Professional opportunities and functions of our Industrial Engineering Degree
Our degree is a multidisciplinary engineering that covers all the functions of an industrial company, from technical and commercial functions to management functions. The solid fundamental training, both in content and methodology, ensures the continuous updating of knowledge throughout professional life. Among the disciplines covered are the following:
- Electrical engineering, applied mechanics, thermodynamics.
- General electronics, industrial automation and control.
- Materials science, fluid mechanics, mechanical mechanisms and vibrations.
- Economics and business administration.
- Theory of structures, thermal engines and manufacturing and machine technology.
- Pneumatics and hydraulics.
- Production and quality management.
Main functions that can be developed by an engineer:
Product design and development
- Product design: refers to the first stages of a project, in which the different methods by which that project can be carried out are analysed, compared and tested.
- Product development refers to the subsequent phases of the project, when the basis of the method to be followed has been decided and it is then necessary to establish the exact forms and relationships between the components.
Generally, the development of a project is far from linear and combines the two. Usually, companies include this set of functions in their R&D (Research and Development) departments.
Manufacturing
Normally, the manufacturing engineer is responsible for the product, which involves not only solving the problems that arise in the manufacturing process, but also developing and improving production methods, including tools and machines.
Other areas within manufacturing are quality management and the management of production personnel.
The plant engineer, on the other hand, is responsible for the facilities required for the production process.
Commercial Technician
Although very few students think so, many companies hire engineers for technical-commercial tasks.
The sales engineer is halfway between sales and engineering, and usually close to product design. These positions are typical of companies that produce and market products tailored to the customer, so although the engineer is primarily a salesperson, he or she must also design to meet the needs of the customer and work with the customer to understand those needs.
Public administration
A high number of engineers can be found working for the Public Administration, who probably do not see their situation as different from that of engineers in private industry. However, there are quite a few areas in the Administration that are not found in private industry such as the establishment of transport, industry, public works policies or specific regulations. The participation of engineers in the government of a nation is increasingly recognised, since many decisions of vital importance for the future of the country are based on technical considerations.
Management
Statistics show that, sooner or later, many engineers move on to management tasks. Some data show that 40 percent of engineers in their 30s and 40s are in management, with this percentage increasing to 60 percent in the 40-50 range. Although, obviously, most of these positions are still eminently technical, many correspond to general management tasks.
Teaching
Some engineers work in teaching.
