Manufacturing Engineering Technologists

Career summary

Manufacturing engineering technologists help develop tools and improve equipment used in the manufacturing process. In order to do this they:

• Analyze plans
• Set up tools and equipment in factories
• Plan workflows
• Analyze production costs

Manufacturing engineering technologists use computer-aided drafting software (CAD) to prepare images, layouts, and sample blueprints. They set up equipment and tools in factories. They make adjustments to equipment, tools, or operations as needed.

Some manufacturing technologists program computed-numerically-controlled (CNC) machines. They look for ways to cut waste, costs, or energy use.

Technologists observe workers to make sure they use equipment correctly and efficiently. They also make sure that equipment is maintained according to standards. Some technologists plan schedules, order equipment, and ensure workers follow safety rules.

In older factories, manufacturing technologists look for ways to use less electricity and reduce harmful pollution.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Chemists
• Electronics Engineering Technologists
• Engineering Technicians
• Fuel Cell Technicians
• Industrial Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Mechanical Engineers
• Numerical Control Tool Programmers
• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Robotics Engineers
• Validation Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to manufacturing engineering technologists.

• Recommend changes to assure or improve product quality or reliability.
• Prepare layouts, drawings, or sketches of machinery and equipment, such as shop tooling, scale layouts, and new equipment design.
• Use drafting equipment or computer-aided design software.
• Find and use new technologies, processes, or equipment. Make changes to lower the impact of work on the natural environment.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, cost, or efficiency of automated equipment.
• Find ways to reduce losses, decrease time requirements, or improve quality. This includes recycling waste to lower costs and creating “green” processes to perform work.
• Ensure safety rules and practices are followed.
• Coordinate equipment purchases, installations, or transfers.
• Plan, estimate, or schedule production work.
• Develop or maintain programs associated with automated production equipment.
• Make the most of material efficiency. Decide where, how much, and how to process material.

Common work activities

Manufacturing engineering technologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Use computers
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Evaluate information against standards
• Think creatively
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Document and record information
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop and build teams
• Schedule work and activities
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Teach others
• Coach others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Control machines and processes
• Develop goals and strategies
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, manufacturing engineering technologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction with others.
• Communicate with people daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work as part of a project team.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of other workers.
• Are somewhat responsible for work outcomes and the work done by others.
• Are occasionally placed in conflict situations.

Physical work conditions

• Often wear protective or safety gear.
• Almost always work indoors. Manufacturing settings may not be temperature-controlled.
• Are regularly exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants and hazardous equipment.
• Sometimes work within a few feet of other workers.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate to ensure that production runs go smoothly and efficiently. Errors cost the company time and ultimately money.
• Sometimes consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks and goals.
• Meet strict weekly deadlines. This makes the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
• Make decisions that strongly impact coworkers and their company on a weekly basis.
• May repeat the same mental and physical activities.

Hours/travel

• Typically work a standard work week. Often work overtime to meet quotas and production deadlines.
• Shift work may be common.

Physical demands

It is important for manufacturing engineering technologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for manufacturing engineering technologists to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Manufacturing engineering technologists need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Manufacturing Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Electromechanical Engineering Technology
• Engineering Technology, General
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Industrial Technology
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Plastics Technology
• Robotics Technology

Training

To work as a manufacturing engineering technologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have at least an associate degree in manufacturing engineering technology or a related field; and
• have related work experience.

Education after high school

Manufacturing engineering technologists usually need a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering technology. More universities are developing engineering programs specifically in this field, but it may still be possible to get a degree in mechanical or industrial engineering and work in this occupation. Engineering programs take four to five years to complete.

Some schools offer associate degree programs in manufacturing engineering technology. Those with a two-year degree are able to work in this field if they have significant related work experience. However, the trend is for employers to seek applicants with bachelor's degrees.

Work experience

Consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while you are 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

It is common for newly hired manufacturing engineering technologists to receive some on-the-job training. This varies by employer, and can last anywhere from a month to a year.

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 engineering technologists need a strong background in math and science. 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 career 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. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for manufacturing engineering technologists who have at least a two-year degree in manufacturing engineering technology or a related field. Employers rarely require applicants to be certified. However, those who are certified may have a competitive edge over other applicants.

Employers look for applicants with strong technical and mechanical skills. Good communication skills are very important because technologists work with engineers and other team members. An interest in math and science is also important.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for manufacturing engineering technologists. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other engineering technicians (except drafters).

Pay varies with the worker's level of education, responsibility, and experience. Those who work in manufacturing may belong to a union. When they work overtime or on holidays, they are usually paid more than their usual wage.

Full-time technologists generally receive benefits. Typical benefits are health insurance, a retirement plan, sick leave, and paid vacation. Some companies provide money for continuing education classes.

National wage information is not available specifically for manufacturing engineering technologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineering technicians."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Currently, there is no specific statewide outlook information available for manufacturing engineering technologists. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other engineering technicians (except drafters).

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Aerospace product and parts manufacturers
• Engineering firms
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
• Navigational and measuring instrument manufacturers
• Semiconductor and parts manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to be slower than average. Advances in technology such as computer-aided design and computer simulation are allowing technologists to be more productive. However, technologists will be needed to improve and update manufacturing facilities and product designs. Demand will also occur as the green sector of the economy demands new environmentally friendly products and more efficient manufacturing.

Job prospects will be best for those with a bachelor's degree.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for manufacturing engineering technologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineering technicians."

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Composites Manufacturers Association 
2000 N. 15th Street, Ste. 250
Arlington, VA 22201

American Society for Quality 
PO Box 3005
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3005
800.248.1946

American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians 
15621 West 87th Street, Parkway #205
Lenexa, KS 66219

Association for Manufacturing Technology 
7901 Westpark Drive
McLean, VA 22102
800.524.0475
703.893.2900

BLS Career Outlook 2018 
You're a what? Robotics Technician

Discover Engineering 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

International Society of Automation 
67 TW Alexander Drive
PO Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
919.549.8411

MCMA: Motion Control and Motor Association 
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.494.6088

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Tooling & Machining Association 
1357 Rockside Road
Cleveland, OH 44134
800.248.6862

Precision Metalforming Association 
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800

Robotic Industries Association 
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.994.6088

Society of Manufacturing Engineers 
1000 Town Center, Suite 1910
Southfield, MI 48075
313.425.3000

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering 

TryEngineering.org 
(Information on manufacturing engineering technology)

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Manufacturing Engineering Technologists (17-3029.06) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Industrial Engineering Technician (012.267-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional