Manufacturing Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$101K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

11.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Manufacturing Engineer?

A Manufacturing Engineer is a professional who designs, implements, and improves manufacturing processes, equipment, and systems. They focus on increasing efficiency, reducing costs, improving the quality of products, and ensuring worker safety in manufacturing settings.

Sample job titles:

Manufacturing Engineer, Plant Engineer, Process Engineer, Process Improvement Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Manufacturing Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Manufacturing Engineer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$70K per year	$82K per year	$101K per year	$127K per year	$157K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $52K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Manufacturing Engineer do?

Work environment

Manufacturing Engineers typically work in manufacturing plants, factories, or research and development laboratories. Their work environment may vary from office settings, where they plan and design systems, to manufacturing floors, where they oversee processes and solve production issues. They often collaborate with other engineers, production staff, and management teams.

Quick task list

Designs and develops manufacturing processes and equipment.
Implements process improvements to enhance productivity and quality.
Analyzes manufacturing data and workflows to identify inefficiencies.
Collaborates with product design teams to ensure manufacturability.
Ensures compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Process Engineering: Optimizing and improving production processes.
Automation and Robotics: Implementing automated systems and robotics in manufacturing.
Lean Manufacturing: Applying lean principles to minimize waste and maximize efficiency.
Quality Engineering: Focusing on quality control and improvement in manufacturing.
Supply Chain Management: Managing the flow of goods and materials in production processes.

Description

Manufacturing Engineers play a crucial role in the production industry by optimizing manufacturing processes to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible. They apply principles from different engineering disciplines to design, analyze, and improve production systems. This involves not only the technical aspects of manufacturing but also considerations of economic viability and environmental impact.

The job requires a blend of technical knowledge, creativity, and practical skills. Manufacturing Engineers must understand the properties of materials, mechanics, and industrial systems, as well as be adept at problem-solving and project management. They also need to be familiar with current industry standards, including safety regulations and quality assurance practices.

Staying up-to-date with the latest manufacturing technologies and trends, such as automation and Industry 4.0, is essential. Effective communication skills are also crucial, as these engineers often need to work in teams and communicate technical information to non-engineers. The role can be challenging but is also dynamic and rewarding, offering opportunities to directly impact the efficiency and success of manufacturing operations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing processes.
The challenge of solving complex engineering problems.
Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing.

You might make a good Manufacturing Engineer if you are...

Interested in how things are made and passionate about improving manufacturing processes.
Strong in problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Detail-oriented with a keen interest in technology and engineering.
Capable of working collaboratively in a team and communicating effectively.
Eager to take on challenges and adapt to rapidly changing technologies.

Pros:

High demand in various industries, offering diverse career opportunities.
Satisfaction from seeing tangible results of your work in product manufacturing.
Opportunities for continuous learning and working with the latest technologies.

Cons:

The work can be demanding, with the need to meet tight production deadlines.
Manufacturing environments can be challenging, with potential exposure to noise, heat, and machinery.
Requires a constant adaptation to new technologies and methods.

How to become a Manufacturing Engineer

Typical education

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, which generally involves 4 years of post-secondary education. Some advanced roles or specific industries may require further specialization or a master's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, particularly calculus and statistics, for engineering fundamentals.
Physics and Chemistry to understand material properties and mechanics.
Technical drawing or computer-aided design (CAD) classes for design skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in robotics clubs or engineering competitions.
Engaging in DIY projects or maker fairs focused on building and creating.
Volunteering or interning in manufacturing or engineering companies.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
Seek internships or co-op programs in manufacturing settings for practical experience.
Gain certifications or training in specific areas like Six Sigma, CAD, or robotics.

More resources

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) - Provides resources and certification for manufacturing professionals.
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - Offers skills standards and credentials in metalworking and manufacturing.
Manufacturing.net - An industrial news and information hub.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - Offers resources and networking for mechanical engineers.

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