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- Design and manage the machinery and equipment used for manufacturing
- Work in a range of industries, from automotive to food and drink
- Progress into senior engineering roles with further training and experience
As a manufacturing systems engineer, you'll work with production managers in factories to design and install new manufacturing equipment and assembly lines. You might also be involved in the building of new manufacturing plants. You'll help manage each phase of a project, overseeing the work of technicians and other professionals.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Estimating costs for bids and tenders
- Covering equipment, time and labour
- Building 3D models with computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software
- Testing systems and analysing data to work out the most cost-effective production methods
- Presenting plans to managers and clients for their approval
- Installing new equipment and machinery
- Investigating and fixing production problems
- Drawing up operation and training guidelines
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Depending on your industry, you could be working on the factory floor or in an office or laboratory.
You could find work in any branch of manufacturing, like automotive, food and drink, pharmaceuticals or electronics.
You'll need
For this role, you'll need maths knowledge, knowledge of engineering science and technology, knowledge of manufacturing production and processes, the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools, design skills and knowledge, thoroughness and attention to detail, excellent verbal communication skills, and the ability to use your judgement and make decisions.
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like manufacturing systems engineering, electrical or electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, or production or manufacturing engineering. If you've another engineering qualification, you could take a postgraduate course in manufacturing systems engineering.
You can also get into this job by doing a degree apprenticeship in systems engineering or manufacturing engineering. If you want to specialise in the food production industry, you could do a food and drink engineering higher or degree apprenticeship.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status. As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas and streamlining management methods.