How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More
Manufacturing Engineers
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.
Table of contents
Summary
Degree | Bachelor's degree |
Degree field | Manufacturing Engineering or related Engineering fields of study |
License or certification | Not required unless you are offering services directly to the public |
Duration to become one | Four to five years |
Difficulty to become one | Hard |
A Bachelor’s Degree is the minimum educational requirement for most Manufacturing Engineer jobs. Students often get degrees in Manufacturing Engineering or related Engineering fields of study.
Aspiring Manufacturing Engineers do not need any certifications or licenses unless they are offering services directly to the public. However, many Manufacturing Engineers obtain voluntary certifications to advance their careers.
Manufacturing Engineers Requirements
Step 1: Study Science and Math During High School
Aspiring Manufacturing Engineers should study Science and Math. Some Manufacturing Engineering programs require students to comprehend Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics before applying. Completing these courses during high school may allow students to take more advanced classes during college.
Many Engineering programs offer summer camps for high school students. Engineering camps offer a closer look at Engineering professions to help students determine if it’s the right field for them.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Manufacturing Engineers typically need at least a Bachelor’s Degree. Students often major in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering. A general Engineering degree with coursework in manufacturing-related practices is also suitable for this career.
A typical Manufacturing Engineering Degree includes general education courses and technical courses. Some of the core classes for this career include Engineering Design, Principles of Thermodynamics, Mechanical Design, and the Fundamentals of Manufacturing.
No matter the field of study, students should look for programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Employers prefer to hire individuals with degrees from accredited programs.
Step 3: Pursue a Master’s Degree
Earning a Master’s Degree is an optional step that often leads to better career opportunities. Individuals with Master’s Degrees may qualify for research and development positions and supervisor jobs.
Students often major in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another subfield of Engineering. Individuals that are interested in management jobs may consider pursuing a Master’s of Science in Engineering Management.
Some colleges offer five-year programs in Manufacturing Engineering and related fields of study. Five-year programs allow students to earn a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in less time compared to the traditional path.
Step 4: Look for an Internship in Your Industry
Aspiring Manufacturing Engineers often complete internships during college to gain work experience and industry connections. Some students even go on to work at the places where they completed their internships.
Step 5: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
Some employers may require applicants to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam before applying for a job. Students can take the FE exam during or after their senior year of an undergraduate Engineering program.
The FE exam is available for different disciplines of engineering. Manufacturing Engineers may take the FE Industrial and Systems Exam or the FE Other Disciplines Exam. All exams include 110 questions and take about six hours to complete.
Step 6: Look for Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer Jobs
Manufacturing Engineers may need to start with entry-level jobs in their chosen field. Newly hired employees often receive on-the-job training that prepares them for their future roles. When searching for jobs, look for “entry-level Manufacturing Engineer” or “Junior Manufacturing Engineer.”
After gaining entry-level work, continue to advance your career by earning voluntary certifications and pursuing the PE license. Many Manufacturing Engineers obtain their job title after a year or less of entry-level work.
Step 7: Obtain Voluntary Certifications
Manufacturing Engineers can obtain a variety of voluntary certifications to demonstrate their competence. Certified Manufacturing Technologist is one of the most common certifications for this career. It is an entry-level certification offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).
Applicants need four years of combined work experience and formal education. Individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree already meet these requirements and can take the certification exam after college.
Certified Manufacturing Technologists may eventually obtain the Certified Manufacturing Engineer credential. The Certified Manufacturing Engineer credential requires eight years of combined work experience and education.
Individuals who work in the automotive, medical, or aerospace industries may benefit from the Certified Additive Manufacturing-Fundamentals certification. This certification includes multiple levels, including a technician-level certification for recent graduates of ABET-accredited Engineering programs.
Step 8: Consider Becoming a Professional Engineer
Earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license is necessary for some positions, including jobs that involve working on public projects. Some states also require Engineers to obtain the PE license before they can oversee and supervise projects.
As with the FE exam, the PE license is administered by the NCEES. Applicants need to pass the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) exam. The NCEES has specific exams for different engineering disciplines. Manufacturing Engineers typically take the Industrial and Systems PE Exam.
What degree do most Manufacturing Engineers have
We did a survey to ask other Manufacturing Engineers what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.
How long does it take
Manufacturing Engineers typically need at least a Bachelor’s Degree, which often involves four years of coursework. Graduates may need to work in entry-level roles for up to a year before becoming full-time Manufacturing Engineers.
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