Manufacturing Engineers

High School

Manufacturing engineers must have an excellent academic background in biology, chemistry, mathematics (algebra, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry), and physics. Other essential classes include computer science, design, and English.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelor's degree in engineering is the minimum requirement for manufacturing engineering jobs. Some employers may require engineers to have a master's degree. Many engineers have bachelor's degrees in industrial engineering. Courses include quality control, manufacturing process design, manufacturing systems operations, computer control of manufacturing systems, as well as core classes in mathematics, physics, general engineering, life science, English, and humanities. Standard engineering programs also include computer and design studies, and may include non-engineering, liberal arts studies.

Some engineering schools offer five-year degree programs in industrial engineering, for a bachelor's and master's degree upon completion. Many schools offer a combination of classroom study and practical work; these cooperative education programs may last for five or six years.

ABET is the official accrediting agency for postsecondary engineering and engineering educational programs. Find accredited programs at https://www.abet.org.

Some manufacturing engineers train for the field by participating in apprenticeships. Visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-industries to learn more about apprenticeships.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in general engineering, manufacturing engineering, advanced manufacturing, engineering management, and emerging fields such as advanced artificial intelligence and augmented reality. For example, the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a certificate in manufacturing engineering. To earn the certificate, students must complete three elective classes and three of the following core courses: Introduction to Manufacturing Systems, Design and Analysis; Macroprocessing of Materials; Manufacturing: Polymer Processing and Engineering; Manufacturing: Metals and Automation; and Production Planning and Control. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Manufacturing engineers take classes and attend workshops and educational programs throughout their careers. They must stay current on industry developments, technologies, and business practices. Organizations that offer continuing education opportunities for engineers include the American Society for Engineering Education, the National Society of Professional Engineers, SME, and the Society of Women Engineers, to name only a few. Contact these organizations for more information.