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Job outlook for manufacturing associate engineers in the United States
Manufacturing associate engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected manufacturing associate engineer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 30,600 new jobs for manufacturing associate engineers are projected over the next decade.
Manufacturing associate engineer salaries have increased 6% for manufacturing associate engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 142,824 manufacturing associate engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 59,464 active manufacturing associate engineer job openings in the US.
The average manufacturing associate engineer salary is $74,120.
Are manufacturing associate engineer jobs in demand?
Manufacturing associate engineer job and salary trends over time
Manufacturing associate engineer jobs over time
Manufacturing associate engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 142,824 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 142,745 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 142,899 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 134,085 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 124,896 | 0.04% |
Average manufacturing associate engineer salary over time
Manufacturing associate engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,120 | $35.63 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $73,345 | $35.26 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $72,529 | $34.87 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $71,562 | $34.40 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $70,254 | $33.78 | +1.0% |
Manufacturing associate engineer jobs by state
Most common states for manufacturing associate engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 228 | 33% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,861 | 27% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 290 | 22% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 204 | 21% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,088 | 20% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,614 | 19% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 794 | 19% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,519 | 18% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,072 | 18% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,025 | 18% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,239 | 17% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 532 | 17% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,056 | 16% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 507 | 16% |
| 15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 100 | 16% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,490 | 15% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,025 | 15% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 709 | 15% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 556 | 15% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 155 | 15% |
Most common cities for manufacturing associate engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Windsor | 1 | 4% | $81,029 |
| 2 | Muskegon | 1 | 3% | $78,726 |
| 3 | Windsor | 1 | 3% | $81,011 |
| 4 | Melbourne | 2 | 2% | $65,860 |
| 5 | Rohnert Park | 1 | 2% | $88,840 |
| 6 | Waltham | 1 | 2% | $81,289 |
| 7 | Palmdale | 2 | 1% | $83,772 |
| 8 | Clarksville | 1 | 1% | $65,678 |
| 9 | Olathe | 1 | 1% | $64,873 |
| 10 | Worcester | 1 | 1% | $81,389 |
| 11 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $79,889 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $65,296 |
| 13 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $82,809 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $83,474 |
Manufacturing Associate Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of manufacturing associate engineer experts
University of New Mexico
Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
San Jose State University
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
North Carolina State University
Oklahoma State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Medical College of Wisconsin
North Dakota State University
Tuskegee University
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Arizona State University
University of Delaware
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Grand Valley State University
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jamie Gomez: Chemical engineers thrive on tackling complex problems and embracing diverse projects, which offer ample opportunities for innovation and career growth. Their work profoundly impacts society, particularly in advancing sustainable technologies. However, the profession can be demanding, with high workloads, regulatory hurdles, and safety challenges. Ethical considerations must also be carefully balanced with industrial growth. Senior chemical engineering students transitioning from capstone design projects often find the experience stressful but invaluable. These projects mirror real-world engineering scenarios and equip them with practical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. Additionally, they gain an understanding of the economic aspects of engineering projects, learning to assess cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility. These competencies are crucial for career success, offering versatility and a wide range of professional opportunities.
Jerry Gintz CMfgE
Teaching ProfessorArizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Associate Engineer?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: When entering a career in manufacturing engineering, consider starting as a technician to gain experience with the company before transitioning into engineering. This will allow you to build confidence and better understand the production systems you will be responsible for as an engineer.
What Manufacturing Associate Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: From a manufacturing engineering perspective, the most important skills an engineer will need is the ability to understand, design, assemble, and deploy production capable systems. This includes an expertise with computer-aided engineering tools to assist in the design and verification of engineered systems before a company expends capital on the equipment.
What will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jerry Gintz CMfgE: From a manufacturing engineering perspective, compensation is normally tied to capability so the more relevant skills a candidate has entering the workforce the higher compensation they can expect to receive. This is especially true in manufacturing given the shortage of qualified engineering talent available for hire. Additionally, consider focusing on industrial automation as a resource to aid efficient production. Manufacturing is always looking to increase efficiency and a foundational knowledge of industrial automation systems will serve you well as you build a career in manufacturing engineering.
What Manufacturing Associate Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Lew: Chemical engineering is a multidisciplinary, technology-driven field that offers a broad set of skills and knowledge. Graduates have many career opportunities to choose from in various industries. The profession is dynamic, well-compensated, and allows for success and growth.
