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Manufacturing systems engineer

Alternative titles for this job include

Manufacturing systems engineers design and install manufacturing machinery and production lines.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 41 a week

You could work

weekends on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Manufacturing systems engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

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

  • 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 master's course 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

College

You could start by completing a college course before going on to do a higher level engineering qualification or an apprenticeship. 

Courses include:

  • mechanical engineering
  • electrical and electronic engineering
  • automation and control engineering
  • T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

There are a lot of engineering apprenticeships available and the one you take will depend on your area of interest, for instance Food and Drink Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

There are also Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships to train as a:

  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Space Systems Engineer
  • Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer

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

More Information

Further information

You can find more advice about careers in manufacturing systems engineering from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • 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 confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a manufacturing systems engineer, you could:

  • produce design and engineering plans for new installations and equipment
  • build models using computer aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) software
  • test systems and analyse data to improve production methods
  • manage projects, budgets and a team of engineers and technicians
  • give progress reports to senior managers

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could work in any branch of manufacturing, like:

  • vehicles
  • food and drink
  • pharmaceuticals
  • electronics
  • aerospace

With experience, you could become a lead or senior engineer on projects.

You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status with the professional body associated with your branch of engineering.

This would give you industry recognition of your skills and knowledge and open up further opportunities for career development.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Rolls-Royce Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Derby, UK

  • Wage: £20,735 a year Annually
  • Location: Derby

Rolls-Royce Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Bristol, UK

  • Wage: £20,735 a year Annually
  • Location: Bristol
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Manufacturing Engineering HNC Diploma

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Smith's Wood

HNC Engineering (Manufacturing)

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Maidstone
Find courses near you

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