What does a manufacturing systems engineer do?
A manufacturing systems engineer works to integrate entire manufacturing processes. The role of a manufacturing system engineer includes integrating a wide range of systems from production to supplies and sales, participating in a project from beginning to end, budgeting and performing resource allocation. They must also integrate the manufacturing process to allow for maximum production volume at lower costs and within a shorter time period.
Manufacturing systems engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real manufacturing systems engineer resumes:
- Manage new CNC plasma steel plate cutting work center, product assembly methods, quality standards, & BOM.
- Lead department in internal/external ISO quality environmental audits.
- Lead several independent, cross-functional projects and improve manufacturing quality, reduce cost, ensure environment are supported and FDA compliant.
- Plan and implement PLC maintenance.
- Support line team with PLC and SCADA troubleshooting.
- Release BOM for all the engineering jobs using ERP software.
- Issue ECO for parts, specifications, documentations, BOM's and solid models for products.
- Provide end user training on ERP and SFDM systems to engineers, technicians, and operators.
- Complete the month and year end closing, and provide CPA firm all data for compiling year end taxes.
- Enhance communication processes and business case with all departments to assure manufacturing priorities, QMS, ISO and non-conforming work.
- Implement SPC throughout various fabrication areas to monitor, analyze and improve processes critical to quality/customer requirements.
- Support inventory forecasts, inventory reconciliations, last time buys and consign inventories at contract manufacturers, including sellbacks.
- Demonstrate to the doctors and sale representatives how the catheters are made.
- Develop drainage and access catheters.
- Perform IQ/OQ/PQ to validate mold components and processes by following customer protocols or self develop protocols and complete OQ/PQ validation reports.
Manufacturing systems engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Manufacturing Systems Engineers are proficient in MES, SQL, and Lean Manufacturing. They’re also known for soft skills such as Speaking skills, Writing skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Manufacturing Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- MES, 9%
Implemented and tested new MES features to meet customer's requirement.
- SQL, 8%
Created ASP.Net web pages for data entry and retrieval to/from SQL databases.
- Lean Manufacturing, 6%
Appointed to a by-recommendation-only position with Delphi's in-house Champions for Lean Manufacturing initiatives, modeling the Toyota Production System.
- Project Management, 6%
Project management for manufacturing automation ensuring projects are prioritized and completed on time/within budget.
- Process Control, 5%
Developed in-processing test method for improved process control.
- Sigma, 4%
Hinge Pin Team Member; CPI Six Sigma Project to reduce warranty cost on 992G/K and 993K SBC Pins.
Most manufacturing systems engineers use their skills in "mes," "sql," and "lean manufacturing" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential manufacturing systems engineer responsibilities here:
Speaking skills. The most essential soft skill for a manufacturing systems engineer to carry out their responsibilities is speaking skills. This skill is important for the role because "industrial engineers sometimes have to explain their instructions to production staff or technicians before they can make written instructions available." Additionally, a manufacturing systems engineer resume shows how their duties depend on speaking skills: "represented manufacturing and engineering during the organizations mrp system conversion from maxcim to mk. "
Writing skills. Many manufacturing systems engineer duties rely on writing skills. "industrial engineers must prepare documentation for other engineers or scientists, or for future reference," so a manufacturing systems engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways manufacturing systems engineer responsibilities rely on writing skills: "design of test fixtures and writing of test procedures. "
Creativity. manufacturing systems engineers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to manufacturing systems engineer responsibilities, because "industrial engineers use creativity and ingenuity to design new production processes in many kinds of settings in order to reduce the use of material resources, time, or labor while accomplishing the same goal." A manufacturing systems engineer resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "designed, introduced and maintained kanban inventory control systems in two separate wafer fabs. "
Listening skills. manufacturing systems engineer responsibilities often require "listening skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "these engineers often operate in teams, but they also must solicit feedback from customers, vendors, and production staff." This resume example shows what manufacturing systems engineers do with listening skills on a typical day: "communicated engineering plans, changes and strategies to manufacturing locations to ensure successful launch of various laser printer product lines. "
Math skills. Another crucial skill for a manufacturing systems engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "math skills." A big part of what manufacturing systems engineers relies on this skill, since "industrial engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." How this skill relates to manufacturing systems engineer duties can be seen in an example from a manufacturing systems engineer resume snippet: "experienced in statistics, solidworks and autocad. "
Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a manufacturing systems engineer does. Manufacturing systems engineer responsibilities require this skill because "in designing facilities for manufacturing and processes for providing services, these engineers deal with several issues at once, from workers’ safety to quality assurance." This resume example highlights how manufacturing systems engineer duties rely on this skill: "collaborate with quality assurance and design engineering in providing solutions to rework and repair as well as defining inspection criteria. "
The three companies that hire the most manufacturing systems engineers are:
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Compare different manufacturing systems engineers
Manufacturing systems engineer vs. Tool engineer
A tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, manufacturing systems engineer responsibilities require skills like "mes," "c #," "process control," and "hmi." Meanwhile a typical tool engineer has skills in areas such as "python," "java," "linux," and "jenkins." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Tool engineers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $94,406. Comparatively, manufacturing systems engineers tend to make the most money in the education industry with an average salary of $97,581.tool engineers tend to reach lower levels of education than manufacturing systems engineers. In fact, tool engineers are 5.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Manufacturing systems engineer vs. Engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, manufacturing systems engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "mes," "sql," "lean manufacturing," and "process control." Meanwhile, an engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "python," "cloud," "c++," and "aws." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Engineers may earn a higher salary than manufacturing systems engineers, but engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672. On the other hand, manufacturing systems engineers receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $97,581.In general, engineers achieve similar levels of education than manufacturing systems engineers. They're 0.5% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for manufacturing systems engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Jerry Leth
VP/General Manager, MANA
Manufacturing systems engineer vs. Senior quality engineer
A Senior Quality Engineer ensures that a company's goods meet the quality standards required. They may work in various industries, such as the automobile, textile, clothing, food, and electronics industries.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from manufacturing systems engineer resumes include skills like "mes," "c #," "project management," and "hmi," whereas a senior quality engineer is more likely to list skills in "corrective action," "product quality," "quality system," and "quality standards. "
Senior quality engineers earn the best pay in the professional industry, where they command an average salary of $100,740. Manufacturing systems engineers earn the highest pay from the education industry, with an average salary of $97,581.senior quality engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to manufacturing systems engineers. Specifically, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Manufacturing systems engineer vs. Equipment engineer
The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one's organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers' preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Types of manufacturing systems engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
