About Manufacturing Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering arms you with the necessary framework needed to improve the manufacturing process to make it more economical while improving product quality. During your studies, you’ll learn the latest manufacturing techniques and in-depth knowledge of the various stages of manufacturing. Manufacturing Engineering deals with all the facets of product manufacturing ranging from component production to automated assembly lines. Manufacturing engineers are a critical resource that help lower manufacturing costs, thus helping make products more competitive in the market. This field has over the last few decades dramatically expanded and become more sophisticated than ever before. New techniques and processes like robotic systems, green manufacturing processes and other manufacturing systems are being designed to improve and fine-tune the manufacturing process. Seasoned and ingenious manufacturing engineers are highly prized across industries as varied as logistics, consulting, wholesale trade and research firms.

　　

Is Manufacturing Engineering right for me?

If you want to become a manufacturing engineer, you must have an analytical frame of mind capable of assessing and appraising manufacturing processes. Your suggestions and quality control is crucial for continued company success. As with all other engineering occupations, you must be good at crunching numbers as you’ll be frequently calculating production costs, estimating time, accounting for resources and the available workforce. Curious and inquisitive people make good manufacturing engineers as this investigative trait allows them to find flaws and inefficiencies in the manufacturing process. You’ll also need to have an entrepreneurial mindset, which means you should be good at taking initiative and resolving problems. This trait is essential as manufacturing engineers need to quickly tackle issues as they arise and meet deadlines.

　　

About Manufacturing Engineering study options and costs

　　Due to the high level of expertise needed in the field a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is typically required to break into the industry. A master’s degree is also a valuable investment allowing you to reach for managerial positions. Manufacturing Engineering requires a solid background in mathematics and physics. A bachelor’s level degree in Manufacture Engineering costs around £28,000 in the UK and around 35,000 to 50,000 in the US. Given the high salaries and the rapid growth of the field, an education in Manufacturing Engineering is likely to yield high return on investment.

　　

Future outlook

Manufacturing engineering is a well-established and well-regarded job with bright prospects. Employment in the field is expected to increase by 9% between 2016-2026. Not to mention, the overall job outlook for manufacturing engineering has been positive since 2004! Manufacturing Engineering has high levels of job satisfaction coupled with high salaries — top earners in the field make as much as $148,685 annually. Additionally, most graduates remain long-term in this profession. The future outlook for this field is welcoming and this is an ideal career for those who relish tackling challenges.

　　

Career Pathways for Manufacturing Engineering graduates

　　

Manufacturing engineer

　　Manufacturing engineers work to optimise the manufacturing process in different industries for example toys, pharmaceuticals and beverages. Their responsibilities include designing improved manufacturing processes, suggesting changes to the pre-existing processes, purchasing new equipment, estimating costs and ensuring the manufacturing process runs smoothly.

　　

Process engineer

　　A process engineer designs systems and procedures that boost the operationality of the manufacturing process. They refine the processes being used in the manufacturing process by introducing new technology. Their responsibilities include managing and maintaining equipment, ensuring workforce safety and conducting risk assessments.

　　

Project manager

　　As a project manager you oversee an entire project till completion. You are responsible for the planning and execution of all its stages within the allotted budget and time frame. Project managers are responsible for managing technology, resources and manpower. They also draft agendas that are to be followed by their team members and update relevant stakeholders of the progress.

　　

Consulting analyst

　　Consulting analysts offer their services to companies that want to optimise their business performance. Consulting analysts draw upon their wealth of technical knowledge to give solutions to organisational and manufacturing problems. They survey manufacturing facilities and assembly lines to assess the situation and prepare detailed evaluations to be presented to the management along with their suggestions.

　　

Quality engineer

　　As a quality engineer, it is your job to ensure that industry standards are maintained at all times. You will be routinely inspecting materials, equipment and products using technological tools. Furthermore, you’ll devise quality control protocols and systems for your company. Quality control engineers determine corrective measures and communicate with their supervisors to effectively implement them.