Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for manufacturing engineering managers in the United States
Manufacturing engineering manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected manufacturing engineering manager job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 4,400 new jobs for manufacturing engineering managers are projected over the next decade.
Manufacturing engineering manager salaries have increased 11% for manufacturing engineering managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 171,927 manufacturing engineering managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 83,671 active manufacturing engineering manager job openings in the US.
The average manufacturing engineering manager salary is $112,535.
Are manufacturing engineering manager jobs in demand?
Manufacturing engineering manager job and salary trends over time
Manufacturing engineering manager jobs over time
Manufacturing engineering manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 171,927 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 174,590 | 0.05% |
| 2019 | 174,184 | 0.05% |
| 2018 | 164,801 | 0.05% |
| 2017 | 154,465 | 0.05% |
Average manufacturing engineering manager salary over time
Manufacturing engineering manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $112,535 | $54.10 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $108,998 | $52.40 | +2.9% |
| 2024 | $105,935 | $50.93 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $103,647 | $49.83 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $101,397 | $48.75 | +1.5% |
Manufacturing engineering manager jobs by state
Most common states for manufacturing engineering managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 259 | 37% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,856 | 27% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 343 | 26% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 264 | 25% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 137 | 24% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 972 | 23% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 209 | 22% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 167 | 22% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,175 | 21% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 625 | 20% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,431 | 19% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,081 | 19% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,550 | 18% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,021 | 17% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 622 | 17% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 522 | 17% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 308 | 17% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 150 | 17% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 124 | 17% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 283 | 16% |
Most common cities for manufacturing engineering managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicopee | 3 | 5% | $109,913 |
| 2 | Athens | 1 | 4% | $106,988 |
| 3 | Palmdale | 4 | 3% | $152,022 |
| 4 | Andover | 1 | 3% | $108,656 |
| 5 | Aliso Viejo | 1 | 2% | $147,457 |
| 6 | Irvine | 2 | 1% | $148,107 |
| 7 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $95,655 |
| 8 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $150,898 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $96,454 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $96,242 |
| 11 | San Jose | 2 | 0% | $160,465 |
| 12 | Anaheim | 1 | 0% | $149,121 |
| 13 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $102,917 |
Manufacturing Engineering Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of manufacturing engineering manager experts
Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
North Carolina State University
Pennsylvania State University - Abington
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of Iowa
University of Maryland - College Park
San Jose State University
Chapman University
Clemson University
Ohio University
York College of Pennsylvania
Kettering University
Grand Valley State University
Union College
University of Utah
California State University - Sacramento
University of Pittsburgh
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Wichita State University
Jerry Gintz CMfgE
Teaching ProfessorArizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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.
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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 will help Manufacturing Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Yi Yang PhD: First of all, be really good at what you do. Always negotiate for a higher salary based on your qualifications and market value. Additionally, consider exploring opportunities in management and actively contribute to strategic decision-making. Taking calculated risks, such as joining a startup, can also lead to valuable experiences and skill development that can enhance your earning potential in the long run.
What general advice would you give to a Manufacturing Engineering Manager?
Yi Yang PhD: For new graduates beginning their careers in engineering, I would advise them to consider the broader impact of their work and look for opportunities to expand their management potential. While engineering is a highly technical field, it's important to recognize the value of leadership roles in preserving a culture of innovation. By taking on these positions, you can help ensure that companies prioritize long-term innovation over short-term gains (cutting R&D to boost the balance sheet), thus preserving the engineering culture that drives meaningful progress.
What Manufacturing Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yi Yang PhD: In the next 3-5 years, I believe management skills will become increasingly important. Engineers who can bridge the gap between technical complexity and business strategy, driving innovation and growth in their organizations will be very valuable.
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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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.
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Engineering Manager resumes?
Casey DeRoo Ph.D.: Rather than a concrete skill, previous experience in managing teams to accomplish engineering-related tasks is sure to make you a standout. Showcasing familiarity with work management software (e.g., Jira) or budget/total effort tracking systems is important. Find out what software the company you're seeking employment with uses, and be sure to highlight this if you're familiar with it.
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Engineering Managers possess?
Casey DeRoo Ph.D.: The ability to understand the people on your team and allocate project work accordingly is important. In this role, you may find that you "step back" from the day-to-day of engineering and coordinate work on a project across multiple individuals with unique outlooks and skillsets. Recognize that "one size doesn't fit all" when it comes to management. Harnessing the make-up or the desired professional goals of your team to accomplish your assigned projects leads to better outcomes and productivity. Many skilled engineers lack leadership skills, so highlight these on your resume or during your interview if you have applicable experience.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Engineering Managers?