What will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Lew: People like the broad range of career opportunities, the ability to address complex challenges, and the potential for success and growth in various fields. Dislikes may include the complexity of the field and the varied responsibilities that require a unique way of thinking and problem-solving.
What Manufacturing Associate Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martin Sentmanat Ph.D.: My basic advice to students is to keep their options open and to be as adaptable as possible. Because of the breadth and depth of technical acumen that is acquired during their academic formation, Chemical Engineers are represented in a broad spectrum of industries from management consulting to semiconductors to energy and just about every industry in between. As a matter of fact, our students often have more than one job offer when it comes time for graduation.
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor
Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate ProfessorNorth Carolina State University
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Associate Engineer?
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor: Experience with robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, and CNC machining processes. Understanding the emerging roles of data analytics and artificial intelligence in process optimization and quality control.
What Manufacturing Associate Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor: One way to maximize your salary potential is to continue the formal education process by taking graduate engineering or business courses. Many employers reimburse the tuition expenses, and with the increasing availability of online courses you can earn a master's degree in engineering or an MBA one course at a time.
What will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor: I'd encourage students to embrace new technical challenges and opportunities to learn and collaborate in an industrial setting, which can be quite different from the academic setting. I'd emphasize the importance of developing communication and team working skills, and building professional relationships. I'd also encourage students to join professional societies related to their field and keep updated on new manufacturing trends.
Michael Buechler
Professor Manufacturing TechnologyWhat general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Associate Engineer?
Michael Buechler: I counsel my students to know their worth and know the job market. Most important is starting out in a position that challenges you and provides training for future wage and skill growth. Many graduates can get caught in a job that pays the bills but may not provide a path to the next career step. Be ambitious and seek to attain the advanced skills quickly but keep in mind the field is complex and there is a lot to learn. If you are in a high wage position but it does not provide the training or room for advancement it might not be the best career option.
What Manufacturing Associate Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Buechler: Model based definition, highly technical computer skills, 5 axis & familiarity with macros is going to be the future of advanced manufacturing. It is paramount that high skill individuals START with as much set-up experience as possible. In order to command 100k + as a programmer you need to know the correct inputs and physics of the manufacturing program you are making
What will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Buechler: I would suggest beginning career individuals maintain an open mind as to where their carrer leads, they may find interest in areas of manufacturing not previously known or explored by them. Also work especially hard early in your career and try and find an employer that gives you the best opportunity to grow professionally and learn new skills.
What general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Associate Engineer?
Roger Tiemann: The careers available to Chemistry degree holders are wide and vast. They can run the gamut from teaching, water treatment, pharmacologist, geochemist, materials scientist, forensic scientist, oceanographer, chemical technician to chemical engineer. There are other career paths for chemistry grads, too. Such careers include accountant, actuarial sciences, policy makers, and consultants. They can expect to earn anywhere from $34,000.00 a year to $100,000.00 per year upon obtaining an undergraduate degree. As always, the potential to earn more is directly related to the higher your education and we encourage more people to pursue a PhD or Masters in Chemistry.
Jianyu Liang
Director of Materials and Manufacturing Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, WPIWorcester Polytechnic Institute
Materials Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Associate Engineer?
Jianyu Liang: At the start of your career, actively engaging in the manufacturing professional communities to develop an in-depth understanding of the current high-demand areas and the trends in the industry will help you position yourself in high-demand areas. This proactive approach allows you to make informed decisions on obtaining relevant certifications or advanced education, tailoring your skill set to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Proactively engaging in projects and practices to grow your experience. Building a strong professional network and finding mentors in the industry can provide guidance, expose you to new opportunities, and offer insights on navigating your career path effectively. Embracing continuous learning and staying abreast of technological advancements in manufacturing, such as automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing technologies, will ensure you remain a valuable asset to employers. Demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt to new methods and technologies can set you apart in a competitive job market.
What Manufacturing Associate Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jianyu Liang: For manufacturing engineers, the next 3-5 years promise significant evolution due to advancements in technology and changes in manufacturing processes. Here are some skills that are expected to become more important and prevalent in the field: proficiency in automation and robotics, advanced data analysis and data-driven optimization, digital twin technology, additive manufacturing and 3D printing, application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in manufacturing, cybersecurity for manufacturing systems, and supply chain management.
What will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jianyu Liang: Get Your Hands Dirty: There's no substitute for hands-on experience. The lessons learned through direct involvement are invaluable, offering insights and skills that theoretical knowledge alone cannot provide. Embrace every opportunity to participate in projects, volunteer for tasks, and experiment within your role. This proactive approach not only accelerates your learning but also showcases your work ethic and dedication to potential mentors and leaders.
