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Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering Program
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What is Manufacturing Systems Engineering?

What is manufacturing systems engineering? It is the desire to improve manufacturing productivity and compete in the global market.

Last Updated: 09/19/2025 | All information is accurate and up-to-date

What is Manufacturing Systems Engineering?

Manufacturing systems engineering helps improve productivity and compete in today’s global market. Because of this, better engineering systems are now in high demand.

At NC State, the Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering Program (IMSE) leads the way in solving this challenge. IMSE brings together experts, tools and ideas from both industry and universities. As a result, you gain access to advanced systems, real research and strong education in manufacturing.

Manufacturing continues to grow and change to meet society’s needs. Because of constant innovation, companies need engineers who adapt quickly and think across many fields. The IMSE program helps you meet this demand through top-quality education and hands-on training. While in the program, you sharpen your skills in industry and classroom settings.

IMSE strongly believes that real-world experience matters. That’s why you must complete an internship or co-op before you graduate. Unlike other programs, IMSE lets you do this work during the academic semester. As a result, you gain valuable job experience while earning your degree.

Why Choose IMSE at NC State?

IMSE gives you a master’s degree built across many departments. Because of this, you’ll learn from faculty in engineering, computer science, business, textiles and more. Because of this mix, you get a unique and well-rounded education in manufacturing systems.

The program understands your career path is your own. So, you can choose classes that match your goals and fit real industry needs. As a result, you build a degree that works for you and prepares you for today’s market.

What You’ll Gain

  • You’ll learn how different fields shape the way manufacturing systems work.
  • As you study, you build strong skills in modern manufacturing tools and technologies.
  • Most importantly, you’ll use your knowledge to solve real problems through an internship or co-op.

Where Do Our Alumni Work?

On average, graduates in the MIMSE Program obtain full-time employment within three months of graduation, with an average salary of 70 – 80K.

What is manufacturing systems engineering? A heat map of the US showing where many MIMSE alumni live in our country.

Based on data collected between 2015 and 2023, the top three employers of MIMSE students are Amazon, Apple and Tesla. Other top employers include:

  • GKN Automotive
  • Johnson Controls
  • Lenovo
  • Micron
  • Shopify
  • Volvo

Careers in Manufacturing Systems Engineering

When considering a career in manufacturing systems engineering, it’s logical to ask, Will I be able to get a job?” Answer: “YES”

Manufacturing Systems Engineering Continues to Grow
According to the Bureau of Labor, manufacturing engineers (industrial) research jobs will grow by over 12% between 2022 and 2032. This is faster than average for all occupations.

Companies Seek Efficiency
Every day, companies seek new ways to reduce costs and raise productivity. They rely on manufacturing engineers to develop efficient processes and reduce costs, delays, and waste. This need drives job growth for these engineers, even in slow-growing or declining manufacturing industries.

Path to Management
Many manufacturing engineers become managers because their work involves management tasks.

A Promising Future
It’s a great time to be a manufacturing engineer. They solve problems, and there’s never a shortage of those!

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A student, wearing a hard hat in a manufacturing plant, asking her mentor, "What is manufacturing systems engineering?"