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What is a manufacturing/mechanical engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Steve Hague,
Brian Denton Ph.D.

Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline. It encompasses a lot of activities. As such, mechanical engineers can definitely work in different industries. As long as there are machines in the company or production floor, mechanical engineers are necessary members of the team. This holds true across all industries. One particular industry is manufacturing, where the manufacturing/mechanical engineer specializes.

Manufacturing/mechanical engineers work in the manufacturing setting. They help design machines and equipment that will be used in the facility. Sometimes, they would also propose updates or redesigns on existing machines. Aside from designing, they also create plans to ensure that the mechanical systems of the machines will work properly once the machine is built. Of course, their mandate is to also ensure that the machines can be done in the most efficient and the most economical way for the company.

If you are a graduate of mechanical engineering, you can check out this specialty. You need to have an interest in the manufacturing industry, as well as extensive knowledge of common equipment.

What general advice would you give to a manufacturing/mechanical engineer?

Steve HagueSteve Hague LinkedIn profile

Professor, Cotton Breeder, Texas A&M University

Get as much education as you can. It also is essential that you gain practical experience in the field for two reasons. First, you find out if this is really what you want your career path to look like. Secondly, you need to develop experience points for your resume and build a network of connections. Many jobs are the result of personal recommendations. Internships are a great way to gain this practical experience. If a student is participating in training, they must always go the extra mile. You never know who is watching, and this is how someone can build a reputation that will last a life time. It's essential to be a go-getter.
ScoreManufacturing/Mechanical EngineerUS Average
Salary
5.0

Avg. Salary $64,007

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 14.06%

Black or African American 3.27%

Hispanic or Latino 8.74%

Unknown 4.56%

White 69.26%

Gender

female 9.48%

male 90.52%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Manufacturing/mechanical engineer career paths

Key steps to become a manufacturing/mechanical engineer

  1. Explore manufacturing/mechanical engineer education requirements

    Most common manufacturing/mechanical engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.5 %

    Associate

    14.6 %

    Master's

    7.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific manufacturing/mechanical engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Lean Manufacturing10.40%
    Solidworks7.17%
    Mechanical Systems5.70%
    Corrective Action4.25%
    Hand Tools3.77%
  3. Complete relevant manufacturing/mechanical engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New manufacturing/mechanical engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a manufacturing/mechanical engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manufacturing/mechanical engineer resumes.
  4. Research manufacturing/mechanical engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Collaborate with internal company users to manage software and database improvements.
    • Lead several independent, cross-functional projects and improve manufacturing quality, reduce cost, ensure environment are supported and FDA compliant.
    • Perform lab analysis on parts to confirm FEA solutions.
    • Create schematics and PCB layouts for various product revisions.
  5. Prepare your manufacturing/mechanical engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manufacturing/mechanical engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a manufacturing/mechanical engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable manufacturing/mechanical engineer resume templates

    Build a professional manufacturing/mechanical engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your manufacturing/mechanical engineer resume.
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for manufacturing/mechanical engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a manufacturing/mechanical engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first manufacturing/mechanical engineer job

Zippi

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Average manufacturing/mechanical engineer salary

The average manufacturing/mechanical engineer salary in the United States is $64,007 per year or $31 per hour. Manufacturing/mechanical engineer salaries range between $42,000 and $96,000 per year.

Average manufacturing/mechanical engineer salary
$64,007 Yearly
$30.77 hourly

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How do manufacturing/mechanical engineers rate their job?

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Manufacturing/mechanical engineer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2023
Pros

It can gurantee you a good salary and if you are creative you can do many things.

Cons

you have to be creative.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

The diversity of tasks, interaction with all stakeholders, continuous learning process, communication. Allows great progression in many technical skills

Cons

Stakeholders missing deadlines


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

Being on the field doing running inspections and learning from the technicians

Cons

Being expose to bad weather that compromise the safety of operations.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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