Be Mindful and Intentional in Your Job: While immersing yourself in your work, adopt a reflective practice. Actively seek feedback and analyze your experiences. This intentional approach to learning from every task helps to grow your skills rapidly.
Be Open-Minded and Adaptable: The landscape of nearly every industry is rapidly evolving, particularly with the integration of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies are not just changing the way we work; they are reshaping the skills and roles in demand. Stay open to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to remaining relevant and thriving in a tech-driven workplace. Attend workshops, webinars, and courses on emerging technologies and trends in your field to keep your skills sharp and your perspective fresh.
Cultivate a Professional Network: Building relationships within your industry is crucial. Networking isn't just about finding job opportunities; it's about learning from peers, gaining insights into industry trends, and establishing a support system. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and engage in communities related to your field. These connections can provide guidance, mentorship, and support as you navigate your career path.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Associate Engineer?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: We are currently transitioning to an era where computers are becoming a fundamental part of every field and engineering (especially ME and MET) is one of the more beneficiated fields as well as one that is adopting this transition faster. Thus, as a technical skill, anything related to computers is beneficial for professional development. Computer-aided design (CAD), Data Analysis, Machine learning, and a good awareness of cybersecurity are some examples of computer-based skills that are fundamental for an engineer in our current society. In addition to this, interpersonal skills are also important for an engineer; adaptability, communication, cross-disciplinary knowledge, and project management are some skills that will contribute to building a great engineer.
What Manufacturing Associate Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
What will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
Colin Briskey
Visiting Assistant Professor of VoiceUniversity of Massachusetts - Lowell
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Associate Engineer?
Colin Briskey: While I would give slightly different advice for someone who is soon to graduate, has graduated and is looking for a job, or has graduated and is starting a job, there are some universal pieces of advice that I've found useful.1) Your environment should be full of opportunities. Take advantage of them. Whether there are technical/soft skill training opportunities inside/outside the institution, or opportunities to simply observe a senior personnel doing what you hope to do one day, pursue the opportunities that interest you and match with your professional goals the most. If you find yourself in an organization that doesn't create opportunities for their employees/students, you may want to look for another organization. 2) Along those lines, find your people. There are a seemingly infinite number of quotes that reflect the sentiment, but the idea is that you'll be influenced most by those around you; not the geographical region or the size/shape of your desk. As you look toward your next position/opportunity, consider how the values of that institution match with yours. If they don't, there's no amount of pay and compensation that will keep you happy in that position after 3-5 years.
What Manufacturing Associate Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Colin Briskey: Like the associated curricula, Biomedical Engineering jobs are so multi-disciplinary that this is a difficult question to answer. I'll speak to an emerging intersection within Biomedical Engineering; between cell and tissue engineering and drug development. The FDA has recently gained congressional authorization and further signaled that in vitro models may now serve as Drug Development Tools (DDTs) and, in some cases, take the place of small animal testing. Once the FDA releases the detailed criteria for qualifying in vitro DDTs, there will be a strong push within industry toward developing qualifying tissue models and the internal infrastructure necessary to apply them at scale. The skill sets necessary to thrive in that emerging market will be aseptic culture techniques, development and/or operation of multiplexed bioreactors, extracellular electrophysiology and impedance spectroscopy, and induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation, to name a few. Additionally, there will be new positions related to the regulatory compliance of qualifying and using qualified DDTs.
What will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers increase their earning potential?
Colin Briskey: Like the associated curricula, Biomedical Engineering jobs are so multi-disciplinary that this is a difficult question to answer. I'll speak to an emerging intersection within Biomedical Engineering; between cell and tissue engineering and drug development. The FDA has recently gained congressional authorization and further signaled that in vitro models may now serve as Drug Development Tools (DDTs) and, in some cases, take the place of small animal testing. Once the FDA releases the detailed criteria for qualifying in vitro DDTs, there will be a strong push within industry toward developing qualifying tissue models and the internal infrastructure necessary to apply them at scale. The skill sets necessary to thrive in that emerging market will be aseptic culture techniques, development and/or operation of multiplexed bioreactors, extracellular electrophysiology and impedance spectroscopy, and induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation, to name a few. Additionally, there will be new positions related to the regulatory compliance of qualifying and using qualified DDTs.
Kimberly Henthorn
Department Head & Associate ProfessorRose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Associate Engineers possess?