Casey DeRoo Ph.D.: For a large company, familiarity with work management software is essential. Tasks are assigned, issues are noted, and effort tracked/billed all through these kinds of platforms. As Operations Manager, you'll be the one checking to ensure all tasks are assigned and are completed in a timely fashion, and may even be the one breaking up a project into initial tasks first.
What skills will help Manufacturing Engineering Managers earn the most?
Casey DeRoo Ph.D.: Pay tends to scale with project team size or complexity of the budget managed. Showing an ability to lead large, diverse teams on projects with multiple stakeholders or manage a substantial annual budget will net you jobs with a larger starting salary.
Donald Yeung
Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, Affiliate Professor, Computer Science DepartmentUniversity of Maryland - College Park
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
What skills will help Manufacturing Engineering Managers earn the most?
Donald Yeung: Finally, in terms of compensation, I believe the Computer Engineering degree in our department garners the highest average starting salary across the entire UMD campus. The Electrical Engineering degree is not far behind. I don't know if specific skills within ECE garner more pay. But I can say that these days, Data Science (i.e., Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence) is the fastest-growing field, probably bar none. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, I think, puts the growth in this field at around 30% from now until 2026. I would expect the starting salaries in these jobs to be the very highest. So, perhaps having a background in Data Science and Machine Learning might get you a higher-paying job. But I also think it's dangerous for students to look at such statistics to guide what courses they take today (elective courses, that is). What's hot today may not be tomorrow. A career is 40 years, not the next 5 or 10 years.
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Engineering Manager resumes?
Donald Yeung: A degree at a highly rated engineering school is always a plus. For example, the ECE dept at UMD has a good reputation among local employers as well as employers elsewhere, such as Silicon Valley. Many of our students go to companies in these areas, and so we have a reputation based on the quality of students that go out. I think employers know what they're getting. Beyond the school from which you receive your degree, your GPA is also important. How well you do in the program you come from is important, too, obviously. And employers also know about grade inflation or deflation at different schools, so they can calibrate any student's GPA against what experience they've had with previous students' records. Besides that, employers also look for experience outside of the degree program, so internships, research experiences, any significant project experience, etc., are also a real plus.
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Engineering Managers possess?
Donald Yeung: In terms of soft skills, communication is by far the most important, I would think. This could be ascertained during the interview process. Also, being able to work in a team is a plus, too. This might be demonstrable from large project experiences. For example, our students participate in teaming projects outside of the ECE program like Terp Racing, Hyperloop project, etc. This could demonstrate a student's exposure to working on large teams.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Engineering Managers?
Donald Yeung: In terms of hard technical skills, I believe the courses students take along with their GPA in these courses is one level of demonstration. (As I mentioned above, employers know about our program probably down to specific courses, and so if someone gets an A+ in some notoriously challenging course, that's probably known and appreciated). Some employers will give technical interviews and require students to solve problems on their feet. But I think most employers will judge this based on a student's transcript.
Yasser Dessouky
Professor and ChairSan Jose State University
Industrial and Systems Engineering
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Engineering Manager resumes?
Yasser Dessouky: Besides being very comfortable with various professional social-media platforms, the new engineering students must embrace developing their skills in artificial intelligence and data science techniques. Besides being an excellent team member, today's remote world requires engineers to have independent problem-solving skills for a career to thrive.
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Engineering Manager resumes?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: -Classroom or work-related experience with electrical circuit design and electrical schematic analysis
-Exposure to control system design and theory, communications systems principles
-Lab experience with power/analog electronics testing or test methodology
-Understanding of digital design using hardware verification languages: System Verilog
-Experience leading engineering projects
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Engineering Managers possess?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: -Good communication skills
-Ability to exercise critical thinking and innovative problem solving
-Able to work under supervision and mentoring
-Works well in a team-oriented environment
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Engineering Managers?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: -Experience/exposure to Automated Test Equipment (ATE) -Setup/Programming
-Understanding of basic software architectures and general syntax of coding languages such as C/C++
-Knowledge using Linux or Unix terminal commands
-Experience using Revision Control Systems: Subversion (SVN), CVS, Git.
-Exposure to System on Chip (SoC) hardware/software
-Experience with Robot Operating System (ROS) or equivalent is a bonus
What skills will help Manufacturing Engineering Managers earn the most?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: Skill sets that span domain disciplines are very much in demand. Such as a computer architect or electrical engineer with a strong background in software development
Dr. John Ballato
J. E. Sirrine Endowed Chair and ProfessorClemson University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
What hard/technical skills are most important for Manufacturing Engineering Managers?
