About

What is the IME Senior Project?

This senior design project represents the final step in a Cal Poly IME student’s undergraduate education. Each team collaborates with a real-world sponsor to address a specific challenge through engineering analysis, prototyping, and process improvement.

Project Phases:

  • Phase 1 (Months 1–3): Define problem, conduct research, engage stakeholders, and set project scope and success metrics.
  • Phase 2 (Months 4–6): Design and test solutions using simulation tools, feedback, and business case analysis.
  • Phase 3 (Months 7–9): Implement solutions, finalize documentation, and present deliverables including functional prototypes and impact reports.

Lance Wharton
B.S. Industrial Engineering, 2023
M.S. ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT, 2024
QUALITY ENGINEER AT NORTHROP GRUMMAN

“The most valuable skill Ilearned from my senior project was how to work with a customer/company to develop solutions specific to their needs. Navigating a constant flow of communication with multiple prototypes and drafts is very similar to industry processes and gave me more confidence when I first started my career as an engineer.”