Manufacturing systems engineer
Manufacturing systems engineers design and install manufacturing machinery and production lines.
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£50,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 41 a week
What you'll do
As a manufacturing systems engineer, you could:
- produce design and engineering plans for new installations and equipment
- build models using computer aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) software
- test systems and analyse data to improve production methods
- manage projects, budgets and a team of engineers and technicians
- give progress reports to senior managers
Working environment
You could work in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- complex problem-solving skills
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a manufacturing systems engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- manufacturing systems engineering
- electrical or electronic engineering
- mechanical engineering
- production or manufacturing engineering
If you've got another engineering qualification, you could take a postgraduate master's course in manufacturing systems engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You could start by completing a college course before going on to do a higher level engineering qualification or an apprenticeship.
Courses include:
- mechanical engineering
- electrical and electronic engineering
- automation and control engineering
- T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
There are a lot of engineering apprenticeships available and the one you take will depend on your area of interest, for instance Food and Drink Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
There are also Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships to train as a:
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Space Systems Engineer
- Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Career path and progression
You could work in any branch of manufacturing, like:
- vehicles
- food and drink
- pharmaceuticals
- electronics
- aerospace
With experience, you could become a lead or senior engineer on projects.
You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status with the professional body associated with your branch of engineering.
This would give you industry recognition of your skills and knowledge and open up further opportunities for career development.
Guides for this industry
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