Manufacturing systems engineer

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• manufacturing systems engineering
• electrical or electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering
• production or manufacturing engineering

If you've got another engineering qualification, you could take a postgraduate course like a master's degree in manufacturing systems engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could start by doing a degree apprenticeship in systems engineering or manufacturing engineering.

You could also do a food and drink engineering higher or degreee apprenticeship, if you want to specialise in the food production industry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Further information

You'll find more advice about careers in systems engineering from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers.

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll help manage each phase of a project, overseeing the work of technicians and other professionals. Your duties could include:

• estimating costs for bids and tenders, covering equipment, time and labour
• building 3D models with computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software
• testing systems and analysing data to work out the most cost-effective production methods
• presenting plans to managers and clients for their approval
• installing new equipment and machinery
• investigating and fixing production problems
• drawing up operation and training guidelines

You could work in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.