Manufacturing engineers are the people who design and improve manufacturing processes. They create new ways to produce goods through automation or robotics while also understanding how products interact with their environment after they leave the factory. A career in this field is challenging and rewarding, requiring an engineering degree and experience working on different projects. But if you thrive in environments where creativity and problem-solving skills matter most, then it might be worth exploring the possibilities for your future! Let’s look at what you need to know about becoming a manufacturing engineer.

1. What Is a Manufacturing Engineer?

A manufacturing engineer is responsible for the engineering and production of a product. They work with designers to develop new designs and then oversee the production process to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Manufacturing engineers are often responsible for quality control, as well.

Manufacturing engineers typically work in factories and industrial settings, but they may also work for companies that provide services rather than goods. They often oversee the product design process, making sure that new products can be manufactured on a tight budget and timeline. Manufacturing engineers often split their time between the factory floor and office work.

2. What Does a Manufacturing Engineer Do?

A manufacturing engineer will work with designers to come up with new products. They might design the product themselves or oversee the process and make sure that everything goes smoothly. After they have done this, the production process begins. A manufacturing engineer works with workers to guide them through the production process. In some cases, they will spend all of their time making sure that everything goes well. These engineers ensure that products are manufactured on a tight budget and timeline. It is also sometimes the job of a manufacturing engineer to test new products for quality control purposes.

3. What Education Do I Need to Become a Manufacturing Engineer?

If you want to become a manufacturing engineer, the education requirements vary depending on what type of engineering you want to do. General Manufacturing Engineers need at least an undergraduate degree in mechanical or chemical engineering, but some get graduate degrees.

Manufacturing engineers who are specifically tasked with designing products will typically have five years of work experience before applying for that job. If you plan on working as a quality control inspector, all required is an associate’s degree in engineering technology and two years of experience working as a manufacturing engineer or quality control inspector.

4. How Much Does a Manufacturing Engineer Make?

The salary of a manufacturing engineer varies, but the median salary is $80,000 per year. Some people start lower and work their way up the ladder, while others start higher and down over time. Your exact salary will depend on your level of experience, where you are working, and even your personality.

Manufacturing engineers are found in almost every industry and job setting, and their salary will vary depending on the region of the country and other factors. For example, manufacturing engineers who work for government agencies make less than those who work for other companies. Some manufacturing engineers start as interns or assistants, but others go straight into management.

5. Where Do Manufacturing Engineers Work?

Manufacturing engineers can find employment in a variety of industries. They may work for manufacturers that make consumer goods, industrial equipment, or components for other products. They may also find employment at companies that provide services rather than physical products, like engineering consulting firms.

Manufacturing engineers can work with large, well-known companies or small, privately owned businesses. In some cases, they can even work for themselves as consultants who guide how to produce a product more efficiently and cost-effectively.

6. What Are the Benefits of Being a Manufacturing Engineer?

Some of the Benefits of Being a Manufacturing Engineer include

Job security. Many manufacturing engineers can find employment in a variety of industries and companies.
Good pay. Manufacturing engineers typically make around $80,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Flexibility in Work Schedules and Environments.

Work-life balance. Manufacturing engineers typically work regular business hours in an office environment during the week and may have some flexibility to work from home during the weekends.

7. What Are the Disadvantages of Being a Manufacturing Engineer?

Although there are many benefits to being a manufacturing engineer, there are also some drawbacks
Long hours. Some manufacturing engineering jobs require employees to spend more than 40 hours per week at their place of employment.

Risky work. Some manufacturing jobs can be dangerous, especially those involving heavy machinery.
High stress. Manufacturing engineers typically work on tight deadlines with aggressive time constraints. These factors can make the job more stressful than more minor deadline-driven positions like a teacher or accountant.

8. What Are Some Skills I’ll Need?

Some of the skills you need to become a manufacturing engineer include

Math skills. Manufacturing engineers need a strong background in math and science, emphasising physics and chemistry.

