Manufacturing Engineer Job Description Information

A manufacturing engineer designs and improves manufacturing systems. He may work with commercial and industrial designers to increase production, decrease costs and refine a product's design. He may find solutions on how manufacturers can edge out the competition.

 

Roles

• According to CBSalary.com's research from eDot, a manufacturing engineer helps plan, direct and coordinate the manufacturing process within an organization. She finds the most cost-effective ways to make products. According to the Occupational Information Network, she also determines the root causes of failures in a product.

Salary

• According to Salary.com, the national average salary for manufacturing engineers was $84,046 in 2010.

Technology

• According to the Occupational Information Network, a manufacturing engineer may use the following tools: binocular light compound microscopes, digital calipers, and digital micrometers. He may use computer aided design, or CAD software; computer aided manufacturing, or CAM software; enterprise resource planning, or ERP software; industrial control software; and project management software.

Environment

• A manufacturing engineer may spend time in a well-lit laboratory or office. He may also travel to manufacturing plants in order to observe assembly processes.

Education

• According to the BLS, engineers require a bachelor's degree in their engineering specialty; however, some research positions require a graduate degree. According to College Board, a manufacturing engineering degree would be appropriate.

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Engineer Salary Information

Engineers apply scientific and mathematical principals to solve practical problems. They link scientific research and consumer needs. Though employees can enter the profession with a bachelor's degree, many employers prefer a graduate degree, especially for basic research. Those who offer services to the public must be licensed by attending an accredited engineering program working for four years in their relevant specialty and passing a licensing exam.

 

Mechanical Engineer

• Mechanical engineers design engines, machines, tools and other mechanical equipment. The PayScale Report states that as of May 2010, mechanical engineers begin with a yearly salary of $48,090 to $59,927. At one to four years of experience, they get $50,932 to $64,507 and at five to nine years, they receive $59,318 to $77,740. At 10 to 19 years, they earn $63,634 to $89,671 and at 20 years or more, they make $71,737 to $105,232.

Civil Engineer

• Civil engineers design and oversee construction and maintenance of civil projects like roads, railroads, harbors, pipelines and irrigation projects. They average a beginning annual salary of $42,880 to $54,387. They make $47,894 to $60,825 at one to four years of experience and $56,907 to $72,944 at five to nine years. At 10 to 19 years, they receive $65,211 to $90,225 at 10 to 19 years and $74,253 to $106,802 at 20 or more years.

Structural Engineer

• Structural engineers plan, design and manage construction on facilities like bridges, roads, airports, dams, power plants and sewage systems. They earn an annual salary of $47,629 to $59,027 to start. With one to four years of experience, they get $49,567 to $61,313 and with five to nine years, they receive $58,385 to $74,956. At 10 to 19 years, they earn $68,231 to $88,727 and at 20 or more years, they make $77,789 to $110,761.

Nuclear Engineer

• Nuclear engineers study and apply principles of nuclear science to the use of nuclear energy and waste disposal. They begin with a yearly salary of $57,680 to $65,243. At one to four years of experience, they receive $57,562 to $71,437 and at five to nine years, they get $61,007 to $86,054. At 10 to 19 years, they make $80,147 to $102,921 and at 20 years or more, they earn $96,912 to $128,080.

Outlook

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering jobs are expected to grow by 11 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is about average for all jobs. Specific percentages vary by specialty. For example, civil engineering will grow by 24 percent, mechanical engineering will average 6 percent and nuclear engineering will increase by 11 percent. Some of this opportunity can be limited by the increasing use of English-speaking engineers from around the world who will work for lower salaries than their U.S. counterparts. Engineers must keep current in their technological fields or their knowledge may become quickly outdated.

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How to Become an Engineer

Engineering has many branches: electrical, mechanical, aerospace, civil and chemical--to name a few of the most popular. No matter what branch you are interested in, becoming an engineer takes a lot of hard work and dedication. If you are interested in entering the field, but do not know what to expect, begin by researching options to get an idea of what the next four to six years has in store for you.

1. Decide if you have what it takes to be an engineer. To become a professional engineer, you must have a college degree in engineering. Most university programs are selective and quite competitive. Earning good grades in high school is imperative, as is getting a high SAT or ACT score.
2. Decide what type of engineering interests you. While most programs tend to focus on general core classes the first and second year of enrollment, many require students to enroll in a specific program regardless. Seats in each program are generally limited. If you maintain a high GPA, you can usually transfer from one program to another within the engineering department if necessary. It is still important to put some thought into what type of engineering interests you before entering your program.
3. Look for and apply to schools with strong engineering programs in the area(s) that interest you.
4. Get good grades in all of your classes once you are enrolled in a program. The first and second years are usually the hardest. Many students are required to take an above-average number of credit hours, and classes are tough. Outside employment is generally discouraged. Focus on your studies as much as possible. Your hard work will be rewarded in the future.
5. Obtain a co-op. Co-ops are usually offered the third, fourth and fifth years of engineering programs. Most co-ops are paid, some are not. They are usually very competitive, which is why receiving high grades in your course work is important. This is the best way to obtain valid, related work experience before entering the job market and it can lead to employment upon graduation.
6. Seek the assistance of your school's Career Development Center as you near the completion of your program. Someone there can usually help you with your resume, direct you to co-ops and internships and eventually help you apply for jobs in the engineering industry once you are qualified.
7. Join a professional engineering society or association that caters to your specific interest. Professional organizations offer many networking opportunities that are ideal for those looking for employment as well as further professional development.

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