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Manufacturing engineers (sometimes known as production engineers) are concerned with all stages of the conversion of raw materials into usable products either for the general public or for other industries.

In some instances, the job is very similar to that of a mechanical engineer but more concerned with broad manufacturing technology. The work involves overseeing the production processes and systems involved in making any sort of manufactured goods, perhaps using robotics or other computer driven equipment. Manufacturing engineers could be mainly concerned with designing, testing and maintaining the equipment itself or with the design and layout of the plant in a factory. In order to present products to the marketplace at the time, price and quality that the customer expects, they need a wide range of knowledge and skills, from product design, marketing and accounting to management, economics and finance.

Experienced manufacturing engineers usually achieve either incorporated or chartered status. Broadly speaking, incorporated engineers specialise in applying modern technology, while chartered engineers focus more on research and development or manufacture and installation.

 

Entry level

Although it is possible to begin training for craft or technician level jobs straight from school with good GCSEs/S grades in English, maths and science, the normal way to train as a professional engineer is to study full time at university or college for a first degree. Entry is with at least two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications, plus five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). At many universities, you can take a one-year foundation course if you don't have the necessary background in science and maths.

Graduate apprenticeships in engineering may be available in England, bringing together study at degree or diploma level with structured work-based learning.

 

Making the grade

To qualify as an incorporated manufacturing engineer, you should, having successfully completed an accredited three-year BEng degree or equivalent qualification, undertake a period of initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience. You would then have to pass a professional review, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.

To qualify as a chartered manufacturing engineer, you must have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification, complete a period of initial professional development, which includes training and professional engineering experience, and pass a professional review with an interview, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.