How to become a manufacturing engineer

Is becoming a manufacturing engineer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do manufacturing engineers do?

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How to become a Manufacturing Engineer

To become a manufacturing engineer, here are the general steps you can follow:

  • Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Ensure that the program is accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) to ensure quality education.
  • Gain Relevant Experience: Seek internships or co-op positions during your undergraduate studies to gain practical experience in a manufacturing setting. These opportunities allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios and provide valuable insights into the industry.
  • Develop Technical Skills: Acquire a strong foundation in engineering principles, including mathematics, physics, materials science, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Develop skills in areas such as process design, quality control, lean manufacturing, and industrial automation, as they are highly relevant to manufacturing engineering.
  • Obtain Professional Certifications: While not mandatory, earning professional certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise. Certifications such as Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) or Six Sigma certifications (e.g., Green Belt or Black Belt) can be valuable additions to your resume.
  • Pursue Advanced Education (Optional): Consider pursuing a Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or a related field to deepen your knowledge and specialization. Advanced degrees can open up more senior-level or research-oriented roles in manufacturing engineering.
  • Build a Professional Network: Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations such as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) or the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), and actively engage in networking opportunities. Building connections with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights, job leads, and mentorship opportunities.
  • Seek Job Opportunities: Look for entry-level positions in manufacturing engineering within industries such as automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, or any field with significant manufacturing operations. Utilize online job portals, company career pages, and professional networking platforms to find relevant job openings.
  • Continuously Learn and Grow: Manufacturing engineering is a field that requires continuous learning and adaptation to evolving technologies and practices. Stay updated on industry trends, attend workshops or training sessions, and seek opportunities to expand your skill set.
  • Obtain Professional Licensure (Optional): While not typically required for manufacturing engineering roles, obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license can be advantageous if you plan to work on projects that involve public safety or if you aim for leadership positions.

Certifications
There are several certifications that manufacturing engineers can pursue to enhance their professional credentials and demonstrate their expertise. Here are a few notable certifications:

  • Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE): Offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the CMfgE certification is designed for manufacturing engineers who have a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes, systems, and technologies. It covers topics such as manufacturing operations, supply chain management, process improvement, and quality control.
  • Lean Six Sigma Certifications: Lean Six Sigma certifications are widely recognized in the manufacturing industry for individuals interested in process improvement and waste reduction. These certifications, offered by organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and private training providers, validate knowledge and skills in implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline operations, reduce defects, and improve overall efficiency.
  • Certified Quality Engineer (CQE): The Certified Quality Engineer certification, offered by ASQ, is applicable to manufacturing engineers who have a focus on quality control and assurance. It covers topics such as statistical analysis, quality management systems, process improvement, and auditing. This certification demonstrates expertise in ensuring product quality, implementing quality control techniques, and driving continuous improvement.
  • Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT): Also offered by SME, the CMfgT certification is aimed at individuals who are early in their careers or have limited experience in manufacturing engineering. It covers foundational knowledge and skills in manufacturing processes, materials, and systems. This certification can be a valuable starting point for individuals seeking to establish their competence in manufacturing engineering.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP): While not specific to manufacturing engineering, the Project Management Professional certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), can be beneficial for manufacturing engineers involved in project management roles. It validates knowledge and experience in project planning, execution, and control, which are essential skills for managing manufacturing projects effectively.