What Does a Manufacturing Engineer Do?
A manufacturing engineer designs, develops, and improves systems and processes used to produce goods efficiently, safely, and at scale. These professionals work at the core of production, focusing on optimizing workflows, reducing waste, and ensuring products are made to specification. Their work directly impacts cost reduction, product consistency, and output quality, making them key contributors to a company’s operational success.
Day-to-day, manufacturing engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, quality, maintenance, and production staff. They develop manufacturing methods, select and maintain equipment, implement lean strategies, and support new product introductions (NPIs). Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting line issues, designing tooling and fixtures, and identifying automation opportunities. Depending on the industry, they may also ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safety protocols.
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Manufacturing Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste
- Analyze production data and workflow to identify bottlenecks and recommend solutions
- Design tools, fixtures, and workstations to support operator safety and product quality
- Collaborate with design engineers on manufacturability of new products
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for process-related issues
- Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives
- Support equipment selection, installation, and maintenance planning
- Ensure compliance with industry safety and regulatory standards
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)
- Experience with process flow design, value stream mapping, and time studies
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies
- Familiarity with PLCs, automation systems, and industrial equipment
- Strong understanding of materials, tolerances, and production tooling
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
- Strong communication and collaboration across departments
- Detail-oriented approach to documentation and process control
- Ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or related field
Certifications
- Not required
- Preferred: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, PMP (for project-driven roles)
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or process engineering environment
- Experience with ERP systems, SPC tools, or MES platforms
- Industry-specific experience (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical device, food production)
National Average Salary
Manufacturing engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Position is:
$123,456
Sample Job Description Templates for Manufacturing Engineers
Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking an Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer to support production teams in optimizing processes, improving equipment efficiency, and ensuring product quality. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to launch their careers in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and improving manufacturing processes for daily production
- Conduct time studies and collect production data to support efficiency improvements
- Help design jigs, fixtures, and workstation layouts
- Collaborate with senior engineers on process validation and troubleshooting
- Maintain accurate documentation for procedures, drawings, and reports
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
- Basic understanding of lean manufacturing and process improvement principles
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and contribute to cross-functional teams
- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
- Attention to detail and documentation
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering
Certifications
- None required
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or production setting
Mid-Level Manufacturing Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a Mid-Level Manufacturing Engineer to design, implement, and refine manufacturing processes that drive efficiency, reduce waste, and support consistent product quality. This role plays a key part in sustaining high-performance production environments.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement process improvements across assigned production lines
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring issues
- Design fixtures, tools, and workstation layouts to support safety and quality
- Collaborate with product development teams on design-for-manufacturability (DFM)
- Support cost-reduction and yield improvement initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficient in CAD/CAM software and process flow development
- Experience with lean manufacturing, Kaizen events, or Six Sigma tools
- Understanding of quality standards and regulatory requirements (ISO, FDA, etc.)
Soft skills
- Strong communication and documentation abilities
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
- Proactive mindset for continuous improvement
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering
Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead complex process development, manage cross-functional projects, and serve as a technical mentor. This role drives performance improvements across manufacturing systems and helps launch new product lines.
Responsibilities
- Lead process optimization projects and high-impact cost reduction initiatives
- Design and validate production equipment and automation systems
- Serve as subject matter expert for tooling, material flow, and production layout
- Collaborate with quality, maintenance, and design teams on strategic goals
- Coach and mentor junior engineers and technicians
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency in CAD, process modeling, and statistical analysis tools
- Experience implementing lean strategies and production automation
- Strong knowledge of compliance, safety, and manufacturing quality systems
Soft skills
- Leadership in cross-functional initiatives
- Excellent decision-making and strategic planning
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred for R&D-driven environments
Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
- PMP certification is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in process development or advanced manufacturing
Lead Process Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a Lead Process Engineer to oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of complex manufacturing processes across product lines. This role provides technical leadership, drives operational excellence, and ensures the scalability of new and existing processes.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of standardized work procedures and production processes
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks using lean and Six Sigma methodologies
- Guide cross-functional teams through process development for new product launches
- Analyze data and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement
- Ensure full compliance with safety and quality standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process validation
- Familiarity with advanced analytics, process simulation, and statistical control
- Experience with MES/ERP systems and data visualization tools
Soft skills
- Influential leadership and stakeholder management
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills
- Ability to train and mentor engineering and production staff
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering
Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt required
- PMP certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 6+ years of experience in process or manufacturing engineering with leadership responsibilities
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers responsible for improving production efficiency, supporting product launches, and maintaining world-class manufacturing standards. This role balances strategic planning with day-to-day operational support.
Responsibilities
- Oversee all engineering activities related to manufacturing processes and equipment
- Lead continuous improvement projects and cost-saving initiatives
- Support new product introductions and process scaling
- Develop technical training, engineering standards, and process documentation
- Collaborate with operations, quality, and design teams to meet production goals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and industrial automation
- Proven experience managing projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing KPIs
Soft skills
- Strategic leadership and team development
- Effective communicator across all levels of the organization
- High accountability and results-driven approach
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s in engineering or business preferred
Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- PMP certification highly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of manufacturing experience, including 3+ years in a leadership or management role