To work as a manufacturing engineer, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent;
- 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 (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching manufacturing engineering you need a PhD. 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.