Manufacturing Engineers

Education & Training

Preparation

To work as a manufacturing engineer, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or GED;
have a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or a related field; and
have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program. You may also be able to work in this field by completing a degree in industrial engineering or a related specialty.

Some two-year colleges have agreements with the engineering departments at four-year schools. These agreements allow you to take your first two years of courses at the two-year college. Then you move to the university for the last two years. Some liberal arts schools have similar programs to prepare you for engineering schools.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (Ph.D.). For instance, if you are interested in teaching manufacturing engineering you need a Ph.D. Also, many engineers go to graduate school to specialize in an area of manufacturing engineering.

Work experience

Consider participating in an internship with a manufacturing firm while in college. An internship offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

In general, manufacturing engineers receive on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer. Recent graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. As you gain knowledge and experience you have greater independence and work on more difficult tasks.

Related Programs (Current training programs available)

Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)

Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.

Helpful High School Courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Manufacturing engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

Blueprint Reading
Computer Applications
Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
Computer Science
Drafting
Manufacturing Systems

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.