Critical thinking skills. Manufacturing is all about finding cost-efficient ways to create a product that meets the needs of consumers, so manufacturing engineers need to have critical thinking skills to determine how to design a machine or piece of equipment without exceeding a budget.

Computer skills. Manufacturing also involves using computer programs and software to design equipment and improve efficiency, so manufacturing engineers need to use computer applications like CAD (computer-aided design) or CAM (computer-aided machining).

Mechanical abilities. While not necessarily related directly to math and science, mechanical abilities such as hand-eye coordination are essential for operating machines, repairing equipment, and using tools to help design products.

9. The Job Outlook for a Manufacturing Engineer

The job outlook for manufacturing engineers is good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due, in part, to the increased demand for manufactured goods in the United States and around the world. As companies look for ways to cut costs and boost productivity, they may seek the help of manufacturing engineers to design new equipment or find more straightforward and more efficient methods for producing goods.

The good news is that education requirements are not as high as other engineering fields; a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field is sufficient preparation for beginning this career. According to the BLS, about half of manufacturing engineers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. The other half typically hold a bachelor’s degree in an engineering technology program or a related technical field such as industrial engineering.

10. What Types of Companies Hire Manufacturing Engineers?

Manufacturing engineers can find employment with nearly every type of company; however, some industries hire more manufacturing engineers than others.

Aerospace manufacturers. Manufacturing engineers are needed to design aeroplanes, spacecraft, missiles, and other equipment used in the aerospace industry. According to the BLS, about one-third of all manufacturing engineers are employed by companies that produce aircraft or parts for aircraft.

Automotive manufacturers. Manufacturing engineers also need to design cars, trucks, and other vehicles manufactured by automakers.

Electronics equipment producers. Electronics are becoming increasingly complex, requiring designers to constantly find new ways to reduce costs while improving quality and efficiency. The most popular electronic products include smartphones, TVs, computers, tablets, radios, video-game consoles, and wearable devices.

As you can see from the wide range of products designed by manufacturing engineers, there are a variety of job settings to consider when looking for employment. Manufacturing engineers work in factories that produce household appliances, electronics, automobiles, aircraft parts, plumbing fixtures, office furniture, toys and games, tools and hardware equipment.

11. Top Recruiting Companies for a Manufacturing Engineer

If you’re looking for a job in manufacturing engineering, you should check out some of the top recruiting companies.
These companies can help you find the right job for your skills and experience.
They also have a lot of resources to help you with your job search, including online tools and career advice.
Here are three of the best-recruiting companies for manufacturing engineers:

1. Boeing Company: The Boeing Company This company has been in business since 1916 and manufactures aircraft around the world.
The company offers engineering careers for people with various skills and experience levels who can work in various industries.
The company has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Most of the jobs for manufacturing engineers with Boeing are at their Everett, Washington facility.

2. General Motors Company: General Motors Company The General Motors Company was founded in 1908 and manufactured cars, trucks and auto parts.
In 2015, they employed more than 200,000 people around the world.
The company has been awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice for their manufacturing excellence.
To find a job as a manufacturing engineer with General Motors, visit their website and fill out the employment form.

3. Ford Motor Company: Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 and manufactured cars, trucks and auto parts.
They offer many jobs for people with various skills and experience levels and have manufacturing facilities worldwide.
To work as a manufacturing engineer at Ford, submit your resume online to search for their open positions.

12. Best Colleges to Study Manufacturing Engineering

The best colleges for manufacturing engineering offer excellent programs that will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field.

They also have strong connections to the industry, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network and find a job after graduation.

Here are some of the best colleges for manufacturing engineering:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Michigan
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Purdue University
• University of California, Berkeley
• The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Kettering University 
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Conclusion

A manufacturing engineer career path can be a rewarding and challenging experience, and it is essential to have the proper skillet and train to succeed in this field. There are many opportunities for advancement within the manufacturing engineering field, so it is an excellent choice for continuing learning and growing their careers.