Dr. John Ballato: Important hard/technical skills really depend on the nature of the job/position and the organization. This really relates back to the What Skills Stand Out question. Employers want to know that employees have the requisite "toolbox" of basic skills and a willingness and aptitude to learn on the job. No person comes out of school with all the skills and experiences needed for a given job, so organizations inevitably continue to provide training on product-specific skills. Knowing how to learn, wanting to learn, and admitting what you don't know are as important, if not more so, than any hard/technical skills one gains during their education.
What skills will help Manufacturing Engineering Managers earn the most?
Dr. John Ballato: Here, too, the answer depends on the field, job position (and location), and organization. MSE graduates generally are well compensated compared to other engineering fields. The most important thing is that you wake up every morning and are excited about the work you're doing. There's no substitute for enjoying your work, regardless of how much you are paid.
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Engineering Manager resumes?
Dr. John Ballato: The phrase "well rounded" may be getting old, but it's still true. We like to see graduates who didn't just go to class but worked in a laboratory or did a co-op/internship and had various extra-curricular activities, both personal and professional. Remember that materials science and engineering are leveraging computer science more and more, whether through atomistic or microstructural modeling or newer technologies such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). So having some familiarity with those and how they complement experimental/hands-on studies are helpful.
Another point about skills that stand out is a simple one - do your homework. There are few things more irritating than receiving a resume or email asking for a job, and the student clearly didn't care enough to look up what we do. The resume is a copy and paste and isn't personalized to the specific position, Group, or company. That stands out like a sore thumb.
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Engineering Managers possess?
Dr. John Ballato: To me, the most important soft skill has always been communication. And, due to the pandemic where people have had to isolate and possibly quarantine, effective communications are even that much more critical. We're spending less face-to-face time and more screen-to-screen time, which gets boring quickly. So, paying attention, being clear and concise in your communications since you don't have the opportunities as often now to simply walk into someone's lab or office and talk through ideas and next steps. Effective communications are also especially important in materials science and engineering because our field is innately interdisciplinary. This means that you might be the only materials scientist on a team that includes marketing, sales, manufacturing, etc. Knowing your audience, including your project team, and learning how to communicate with them is critical.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Manufacturing Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Robert Williams Ph.D.: Clearly a huge change we have seen in the past year, that will have some impact into the future, is widespread telecommuting, i.e. working from home. For employees just entering the job market in 2021, they have my sympathy - I think it would be very hard to start in a new job with only meeting your co-workers and boss via Zoom or Teams. On the other hand, in my own experience as a (reluctant but necessary) remote on-line educator, my time on the job daily is much ore efficient in working from home. Some of my engineer friends in industry have said the same thing, they are much more efficient working from home rather than in the lab, office, or plant.
What technical skills for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager stand out to employers?
Robert Williams Ph.D.: Modeling, simulation, CAD software; problem solving; design based on analysis and experiment; computer skills; the ability to learn new software.
Tristan Ericson Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorYork College of Pennsylvania
Civil and Mechanical Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Manufacturing Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Tristan Ericson Ph.D.: Engineering jobs will still be available. Some companies are struggling in the pandemic, but some are thriving. Our students are still able to find co-ops, and our graduates are still finding jobs. The market has slowed a bit, but not as much as I expected. Rather, we see a shift in job availability as the need for different technologies changes. Most of our summer 2020 graduating seniors found jobs. It took more time for some of them to secure employment than typical, but their ultimate success rate was higher than I would have anticipated in such an uncertain time. Going forward, I think the need for engineering jobs will gradually increase to levels higher than pre-pandemic. Consider the Biden administration's ambitious infrastructure goals. These alone will place increased demand on engineering, but they are also a broader indicator of society's increased need for innovation and product development. The push for vehicle electrification will provide many new job opportunities in that staple industry.
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Engineering Managers possess?
Tristan Ericson Ph.D.: We follow engineering students on co-ops and ask employers about what skills graduates must have. Communication skills are consistently cited. This will be even more necessary going forward as more communication is conducted electronically. I always tell students that you could be the best engineering in the world, but it will be no value to you or anyone else if you can't articulate and advocate for your ideas.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Manufacturing Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Patrick Atkinson: In the new normal, it seems that companies are looking for employees who are adaptable. Working remotely, amidst the home environment is different from the traditional office environment, but humans are elastic, and we find ways to carry on. Personally, I like the flexibility it provides and I am also up for a challenge. The pandemic has been a disruptor, but it is up to the optimist in all of us to look at this disruption as an opportunity to hit the refresh button. One key area that was unexpected to me was that the attendance for meetings has approached 100%. People are communicating more than ever. As such, employees who can listen and contribute in a constructive fashion are valuable members of the team. That doesn't mean that everyone in a team has to have the same skills, but it would be a good idea to have a few people in each group who work well in an online discussion.