Kimberly Henthorn: Being good at the technical stuff is important, but being able to effectively communicate is just as critical. Both oral and written communication skills are necessary in order to explain to others what your work means. You also have to be able to work with a team; chemical engineers rarely work alone, so knowing how to work with people in other disciplines to get the job done is important.
Fabrice Jotterand Ph.D.
Professor, Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Director, Graduate Program in Bioethics, Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities; Director, Philosophies of Medical Education Transformation Laboratory (P-METaL), Kern InstituteMedical College of Wisconsin
Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Associate Engineer resumes?
Fabrice Jotterand Ph.D.: Good foundations in ethical theories, clinical experience (for clinical bioethicists), scholarship productivity, research activities relevant to medicine and health care, community engagement.
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorNorth Dakota State University
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Associate Engineers?
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.: An IE must be able to break down complex problems into manageable issues and provide solutions for these problems that face the world in today's complex interconnected systems. A background in statistics, design and analysis, process management, and a strong foundation in the engineering disciplines make this possible.
What skills will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers earn the most?
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.: Good communication and leadership skills that are embedded in their curriculum enable IE's to quickly move up the corporate ladder and become the CEO of the nation's leading companies.
Dr. Michael Curry Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Adjunct Associate Professor of MSE,, Affiliate Member of The Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, and Founder/CEO of Eco-friendly Plastic Materials, LLCTuskegee University
Chemistry, and Material Science Engineering Faculty
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Associate Engineer resumes?
Dr. Michael Curry Ph.D.: -Able to work in team environments
-Excellent critical thinker
-Able to make critical data evaluations and interpretations and process adjustments
-Strong background in chemical processes
-Excellent communicator (writing, talking, reading)
-Strong problem-solving capabilities
-Excellent project manager
-Independent thinker
-Self-starter
Mike DeVore Ph.D.
Professor & Program ChairCincinnati State Technical & Community College
Mechanical Engineering Technology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Associate Engineers?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: -Computer-Aided Design
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes
-A good mathematics foundation
-Technical communication
-Problem solving
David Nielsen Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorArizona State University
School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Associate Engineers possess?
David Nielsen Ph.D.: Communication, teamwork, decision-making.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Associate Engineers?
David Nielsen Ph.D.: Strong fundamental understandings of mass and energy balances, as well as thermodynamics; data analysis.
Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Director, Clinical and Corporate OutreachUniversity of Delaware
Department of Biomedical Engineering
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Associate Engineers possess?
Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.: A positive of the remote working environment is that it can ease the logistical burden of conducting in-person meetings, at least in some cases, but the challenge then becomes effective communication. Given the interdisciplinary audience, clear, effective, and professional communication has always been very important in terms of soft skills for biomedical engineers. An ability to communicate effectively, whether in a remote or in-person environment, be creative despite the challenges of a remote environment, and finally, an ability to adapt and pivot, when necessary, are huge advantages. Most students have had this experience over the past few years, and if they can talk about specific examples pertaining to these skills, that can be very helpful.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Associate Engineers?
Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.: Due to the pandemic and virtual classes, many students may not have received the hands-on exposure to hardware (electrical and/or mechanical, for example) that students generally do. In lieu of that, if students can show that they worked on side projects, whether for labs, companies, or even self-initiated projects, that can help set them apart. These projects could be not only hardware-related but also software-related. It shows that they took the initiative and possess the technical expertise and troubleshooting skills expected of an engineer. Additionally, any experience and exposure pertaining to quality control systems, medical devices and equipment, and the regulatory pathway are extremely useful for biomedical engineers.
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Associate Engineer resumes?
Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.: Often, biomedical engineers must work with an interdisciplinary team composed of medical professionals, patients, and scientists. If students can demonstrate experience or an ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, either through an internship or a project within the curriculum, that can really help them stand out. Most companies and businesses anticipate that fresh graduates will need training on the job, but they do expect that graduates have a clear understanding of engineering fundamentals and will work well in a team setting.
What skills will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers earn the most?
Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.: About 2/3rd of our students seek and obtain employment in business and industry (while 1/3rd pursue higher education) immediately after graduation. Biomedical engineering students at the University of Delaware get hired for the most common positions: associate scientists, quality engineers, test engineers, field engineers, process engineers, and clinical specialists. Salaries tend to vary by location, but anecdotally, compensation in the pharmaceutical and medical device spaces tends to be the highest. Biomedical engineering graduates employed in those spaces are skilled in quantitative modeling of biological processes, computer-aided design, electrical design, biomechanics, biomaterials, and cellular engineering. Exposure to manufacturing and regulatory processes, design of experiments, testing standards and protocols, quality management systems, as well as FMECA (failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis), are a huge plus for biomedical engineers. Finally, regardless of the engineering field, programming and data analysis skills will be extremely important.
