Preparing for a Job in Manufacturing Engineering
Posted April 16th, 2019
Manufacturing engineers play a critical role in the production process. Along with designing and directing the approach, they also coordinate the entire process across multiple levels. Engineering, math, and business skills are all essential for manufacturing engineers, ensuring these professionals can create and implement new methods that lower costs and increase efficiency without sacrificing the product’s quality.
On average, manufacturing engineers earn nearly $67,500 annually in the United States, making this a potentially lucrative career path. Plus, there is a shortage of qualified professionals for these roles, so there are more opportunities available than workers can cover.
If you are interested in a career in manufacturing engineering, here is how you can prepare to enter this exciting field.
Starting Education and Training
More often than note, manufacturing engineers begin their careers by completing a degree program. Typically, this includes either a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering technology or one in a similar field. If you are exploring degree options, programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET are ideal. However, any program can work as long as you cover the critical knowledge areas, like mechanics, materials manufacturing, mechanics of materials, project management, and the standard core curriculum.
In some cases, though this is fairly rare, you may be able to find an apprenticeship program that can help you move toward a career in manufacturing engineering. Essentially, you will learn the required skills through on the job training, and can even receive a paycheck along the way. While an apprenticeship isn’t always easy to find, it can be a great alternative to formal education, particularly from a financial standpoint.
If your goal is to reach the leadership ranks or if you want to work in research roles, then a graduate degree may also be necessary. However, you can also acquire this after starting your career, if you prefer.
Professional Certifications
While certifications may not be required by employers, they can help you further your career. Options like the Certified Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineer, and Project Management Professional certifications can help you stand out from other candidates or reach higher-level roles.
Like a graduate degree, you can always acquire certifications after starting your career. However, the earlier you can add them to your resume, the better.
Work Experience
With the proper education, you can certainly move almost straight into a manufacturing engineering role. However, some employers will prefer candidates with general manufacturing experience, so it is wise to explore that option as well if you can’t find a manufacturing engineering position immediately. That way, you can gather first-hand experience in the environment and learn more about real-world production processes and procedures, giving you additional skills you may not have straight out of school.
Need Help With Your Career? Reach Out to Bayside Solutions!
If you are interested in a career in manufacturing, including manufacturing engineering, the professionals at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our knowledgeable recruitment team today and see how our career management expertise can benefit you.