What technical skills for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager stand out to employers?
Patrick Atkinson: Broadly speaking, employers are looking for employees who can jump in, take on a project and move things forward. Since engineers are data-driven, knowing how to read and interpret findings from a variety of sources is key. This can be very challenging if the data conflicts between sources or the data is unclear. Whether the data is from a mathematical model, a physical test laboratory, or from the field, learning how to synthesize the findings and balance the strengths/weaknesses of a given data source are key. At the end of the day, every project needs a way forward and it is the engineer's job to optimize a design to meet the objectives for the product.
How have salaries changed over time for Manufacturing Engineering Managers?
Patrick Atkinson: To my knowledge, salaries continue to be strong. Jobs like Biomedical Engineering tend to be more insulated from market fluctuations since people always need healthcare.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Manufacturing Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Managers?
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.
Ronald Bucinell Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical EngineersUnion College
Department of Mechanical Engineering
What soft skills should all Manufacturing Engineering Managers possess?
Ronald Bucinell Ph.D.: To be a good designer you need to have a human center perspective. What I mean is that you need to understand problems beyond the technical specifications. Being a human-centered engineer requires breath in education, a strong liberal arts component to an engineer's education. Engineering professionals are constantly selling their ideas to clients, employers, and colleagues, written and oral communication are critical to a successful career as an engineer.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Manufacturing Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Bruce Gale Ph.D.: As automation, information sharing, and software continue to become more important in response to the pandemic, engineers with programming skills will become ever more valuable. As a corollary, there is significant interest in increasing automation in factories, which will lead to additional opportunities in systems engineering for complex tools.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Manufacturing Engineering Managers?
Bruce Gale Ph.D.: Any engineering degree is a good one. Adding certifications related to software is a big plus. A systems certificate is important to large government contractors.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Manufacturing Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Steven Fernandez: No sure, with respect to mechanical engineering there is so many variables as to what new trends ME grads can experience. One of the greatest challenges Mechanical Engineering students face is the broadness of the field of study they have chosen. Surprisingly, many ME grads find themselves at a bit of a loss as to what carrier path to choose when they finally get their degree. As a mechanical engineer you can be designing anything from a supersonic missile, to a food processing line, in multiple functions. Mechanical engineers can be project engineers, design engineers, operation engineers, or manufacturing engineers with all options in just one industrial field. Each industrial field is affected differently by the pandemic. Take Space X, Google, Amazon, and Raytheon which are all industries ME's work in. These company seem to be doing the same if not better during the pandemic. How about the bicycle industry? With more families at home looking for activities there is a backlog of bicycles as the manufacturers cannot keep up with the orders. Try and order a NordicTrack treadmill, or a concept-2 rowing machine and you will be put on a waiting list due to the shortage of supply. Mechanical engineers work in all these industries. On the flip side look at some industries tied to travel and vacation. Yes, Boeing took a hit because of their 737 planes being grounded, but also because of the massive decrease in flight travel. So, all that said, I would say the pandemic trend for now would follow the course as such; industries which are negatively affected due to the loss of public activities will continue to struggle or have slow growth, while other industries where the mass public has been redirected will flourish and grow.
What type of skills will young Manufacturing Engineering Managers need?
Matthew Barry Ph.D.: There are many skills young graduates will need when entering the workforce in the coming years. One of the most important is the use of software, particularly Computer Aided Design (CAD) software in any platform (SolidWorks, CATIA, Autodesk, etc.). CAD is ubiquitous in most engineering jobs and is used by most employees, from draftsmen and machinists to engineers. Students that can proficiently use CAD for constructing parts, models, to set up tooling (such as CAMWorks), construct PCBs, and to do basic analyses (such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), vibrational analyses and the like) have a tremendous hiring advantage over students that lack these skills. Additionally, students that have experience and proficiency with FEA and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software are in high demand. Finally, in terms of software, students that are able to code (and it doesn't matter what language or software, whether its MATLAB, C, C++, Java, Python) are needed. Most companies develop their own in-house codes and routines to do basic, repetitive tasks, or to develop models that are used in design and analysis. Being able to code is a highly desirable skill. Lastly, students should have some skills and experiences when it comes to hands-on activities. Being a modern engineer requires being able to not only design and analyze something, but to be able to figure out the tooling, assembly, and repair of various components. Having hands-on experience, whether it is with electrical circuitry, machining physical parts, or printing and assembling prototypes, indicates high levels of spatial reasoning, and is a sought after skill by employers.
