Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineers determine the most effective ways for an organization to use the basic factors of production: people, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service. They are the bridge between management goals and operational performance. They are concerned with increasing productivity through the management of people, methods of business organization, and technology. Although most industrial engineers work in manufacturing industries, they also work in consulting services, healthcare, and communications.

Mechanical Engineers research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. They work on power-producing machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. The field of nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and molecules, is introducing entirely new principles to the design process

Bachelor’s Programs:
• BS in Mechanical Engineering
• BS in Industrial Engineering

Combined Programs:
• Industrial Engineering and Business Administration
• Industrial Engineering and Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering
• Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering and Design
• Mechanical Engineering and History
• Mechanical Engineering and Physics

Master’s Programs:
• Mechanical Engineering 

Concentrations:
  ◦ General Mechanical Engineering
  ◦ Materials Science
  ◦ Mechanics and Design
  ◦ Mechatronics
  ◦ Thermofluids
• Industrial Engineering
• Engineering Management

Certificates:
• Energy Systems
• Energy Systems Management
• Renewable Energy
• Supply Chain Engineering Management
• Sustainable Energy Systems

Doctoral Programs:
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• PhD in Industrial Engineering
• PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Entry-Level: 

• Design Engineer 

• Manufacturing Engineer 

• Quality Engineer 

• Process Engineer 

• Product Development Engineer 

• Industrial Engineer 

Mid-Level: 

• Senior Mechanical Engineer 

• Manufacturing Manager 

• Operations Manager 

• Supply Chain Manager 

Senior-Level: 

• Engineering Director* 

• VP of Operations* 

• Principal Engineer* 

Positions that require additional education or training are indicated by a (*). Job qualifications are based not only on degree program, but on skills and experience. Students should seek out as many experiential opportunities in their fields of interest as possible, including Co-op and internships. 

This is a limited sample of employers who have posted jobs on NUworks; please note, they may not currently have positions posted. 

This is a sample of the industries that often hire this major. 

The following resources include various websites and campus resources that will aid you in exploring this career field. 

Websites for Career Exploration 

• Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook 

• MassCIS – Massachusetts Career Information System 

• O*NET 

• Career Cornerstone Center – Mechanical Engineering  

• ASME Career Guide  

Career Insights – Mechanical Engineers (ASME)  

• Discover Engineering – Careers in Mechanical Engineering Research and Development 

Websites for the Job Search 

• NUworks 

• NUsource 

• Handshake 

• ASME Career Center  

• Engineering.com Job Board  

• NSPE Career Center (National Society of Professional Engineers)  

• IISE Career Center (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers)  

• SAE Career Center (Society of Automotive Engineers)  

• ASHRAE Job Board (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) 

Campus Organizations 

• LEAD 360 

• Student Government Association 

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – NU Student Chapter 

• Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) – Northeastern Chapter 

*For additional student organizations click here.  

*For additional student activities click here. 

Professional Associations 

Find valuable industry information, job sites, and professionals in the field you may contact for informational interview requests and networking opportunities. 

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 

• SAE International 

• Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)  

• SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers)  

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 

Social Media 

Groups providing resources such as industry trends, company information, job listings, and networking opportunities within the field: 

• Mechanical Design Engineers 

• ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) 

• Industrial Automation and Controls Network 

• Automation & Control Engineering Group from WTWH Media