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What is a manufacturing test engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Fred Garber Ph.D.

Manufacturing test engineers are responsible for testing products developed by their company and making sure they meet industry standards.

Main duties and responsibilities of a manufacturing test engineer are conducting comparative studies, testing materials used for manufacturing, determining product shortcomings, making reports for products, and training junior engineers. Essential skills required for the position include accuracy, attention to detail, problem solving, and computer competencies. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in the engineering field; although, a master's degree is more desirable by most employers. Moreover, prior relevant work experience in a related field is also essential.

The average hourly pay for this position is $44.17, which amounts to $91,868 annually. The career is expected to grow in the coming years and create new opportunities across the United States.

What general advice would you give to a manufacturing test engineer?

Fred Garber Ph.D.Fred Garber Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University

I think the primary question, in the minds of those who are yet to graduate or are still searching, is in regard to the strength of the technical job market, especially the local job market. But you are in a position to definitively answer that question.

In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.

Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.

Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.
ScoreManufacturing Test EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $98,285

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 15.45%

Black or African American 4.29%

Hispanic or Latino 10.52%

Unknown 3.88%

White 65.69%

Gender

female 8.88%

male 91.12%

Age - 41
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 - 41
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Manufacturing test engineer career paths

Key steps to become a manufacturing test engineer

  1. Explore manufacturing test engineer education requirements

    Most common manufacturing test engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.0 %

    Associate

    20.3 %

    Master's

    7.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific manufacturing test engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Test Equipment5.52%
    LabVIEW4.99%
    Troubleshoot4.18%
    C++4.01%
    Test Fixtures3.46%
  3. Complete relevant manufacturing test engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New manufacturing test 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 test engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manufacturing test engineer resumes.
  4. Research manufacturing test engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Collaborate with internal company users to manage software and database improvements.
    • Used Altera development tools for several FPGA designs (( VHDL).
    • Lead the implementation of the new or transferring test production equipment and procedures for NPI.
    • Multi-Task to support procurement of test fixture/equipment/instrument and a debug test program for the HP3070/GR228X ICT tester.
  5. Prepare your manufacturing test engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manufacturing test 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 test 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 test engineer resume templates

    Build a professional manufacturing test 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 test engineer resume.
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
    Manufacturing Test Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for manufacturing test engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a manufacturing test 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 test engineer job

Zippi

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Average manufacturing test engineer salary

The average manufacturing test engineer salary in the United States is $98,285 per year or $47 per hour. Manufacturing test engineer salaries range between $71,000 and $134,000 per year.

Average manufacturing test engineer salary
$98,285 Yearly
$47.25 hourly

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How do manufacturing test engineers rate their job?

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Manufacturing test engineer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

continuous learning

Cons

low scale pay which is not so good for the years of experience


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Cons

Can be managed accordingly situation.


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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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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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