Manufacturing Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced industrialization, the focus on manufacturing engineers has never been more critical.

As technology evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can develop, maintain, and improve our manufacturing systems grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What is genuinely expected from a manufacturing engineer?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
A hiring manager aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of manufacturing engineering,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable manufacturing engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get right to it.

Contents show

Manufacturing Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturing Engineers work to improve the process of manufacturing in a variety of industries, using their skills in engineering, manufacturing technology, and management to make the process more efficient and cost-effective.

They are involved in the entire lifecycle of a product, from design and fabrication to testing and implementation.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

Analyze current manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement
Develop and implement process improvements, which may involve designing and installing new manufacturing equipment
Design systems and equipment that reduce time, cost and improve quality and safety
Work with design engineers to improve product design for ease of manufacturing and assembly
Ensure products can be manufactured reliably and perform consistently in specified operating environments
Manage projects using engineering principles and techniques
Plan and design new production processes and manage labor and materials to meet production targets
Evaluate manufacturing processes by applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials; conferring with equipment vendors; soliciting observations from operators
Maintain manufacturing process documentation, including technical reports and process specifications
Ensure all manufacturing safety regulatory policies and procedures are implemented and maintained

Manufacturing Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a skilled manufacturing engineer to design, implement, monitor, and maintain manufacturing processes and work instructions.

Manufacturing Engineer responsibilities include understanding the needs of our production process, developing innovative strategies to increase productivity, and ensuring product quality and compliance with established standards.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of manufacturing equipment and processes, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a keen eye for detail.

Responsibilities

Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and workflows to identify areas that could benefit from changes and improvements
Apply working knowledge of product design and assembly to the manufacturing process
Create processes and procedures to help the company meet budgetary goals as well as performance quotas
Design and develop new products and product mock-ups alongside the engineering team
Participate in brainstorming sessions and cross-departmental meetings to ensure collaborating and cohesion
Establish an effective and efficient work sequence
Devise new solutions to existing manufacturing problems
Develop standardized design criteria across all product lines

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a manufacturing engineer or similar role
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, fabrication methods, and tool design
Familiarity with manufacturing equipment and quality assurance techniques
Proficient in CAD/CAM software
Commitment to health and safety standards and environmental regulations
Well-versed in relevant software (e.g., CAD, MS Office)
Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and creativity
BSc degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering, or relevant field

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Work Environment: Manufacturing facility with occasional office work. May require occasional travel to suppliers or customers.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $63,550 minimum to $111,230 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Manufacturing Engineer Do?

Manufacturing Engineers are integral components of the production industry and are usually employed by manufacturing plants, factories, and various other industrial settings.

They can also work as consultants offering their services to multiple clients.

Their primary responsibility is to design, implement, monitor, and maintain efficient manufacturing systems and processes.

They use their knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials to improve manufacturing processes and enhance product quality.

Manufacturing Engineers work closely with other engineers and professionals in the manufacturing process to ensure the smooth transition of product designs into production.

They review production schedules, engineering specifications, process flows, and other information to understand the manufacturing and operation methods and activities.

They are often involved in identifying wastefulness and developing optimal solutions to eliminate wastes, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

This can involve redesigning the manufacturing process, optimizing workflows, or introducing new technologies.

In addition to this, they may also be responsible for troubleshooting problems in the production process, investigating equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operations, and recommending remedies.

They are also likely to be involved in health and safety, ensuring that protocols are followed and that the manufacturing process is as safe as possible for the workers.

Overall, the goal of a Manufacturing Engineer is to create a seamless, cost-effective manufacturing process that meets customer requirements and boosts the company’s bottom line.

Manufacturing Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Manufacturing Engineers use a mixture of technical, soft skills and industry knowledge to design, implement and troubleshoot production processes, including:

Technical knowledge of manufacturing systems, machinery and processes to effectively plan, develop and implement efficient production methodologies.
Strong problem-solving skills to identify and rectify production inefficiencies and faults, thereby reducing downtime and waste.
Ability to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software to develop and test system designs.
Exceptional project management skills to oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
Interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with various teams including production, design, quality assurance, and management, and to clearly explain complex concepts and methodologies.
Attention to detail to ensure precision and adherence to design specifications and safety regulations in all manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement techniques to optimize manufacturing processes and improve product quality.
Understanding of quality control procedures and standards to ensure the production of high-quality products.

Manufacturing Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Manufacturing Engineer role usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or cooperative education program.

This experience often involves working on manufacturing processes, quality control, product design, or other relevant areas in an industrial setting.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have a good understanding of manufacturing systems, machinery, and CAD software.

These candidates typically have enhanced their skills through roles such as Process Engineer, Quality Engineer, or Production Engineer.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have developed their project management skills and may have led teams or projects.

They may be well-versed in lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.

At this level, they may be ready for a senior Manufacturing Engineer role or a managerial position in the manufacturing department.

Additionally, for all levels, experience with specific manufacturing processes or industries (automotive, aerospace, electronics, etc.) may be required or preferred, depending on the nature of the job.

Manufacturing Engineer Education and Training Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field is generally required for the role of a Manufacturing Engineer.

In these programs, students learn about materials science, manufacturing processes, production systems, and computer-aided design (CAD), which are crucial skills for this job role.

An understanding of business principles, such as operations and project management, could also be beneficial.

Therefore, some engineers might opt to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM).

Beyond the degree, practical experience, such as internships or cooperative education programs, can provide invaluable real-world learning and networking opportunities.

Some positions may require or prefer Manufacturing Engineers to hold Professional Engineer (PE) certification.

This certification, which requires passing two exams and gaining relevant work experience, signifies a high level of competence in the field.

Continuing education and training are essential in this rapidly evolving industry.

Engineers may need to stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies, such as automation and robotics, through professional development courses or certifications.

In addition, soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication are also crucial in this role, as Manufacturing Engineers often have to collaborate with various teams and make strategic decisions to improve production processes.

Manufacturing Engineer Salary Expectations

A Manufacturing Engineer makes an average salary of $72,079 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on the level of expertise, industry, and the geographical location.

Manufacturing Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a manufacturing engineer need?

Manufacturing Engineers need a diverse set of technical skills, including proficiency in CAD software, understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, and knowledge of quality assurance procedures.

They should also have excellent problem-solving abilities, strong analytical thinking, and good project management skills.

Do manufacturing engineers need a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required for this role.

Some positions may even require a master’s degree or additional certifications.

What should you look for in a manufacturing engineer’s resume?

When reviewing a manufacturing engineer’s resume, look for a degree in an engineering field along with any relevant certifications.

You should also look for experience with CAD software, lean manufacturing, and process improvement.

Any experience with project management or leadership roles can also be beneficial.

What qualities make a good manufacturing engineer?

A good manufacturing engineer is detail-oriented and analytical, with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and the ability to solve complex problems.

They should be able to work well in a team and have excellent communication skills to effectively liaise between different departments.

A continuous desire to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes is also a valuable trait.

Is it difficult to hire manufacturing engineers?

While there is a pool of candidates with engineering degrees, finding a manufacturing engineer with the specific set of skills and experience your company needs can be a challenge.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries and benefits, and highlight opportunities for growth and learning within your company to attract top talent.

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into what it truly means to be a manufacturing engineer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about machines and assembly lines.

It’s about shaping the future of production, one process at a time.

With our go-to manufacturing engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why settle for just that?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precision-made listings or optimizing your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every part of the production process is a piece of the larger puzzle.

Let’s build that future. Together.