Manufacturing Engineers
Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.
Common Job Titles
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Plant Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Process Improvement Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign manufacturing systems and production processes using CAD/CAM software and engineering principles to optimize producibility and reduce costs.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate solutions to complex manufacturing problems by integrating mechanical, electrical, and software systems under time and resource constraints.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize technical documentation and process specifications for training materials, standard operating procedures, and engineering reports.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze production data and system performance metrics using statistical analysis tools and ERP systems to identify process improvement opportunities.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate manufacturing processes and equipment efficiency through continuous monitoring and systems evaluation to ensure compliance with quality standards.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute technical drawings and equipment layouts using CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and CATIA following industry standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess production quality control results and defect patterns in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to implement corrective actions.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for process improvements and technology adoption when communicating with stakeholders, management, and cross-functional teams.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop cost estimates and resource allocation plans for manufacturing projects using financial analysis and project management tools.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate safety protocols with production efficiency goals when designing systems to balance regulatory compliance and operational performance.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate precision measurement instruments and testing equipment including digital calipers, micrometers, and microscopes to verify product specifications.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate manufacturing equipment and control systems using PLC and SCADA software to maintain optimal operational parameters.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Manufacturing Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
350,230
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $70,000. 25th percentile: U.S. $81,910. 50th percentile: U.S. $101,140. 75th percentile: U.S. $127,480. 90th percentile: U.S. $157,140. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $70,000 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $157,140 |
| Workers on average earn | $107,900 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing4.4/5
- Engineering and Technology4.4/5
- Mechanical4.1/5
- Design4.0/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Word
- R
- SAP software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
- CNC Mastercam
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Computer numerical control CNC software
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Eko
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- FileMaker Pro
- Geometric CAMWorks
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Digital calipers
- Digital micrometers
- Laptop computers
- Optical compound microscopes
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Scientific calculators