Christi Patton Luks
Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic AffairsMissouri University of Science & Technology
Linda & Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Associate Engineers possess?
Christi Patton Luks: Teamwork and communication skills are key! Everything is done with a team. You may be the expert on the process side of the project, but you need to have great communications with the mechanical team, the financial team, and those in operations. Everyone has a slightly different skill set and point of view, so it is critical that you make your concerns clear to the rest of the team, no matter their background. Another helpful soft skill is the ability to work with people from other cultures. Many companies are multinational, or their clients are in different countries. It can be tricky to set up a time to meet as a group when dealing with multiple time zones, but the cultural issues can also be daunting. The best way to build those skills is to get to know people of different backgrounds. A friend whose parents were born in Country X or has done a lot of travel can be incredibly helpful in warning you of cultural pitfalls.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Associate Engineers?
Christi Patton Luks: We teach a lot of facts and theories. All of those are useful, but really the ability to problem solve and pull together the different things you've learned is what makes the difference. When I worked in the industry, I may not have solved a differential equation, but I had solved enough problems in school that I could recognize when the patterns I was seeing in real life had the correct trends. If the trend wasn't what I expected, I got to dig deeper to figure out why. Curiosity and a desire to dig deeper to solve a problem really help.
What skills will help Manufacturing Associate Engineers earn the most?
Christi Patton Luks: Frankly, your GPA may be the biggest driver for your first job out of college. A high GPA gets a lot of attention, but you'll need work experience and activities to convert that into a job offer. If your GPA isn't great, then those extracurricular activities and internships will be what lands you that job. The key is to tell a story about what you got out of each of those experiences. When I was interviewing for my first job, I think I got more interest in the fact that I had helped to organize a local preliminary competition to Miss America than anything else. I hadn't competed! I had just organized the production of the show. I spent just a few weeks working on that project, but it was unusual and demonstrated leadership and organization, and teamwork.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Manufacturing Associate Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Diane LaFreniere: The pandemic has created an enormous opportunity for students to understand the need for adaptability, positivity, and team work. For engineering students, this translates to a broader skillset with the depth and breadth of exposure to transition to interdisciplinary engineering roles that require a strong initiative and willingness to contribute in an individual and group capacity. For employees, this will require an increased awareness and desire to improve computer-related and communication skills to adapt to a flexible or remote work schedule, as well as assume greater responsibility in diverse capacities. For employers, this translates toward revised position descriptions and career paths and recruitment strategies to seek candidates who are equipped to navigate new directions and pivot into a variety of roles within the organization. At Grand Valley State University, we emphasize the need for a strong engineering core with greater specialization for students approaching graduation. The mandatory co-op program and senior capstone experience equips the students with the technical skillset necessary for interdisciplinary engineering teamwork, along with the essential skills necessary to conduct themselves professionally and become future engineering leaders.
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Associate Engineers possess?
Diane LaFreniere: All engineering graduates should possess solid time and organizational management skills, as well as the ability to professionally conduct themselves in a team environment that promotes collaboration and inclusivity and a strong initiative to understand the importance of acquiring and applying new knowledge, using appropriate learning strategies. Given the increased focus on professional skills, one of the major objectives of the GVSU engineering co-op program is to ensure that all students understand the significance of an essential skillset, which is necessary for future professional growth and development, as well as career pivoting with changing interests or demand. At GVSU, we have seen an increased interest in employer-sponsored education aimed at talent development that builds technical and professional expertise, with a focus on a growth mindset, as well as project management, ethics, communications, and teamwork. The GVSU co-op program and senior capstone experience provide a unique opportunity for continuous industrial collaboration to build a strong professional skillset through online modules, curricular projects, classroom instruction, and industry-sponsored project work that reinforce discipline-specific industry work.
How have salaries changed over time for Manufacturing Associate Engineers?
Diane LaFreniere: Given the increased demand for engineering professionals, the salaries have steadily increased with graduating seniors securing positions with base salaries of $65K+. The starting salaries vary slightly depending upon engineering discipline. Students with a greater depth/breadth of knowledge base and experience often receive base offers of $75-80K or more. At Grand Valley, students often review and compare the cost of living when assessing an offer, as the base salary and future salary increases must be considered in connection with local living expenses. In light of the recent health crisis, more candidates are evaluating the standard/cost of living, in addition to the salary, and making decisions accordingly.