Manufacturing systems engineer
Design and install the equipment that makes a factory more efficient. This means it can produce high-quality goods while staying environmentally friendly.
About the job
What it's like
As a manufacturing systems engineer, you'll keep production running smoothly in a factory or manufacturing plant.
You'll make sure the production process runs as efficiently as possible. This means the factory or plant can make goods on time – at the right cost and quality.
In this job, you'll work with production managers. Together, you'll maximise what you get from existing systems and develop new ones. You could also get involved in building new manufacturing plants.
Manufacturing systems engineers manage each phase of a project. You'll also oversee work done by technicians and other professionals.
You’ll need to understand manufacturing processes and be able to follow health and safety regulations.
Your tasks might include:
working out the costs for equipment, time and labour
building 3D models with computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software
testing systems and analysing data to find the most cost-effective production methods
presenting plans to managers and clients for their approval
installing new equipment and machinery as well as investigating and fixing production problems
writing operation and training guidelines
Green job
In this job, you may do work to help the environment. You could:
introduce systems that increase energy efficiency
make systems that produce less waste material during manufacturing
use materials that are recyclable or biodegradable
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Tomorrow's Engineers – careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering
WISE – inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
Engineering Council – the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – for more information on engineering careers
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Engineering and manufacturing -
Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- designing
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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Computing Science
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most manufacturing systems engineers have a degree. You can earn a degree by going to university or doing an apprenticeship.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechatronics or Robotics Engineering
Systems Engineering
Product Design Engineering
Electrical or Electronic Engineering
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
An MA is a fantastic route into a Graduate Apprenticeship (GA).
GAs are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering Systems
Mechatronics
Electrical Engineering
Employers value work experience. So, it's very useful if you study courses that provide work placements or internships.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a manufacturing systems engineer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Once you have a job, it may benefit your career if you work towards incorporated or chartered status with a relevant industry body. You could also apply to the Engineering Council.
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