Manufacturing Engineer - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe job of a manufacturing engineer includes a variety of responsibilities and duties. The most important role of the manufacturing engineer is to keep the production lines operating at top efficiency and safety. The manufacturing engineer makes recommendations for the sequencing of production, the methods used to make the product, and may be required to develop new techniques or processes for new product development.
The manufacturing engineer is also involved in estimating the costs of production, the benefits of increased technology in the production, and teaching others how to monitor and understand the various types of equipment used on the production lines. The manufacturing engineer must be very aware of the time factors in production and must take into consideration the best and safest possible way to handle the raw materials through to the finished product.
A manufacturing engineer keeps records and documentation on the effectiveness and efficiency of the production line as well as reports out to supervisors and management as required. The manufacturing engineer is very often involved in the design of new production facilities as well as provides input to modifications and changes on the lines.
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Career RequirementsA manufacturing engineer requires a minimum of a Bachelors degree is science or a science related field. Most manufacturing engineer positions also require experience in a biotech production facility in some related occupation.
Some larger companies require manufacturing engineers with Masters level training and significant work experience. A degree in Engineering is not usually required however many manufacturing engineers choose to work towards this.
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Job OutlookThe biotech processing facilities continue to move towards more automation and technology based production lines. This leads to a greater demand for those individuals trained to design, monitor and troubleshoot the production. Manufacturing engineers continue to be in high demand in pharmaceutical industries as well as biotech companies and facilities.
It is expected that the trend for greater mechanization and technology driven production will only continue to increase. The job outlook for manufacturing engineers is predicted to rise at an above average level for the next ten plus years.
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Career TrackManufacturing engineers have many options once they have a solid foundation of work experience. Opportunities to work in management, consulting, on a contract basis as well as marketing and production all exist. Many manufacturing engineers move into management positions within both the production and marketing departments of the large pharmaceutical companies.
The manufacturing engineer may also have options to develop and market their own innovations for product processing and development. Some of the larger factory and production equipment marketing companies hire manufacturing engineers to help sell equipment to the biotech plants and production facilities.
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CompensationAn entry level manufacturing engineer with less than two years experience can expect to earn between $51,000 and $59,000 per year. A more senior manufacturing engineer with several years experience and some supervisory responsibilities will earn between $71,000 and $89,000 per year, excluding bonuses and incentives that can be up to six percent of the yearly salary.
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