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Manufacturing systems engineer

Manufacturing systems engineers design and install manufacturing equipment and assembly production lines.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

weekends on a rota

How to become a Manufacturing systems engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

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

More information

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a degree apprenticeship

More information

More information

Further information

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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
  • you will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

You could find work in any branch of manufacturing, like automotive, food and drink, pharmaceuticals or electronics.

You could work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status.

As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas and streamlining management methods.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Plastics Engineer

  • Wage : £187.00 Weekly
  • Location: Northampton NN3 6LL

Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice

  • Wage : Competitive salary
  • Location: Barrow-in-Furness LA14 1AF
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Engineering (Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering) Level 3 Diploma

  • Provider: Chichester College Group
  • Start date: 02 September 2019
  • Location: Chichester

Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship ( Level 2)

  • Provider: Blackburn College
  • Start date: 03 September 2019
  • Location: BLACKBURN
Find courses near you

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