They use their problem-solving and analytical skills to find ways to make processes better, easier, cheaper or safer. They devise ways to shorten lines at amusement parks, speed up global UPS delivery systems and optimize operating room processes.

In today's competitive marketplace where continuous improvement and cost containment are paramount to survival, systems engineers are sought-after professionals. The field has expanded from its roots in designing manufacturing systems to include service systems and computational engineering across broad industry sectors, including transportation, logistics, financial, telecommunications, energy and health care. Lehigh's ISE department, one of the most highly regarded in the United States, has led much of this transformation.