience. Whether you're a student eyeing bachelor's or PhD programs in Industrial Engineering or a seasoned professor seeking tenure-track roles, opportunities abound in optimizing complex systems that power everything from automotive assembly lines to biotech facilities.
Recent trends show a 7% projected growth in postsecondary teaching positions through 2032 (BLS 2023), fueled by reshoring manufacturing and AI integration. Students benefit from hands-on curricula in lean manufacturing and ergonomics, launching into high-demand careers. Aspiring professors can expect competitive salaries, with assistant professors averaging $105,000-$120,000 annually, scaling to $180,000+ for full professors at top institutions. Dive into professor salaries for location-specific insights, like higher earnings in California's tech hubs or Texas's energy sector. Explore higher ed faculty jobs today and shape the factories of tomorrow.
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What to Study: Key Programs for Students
Aspiring Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering students should focus on core topics like simulation modeling, quality control, and additive manufacturing. Top bachelor's programs emphasize practical projects, such as designing efficient assembly lines. Fringe quirk: The University of Maine's record-breaking 3D printer, the Factory of the Future 1.0, trains students in massive-scale wood printing for housing— a niche blending engineering with sustainability.
PhD candidates dive into advanced research, like AI-driven predictive maintenance. Check rate Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering professors at leading schools to select mentors. Career paths post-grad include industry roles at Boeing or academia via lecturer jobs.
Purdue University: Renowned for supply chain excellence. Rate professors here.
Georgia Tech: Leader in smart manufacturing. Explore faculty feedback on Rate My Professor.
University of Michigan: Strong in robotics. Michigan engineering jobs.
Professor Opportunities and Prestige
Tenure-track Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering professor jobs emphasize research grants from NSF, averaging $500,000+ for projects in sustainable production. Prestige peaks at Ivy League-adjacent programs, but mid-tier schools like Texas A&M offer rapid advancement. Unique anecdote: Frank and Lillian Gilbreth's 1910s motion studies laid IME foundations—modern profs build on this with VR simulations.
Job seekers, target professor jobs in growing regions like the Southeast. Staff roles in labs link to administration jobs. For feedback, visit Rate My Professor for Industrial Engineering.
Salaries, Earnings, and Trends
Expected earnings vary: Assistant professors earn $110,000 median (AAUP 2023), full professors $165,000+, with bonuses in high-cost areas. California roles top $200,000; Midwest averages $130,000. Dive deeper via professor salaries tool. Trends include postdoc positions in higher ed postdoc jobs, driven by electric vehicle manufacturing booms.
Remote options grow via remote higher ed jobs. Locale quirk: North Carolina's Research Triangle hosts IME hubs with 15% above-national salaries.
View detailed professor salaries by role and locationJob Market Insights and Next Steps
With U.S. manufacturing output hitting $2.3 trillion in 2023, demand for IME faculty surges. Explore research jobs or university jobs. Students, use scholarships for grad school. Parents, track academic calendars via academic calendar.
Ready to apply? Check higher ed jobs and free resume template.
Associations for Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
A global professional association dedicated to advancing the field of industrial and systems engineering through education, research, and networking.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
An organization focused on promoting manufacturing technology and developing a skilled workforce in the United States.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
A UK-based professional body that supports mechanical engineers, including those in manufacturing and industrial sectors, through standards, training, and advocacy.
European Operations Management Association
A European network aimed at advancing research and practice in operations and production management within industrial engineering.
Asia Pacific Industrial Engineering and Management Society
An association promoting industrial engineering and management sciences through conferences and collaborations in the Asia Pacific region.
Production and Operations Management Society
An international society dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in production and operations management, including manufacturing engineering.
Engineers Australia
Australia's peak body for engineers, providing support and accreditation for professionals in industrial and manufacturing engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔧What is Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering?
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering optimizes production processes using data analytics, robotics, and lean principles. Faculty teach these while researching innovations like 3D printing. Rate professors in the field.
💰What are average professor salaries?
Assistant professors earn ~$110K, full professors $165K+ (2023 data). Varies by location—check professor salaries for details. High in CA and TX.
🏆Top universities for IME programs?
Purdue, Georgia Tech, Michigan lead. Rate My Professor for Industrial Engineering faculty insights. Jobs nearby via faculty jobs.
📈Job outlook for faculty?
7% growth to 2032 (BLS), driven by automation. Tenure-track professor jobs abundant. Quirks: Space manufacturing research rising.
🎓How to become an IME professor?
Earn PhD, publish in journals, gain postdoc experience via postdoc jobs. Use career advice and cover letter templates.
🤖Unique quirks in IME academia?
From Gilbreths' motion studies to U Maine's giant 3D printer. Modern: AI for zero-waste factories. Explore via research jobs.
📍Best locations for IME jobs?
Midwest for manufacturing, South for autos. Salaries higher in California. See salaries by state.
🚀Student career paths post-IME degree?
Industry at Tesla/Ford, or academia. Prep with scholarships and professor ratings on Rate My Professor.
35 Jobs Found
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