What experience really stands out on Manufacturing Engineering Manager resumes?
Matthew Barry Ph.D.: What really stands out on a resume to me is anything related to hands-on experience. I honestly prefer students and potential employees that have hands-on experience and ok grade point averages (GPAs) compared to students with high GPAs and no hands-on experience. And this hands-on experience does not have to come from internships or co-ops, but could be the result of participating in clubs, or being part of a Makerspace, either as a mentor, or a user.
Jonathan Puthoff
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Chemical and Materials Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Manufacturing Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Jonathan Puthoff: I predict a reconsideration of what "attendance" means in a workplace. Knowledge workers have always had some leeway to work from home, but workplaces that have found near-universal remote collaboration congenial may consciously move toward that model. Workers who are afforded more options to work from home should consider carefully the level of support that their employer provides for doing this and should be prepared to negotiate over the exact terms.
What skills stand out on Manufacturing Engineering Manager resumes?
Jonathan Puthoff: Collaboration and communication skills. I also think that students should graduate knowing at least one field-specific software design tool or package, as well as some evidence that they can learn more on the job. Finally, workplaces are more diverse in terms of the generations, ethnicities, and genders represented than they have been at any time in the past, so students who have a wide variety of out-of-classroom experiences (and presumably make more considerate colleagues) could do well to highlight those.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Manufacturing Engineering Managers to find work opportunities?
Jonathan Puthoff: I always encourage students to look as far afield as their personal circumstances and skill set can accommodate. Geography is a relatively minor constraint in a world with well-developed travel and telework options. I also anticipate that early- and mid-career relocation will be an option or requirement at some point for most tech workers. For these reasons, I think that associating particular opportunities with particular regions might not be a good strategy in an entry-level job search. Graduates should rather identify opportunities and ask "Can I see myself working in this region for the opening years of my career?", understanding that the location will likely change depending on factors both internal and external to their employer.
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWichita State University
School of Accountancy, Barton School of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Manufacturing Engineering Managers?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: The enduring impact of this pandemic on graduates will be directly related to how this pandemic has affected the society at large.
Any cataclysmic event like this tests the resilience of societies to the limit. These events highlight the best and the worst of the society that we live in. Like Spanish Flu more than one hundred years ago, we can learn from this crisis. For example, a lack of the public health facilities in 1918, at the time Spanish flu pandemic spread, led to a significant improvement in public health in subsequent decades. Similarly, coronavirus has highlighted that our society suffers from great inequalities. The differential impact of this pandemic shows that our society has big economic, racial, and digital divides. Because of these inequalities, some members of the society have been minimally affected, while others have paid a much greater cost. The coronavirus pandemic focuses spotlight on these issues. I hope that in subsequent years, we, as a society, will spend our energies on solving these problems.
Our graduates will experience at a personal level what is happening at the society level. Most of our graduates today were young kids when the Great Recession impacted their parents' jobs. Some were too young when 9/11 happened nineteen years ago. The coronavirus pandemic is the first big crisis many of them have faced as adults. They will see the issues mentioned earlier in their own jobs, families, and friends. It will change the way they look at the world. They will be more motivated to be a part of the solution to the problems they see in the society. They will be more socially active and realize that people must work together. They will be more proactive to make changes in the world we live in, whether to improve economic, social, and racial justice or to deal with climate change. For employers, this means that to retain a talented workforce they will have to align their actions more towards what benefits the society than just shareholders.
What type of skills will young Manufacturing Engineering Managers need?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: The work environment has changed drastically over the past three decades due to the faster pace of innovation and shorter product lifecycles. This has a direct impact on what young graduates need to succeed in the future. The primary skill needed is the ability to learn quickly. The skills that a graduate acquires in college will become obsolete in a few years, so they should not count on those skills as a means for financial security for life. In this environment, flexibility is the key to success: flexibility to learn new skills, flexibility to work in a new and different business environment, and flexibility to work with others. We face very complex problems, and to solve these problems, we need teams rather than individuals to solve them. This highlights the importance of critical thinking, multi-disciplinary vision, and communication skills.
What experience really stands out on Manufacturing Engineering Manager resumes?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: Employers are looking for people who can integrate in multi-disciplinary environments to solve complex problems. They are looking for resumes that show quick learning. Such resumes will permanently be in great demand. Because the world is interconnected much more than it ever was, employees today will deal with customers, supply-chains, and fellow employees who are spread all over the world. It means that an experience that showcases the global perspective will be in demand over the long-term.