How to become A Manufacturing Engineer

As a singular driving force behind economic development and globalisation, the manufacturing industry depends on the creative and analytical skills of Manufacturing Engineers to remain ahead of the curve.

• Plant Engineer
• Advanced Manufacturing Engineer
• Manufacturing Senior Engineer

What do Manufacturing Engineers do?

A Manufacturing Engineer would typically need to:

•  Design, install, integrate, and upgrade manufacturing systems, equipment, and processes; improve designs of goods and services to decrease costs and increase production
• Create detailed blueprints for equipment, procedures, and workflow after considerable research on the latest trends
• Diagnose, troubleshoot and resolve issues with production, machinery, and software quickly and efficiently
• Collaborate with chemical, mechanical and electrical engineers to make sure all system and product needs are being met from start to finish
• Assess and buy quality equipment at the best price possible; install and test new equipment; ensure proper maintenance systems are in place
• Confirm that the manufacturing processes, equipment, and products comply with safety norms and legal regulations; develop standard criteria for product design and assembly
• Plan workforce and factory shut-down and start-up schedules to make production more time-, quality- and cost-efficient; evaluate and refine current operations wherever possible
• Maintain statistical and financial records; assist the finance department by creating processes and procedures to manage the budget and performance quotas
• Collaborate with the research and development team to ensure they are on top of their game; create documentation to keep track of research activities
• Participate in inter-departmental meetings to foster collaboration in activities such as the design & development of new products and devising new solutions to current manufacturing issues
• Supervise junior engineers and sub-contractors; keep an open channel of communication to prevent mistakes

Professionals generally work in offices, factories, plants, laboratories, construction sites, or oil production sites. They may need to travel to attend training programs or visit sister plants within the country or overseas.

Manufacturing Engineers typically work 40-hour/week shifts, including overtime, evenings and weekends, especially when a new process is being installed and tested.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Manufacturing Engineers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Manufacturing Engineers are generally employed by:

• The Aerospace Industry
• Automotive Companies
• Biotechnology Firms
• Clothing Manufacturers
• Food & Beverage Manufacturers
• Oil Refineries
• The Pharmaceutical Industry
• Plant & Machinery Manufacturers
• The Plastic Industry

Professional associations and organisations such as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) are crucial for a Manufacturing Engineer interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Time-consuming work as well as lack of competitive advantage due to lack of adequate investment in technology and research and development by the organisation 
• Working long hours to meet the unrealistic deadlines caused by pressure from marketing/sales departments and consumers
• Frustration due to lack of support from other departments such as finance, marketing, and sales
• Frustration due to faster promotions in other departments when compared to those in production

Any academic program that a potential Manufacturing Engineer takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as a summer work placement or internship. Highly sought-after degree programs offer a year of experience in the industry which is highly beneficial for prospective employees to network, develop job skills, and improve commercial awareness. 

Employers are more likely to hire applicants with experience in evaluating and troubleshooting manufacturing processes and machinery. Familiarity with software such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and data analysis programs also help in launching a lucrative career.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in the manufacturing industry to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Prospective Manufacturing Engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical, electrical, manufacturing, or mechanical engineering. Having a master’s in engineering, an engineering doctorate (EngD), or an integrated MEng degree would help you stand out in a competitive job market. Employment at an entry-level position is also possible with an engineering HNC (Higher National Certificate), HND (Higher National Diploma), or foundation degree.

Certification demonstrates a Manufacturing Engineer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Certification in manufacturing engineering or mechatronics would increase your chances of advancement and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Manufacturing Engineers with desirable qualifications and consistently high-performance levels are usually eligible for regular promotion. However, promotions do not happen at the same speed as in a formal office environment. 

Moving to another company may help you gain exposure, take on additional responsibilities such as the training of junior engineers, become a project manager, or get promoted to management positions in engineering, marketing, or sales. 

Besides, some Manufacturing Engineers choose to specialise in a particular field to focus on research and development. Specialisation could also redirect your skills to a related area such as plant/production engineering, environmental engineering or health & safety. Gaining sufficient experience may lead to opportunities in self-employment/consultation or allow you to become a partner in an engineering firm.

Candidates with a master’s degree in engineering, an engineering doctorate, or an integrated MEng degree have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Manufacturing Engineer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Later in their career, most Manufacturing Engineers choose to gain relevant qualifications from accredited organisations to achieve the status of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). 

They may also undertake in-house or graduate training programs offered by large engineering organisations to gain experience in various departments of the firm and better understand the business’s everyday management. These avenues of professional development help with career progression.

Master of Multiple Skills

Manufacturing Engineers must have expert knowledge of the applications of engineering and technology to design and produce various goods and services. In addition, expertise in optimal use of raw material, quality control, and production processes will help them cost-effectively maximise production efficiency.

Familiarity with the design techniques, tools, and principles involved in producing blueprints, plans, and models is an essential skill. When combined with a thorough understanding of complex mathematics and computer hardware & software, you have an excellent chance of steering your career in the right direction. 

Manufacturing Engineers who take the time to educate themselves about business and management principles along with the principles and practices of economics and accounting can prove their grasp of strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, the financial markets, and reporting of financial data. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Manufacturing Engineers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Manufacturing Engineer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

China, currently the world’s largest manufacturer, can supply products worth over US$2,922,520 million every year.

The manufacturing industry has evolved over the centuries from man-made tools to assembly lines to automation. At one of the nerve centres of this complex macrocosm is the Manufacturing Engineer whose innovative concepts and engineering skills have transformed the face of modern manufacturing.

“Time waste differs from material waste in that there can be no salvage. The easiest of all wastes and the hardest to correct is the waste of time because wasted time does not litter the floor like wasted material.”—Henry Ford