Since its establishment in 1850, industrial engineering in Spain has navigated a complex path that has seen the industry grow from a nascent field into a cornerstone of the nation’s industrial and technological progress. Today, Spanish industrial engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s industrial landscape. Industrial engineering in Spain emerged amidst the broader wave of industrialization, carving out a unique niche as a profession distinct from military and state-controlled engineering roles. This development mirrored the French tradition of engineering schools linked with state professional corps, yet Spain's educational system diverged significantly. Unlike their French counterparts, Spanish engineering schools in the 19th century were constrained by limited autonomy and resources, which impacted their ability to attract and retain students. The establishment of the first industrial engineering school in Barcelona marked a significant milestone. Despite facing economic crises and eventual state control, this institution became a beacon for industrial engineering education, setting a precedent for the profession's evolution in Spain. Industrial engineers in Spain thus developed a reputation as free professionals, distinct from those in state-associated roles, and comparable to the prestigious engineering degrees found in France. Today, Spain’s industrial engineering industry has expanded its role beyond traditional roles in construction and production to include cutting-edge fields such as automation, robotics, and data analytics. One notable trend is the growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency within industrial engineering. Spanish engineers are increasingly focused on developing solutions that reduce environmental impact while optimizing processes. This focus aligns with Spain’s broader environmental goals and reflects a global shift towards more sustainable industrial practices. At the same time, Spain’s industrial engineering education system has adapted to these trends by incorporating advanced topics such as Industry 4.0 and sustainable engineering into curricula. The rise of specialized institutions and programs demonstrates an effective alignment of educational outcomes with industry needs.