What does a Manufacturing Engineer do?
Manufacturing engineers watch over the entire manufacturing process of products and devise ways that improve the flow and efficiency of production within that industry in addition to seeking ways to improve the actual manufactured product itself. They ensure maximum efficiency of a company's manufacturing processes and analyze current production methods through observation and research.
Manufacturing engineers develop alternative methods to make manufacturing practices more efficient and cost-effective, and study dilemmas including space constraints, material requirements, and current needs to improve the manufacturing process. They review quality standards of products and check for problems. They test materials extensively and focus on automated aspects of the manufacturing process. They design manufacturing systems that optimize use of computer networks, robots, and materials. They are called upon to identify areas that need improvement to maintain high levels of manufacturing and product quality and for the design of new products and processes used in addition to assurance of cost efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards. Manufacturing engineers need a bachelor’s degree in engineering and some obtain a master’s degree in engineering and certification.
- Positively reinforce and support company policies, procedures, and work practices.
- Act as liaison with engineering in releasing new products.
- Design, build, wire, plumb, program, debug, and maintain new equipment.
- Review and set up optimized product flow through standard work.
- Maintain organization of production areas, workrooms, and labs.
- Continuously monitor manufacturing processes to ensure adherence to product specifications/requirements.
- Equipment troubleshooting and subsequent work order requests.
- Identify and lead cost reduction and quality improvement initiatives.
- Perform PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) studies.
- Sort, image, document, file, and archive by form type.
- Basic mechanical assembly, use of hand tools and hand measuring equipment.
- Support staff and material schedules to meet customer requirements.
- Run studies and validations on the line as needed.
- Develop, revise and support the implantation of new processes to the manufacturing floor.
- Develop, execute, analyze data, and write reports for validation activities.
- Ensure processes and procedures are in compliance with regulations.
- Ensure suppliers and CM's meet quality and productivity targets.
- Ability to travel in support of job function (plants, customers, suppliers, etc.)
- Resolve technical problems of significant impact to performance, cost or schedule.
- Lead advanced manufacturing engineering activities in support of NPI, TCO, and LEAN.
- Develop work plans for continuous improvement and report out to the manger each week.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering or engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Experience with CAD, CNC, AutoCAD, PLM, PLC, Jira, and R Language software and systems.
- Strict attention to detail.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities, Six Sigma training preferred.
- A critical thinker dedicated to solving root cause analysis problems and continuous improvement on the job.
- Can utilize computer literacy capabilities to assist with tasks.
- Is a problem solver.
Manufacturing Engineer Salaries
Average Base Pay
Manufacturing Engineer Career Path
Learn how to become a Manufacturing Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Manufacturing Engineer Insights
Axalta“Everyone was kind and professional and really strove to help me actually learn and valued my input.”
JOST International“Good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good”
Cummins“One if the best employers in midwest and really good place to start your career.”
Perfios Software“There is a good shift timings to work flexibly and no much stress to work.”
GE Aerospace“You get to work a multitude of projects and get to work with a lot of great people.”
Eberspächer North America“It's a great place to work and is expanding rapidly in the U.S. Great work”
Accenture“I love working at Accenture due to the infinite possibilities for growth and career development.”
Manitou Pontoon Boats“Family ran friendly appreciative understanding I loved this job I really wish I had a car at the time”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Manufacturing Engineer
When working as a Manufacturing Engineer, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are CAD Software, Lean Six Sigma, Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD and Written Communication.
- Manufacturing Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineering Manager
- Quality Engineer
The most common qualifications to become a Manufacturing Engineer is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.