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Job outlook for principal manufacturing engineers in the United States
Principal manufacturing engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected principal manufacturing engineer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 30,600 new jobs for principal manufacturing engineers are projected over the next decade.
Principal manufacturing engineer salaries have increased 6% for principal manufacturing engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 123,823 principal manufacturing engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 91,957 active principal manufacturing engineer job openings in the US.
The average principal manufacturing engineer salary is $94,463.
Are principal manufacturing engineer jobs in demand?
Principal manufacturing engineer job and salary trends over time
Principal manufacturing engineer jobs over time
Principal manufacturing engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 123,823 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 124,332 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 124,308 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 116,348 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 108,095 | 0.03% |
Average principal manufacturing engineer salary over time
Principal manufacturing engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $94,463 | $45.41 | +4.4% |
| 2024 | $90,497 | $43.51 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $88,615 | $42.60 | --0.3% |
| 2022 | $88,861 | $42.72 | --0.1% |
| 2021 | $88,907 | $42.74 | +1.5% |
Principal manufacturing engineer jobs by state
Most common states for principal manufacturing engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 288 | 42% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 523 | 39% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,390 | 34% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,820 | 33% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,587 | 31% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,084 | 30% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,560 | 26% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,406 | 25% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 242 | 25% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,428 | 24% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,584 | 23% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 241 | 23% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 418 | 22% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,663 | 21% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 746 | 21% |
| 16 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,619 | 20% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 611 | 20% |
| 18 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,570 | 19% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 326 | 19% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 204 | 19% |
Most common cities for principal manufacturing engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melbourne | 3 | 4% | $85,709 |
| 2 | Lafayette | 1 | 4% | $100,231 |
| 3 | Merrimack | 1 | 4% | $80,624 |
| 4 | Sunnyvale | 4 | 3% | $121,281 |
| 5 | Brooklyn Center | 1 | 3% | $88,226 |
| 6 | Goleta | 1 | 3% | $111,829 |
| 7 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $100,317 |
| 8 | Davenport | 1 | 1% | $74,226 |
| 9 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $92,282 |
| 10 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $80,909 |
| 11 | Milpitas | 1 | 1% | $121,210 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $97,549 |
| 13 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $103,499 |
| 14 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $100,176 |
Principal Manufacturing Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of principal manufacturing engineer experts
Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
Northern Illinois University
North Carolina State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Oklahoma State University
North Dakota State University
Grand Valley State University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
North Dakota State University
University of Denver
Clarkson University
Oregon State University
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
University of Houston - Downtown
George Mason University
Wichita State University
University of California
University of California
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Jerry Gintz CMfgE
Teaching ProfessorArizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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 general advice would you give to a Principal Manufacturing Engineer?
Theodore Hogan PhD, CIH: Engineering Technology B.S. graduates apply both engineering knowledge and industrial management skills to practical problem solving. The day-to-day work includes collaborating with management and line workers to troubleshoot issues along with planning and implementing process improvements. More experienced Engineering Technology graduates apply these people and problem-solving skills to manage traditional engineers and general business operations.
What will help Principal Manufacturing Engineers increase their earning potential?
Theodore Hogan PhD, CIH: Engineering Technology is perceived to be less desirable than Mechanical Engineering or other traditional engineering degrees by both students and parents. Unfortunately, many students miss out on a skills-based career with flexible career options, high pay, and great career satisfaction.
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor
Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate ProfessorNorth Carolina State University
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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.
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 Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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.
What general advice would you give to a Principal Manufacturing Engineer?
Guiping Hu Ph.D.: People like the diversity and flexibility of being an industrial engineer. You can work on all kinds of problems with your industrial engineering skills. However, if you are only looking for a very narrow area in a specific engineering discipline, industrial engineering may not be right for you since we focus on system efficiency improvement and welfare of the workers.
What Principal Manufacturing Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Guiping Hu Ph.D.: Industrial Engineering is a very inclusive, diverse, and dynamic discipline. IE is about choices, other engineering disciplines apply skills to very specific areas. IE gives you the opportunity to work on a variety of businesses. If you are interested in management and interacting with people and improving systems, IE is a great choice for you.
What will help Principal Manufacturing Engineers increase their earning potential?
Guiping Hu Ph.D.: Industrial Engineers design, build, and improve production systems. As IEs, we focus on both the quality of what is made and how it is made. Industrial Engineering is a very inclusive, diverse, and dynamic discipline. Whether it is shortening a roller-coaster line, streamlining an operating room, distributing products world wide or manufacturing superior automobiles, all share the common goal of reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorNorth Dakota State University
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department
What skills will help Principal Manufacturing 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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 Principal Manufacturing 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Principal Manufacturing Engineer job market given the pandemic?
William Cross Ph.D.: The biggest job market trends given the pandemic are working from home, and slightly delayed hiring - in Metallurgical Engineering at SD Mines, it took about 9-12 months for our Spring 2020 graduates to be hired to levels that took less than three months pre-pandemic, although eventually most of our graduates have been placed. The Fall 2020 graduates have seen a similar delay.
I expect some of the work from home will remain into the future, but do not expect the delayed hiring to extend for too much longer. I also expect that in some fields the pandemic has accelerated trends towards greater automation of job functions.
What soft skills should all Principal Manufacturing Engineers possess?
William Cross Ph.D.: The soft skills that all graduates should possess are primarily in communication - speaking/writing clearly, and listening/reading comprehension - and in teamwork skills. Being able to function in a variety of roles on a team is very important to success in many jobs.
How have salaries changed over time for Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
William Cross Ph.D.: This of course depends on the time range to which the question refers. Over the last 4-5 years salaries have been rather flat on average going by SD Mines graduates in Metallurgical Engineering, although this is working off a rather high baseline. SD Mines has been recognized as the top engineering schools in the nation for return on investment, and Metallugical Engineering has an above average starting salary for SD Mines at around $65,000/year.
Andriy Voronov
ProfessorNorth Dakota State University
Coatings and Polymeric Materials Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
Andriy Voronov: Since pandemic is not over yet, there may be only a guess on how significant this impact can be. I think answering this question resonates with more general one, namely, "Will our life after COVID-19 be the same as before?" We all want to be positive about that but are just not certain. Moreover, I think in some professional aspects in most fields, changes are unavoidable. Working from home, attending virtual conferences, taking part in Zoom meetings, even virtual get together with colleagues will most probably remain to be a new post-pandemic working routine, by all advantages and disadvantages this may bring to most recent graduates. Speaking about materials science, I hope and do believe that there will be global and impactful factors other than coronavirus pandemic, such as novel materials trends, technological innovations etc., to take into account for graduates.
How have salaries changed over time for Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
Andriy Voronov: Being materials scientist means being able to do lot of things starting from fundamental research on material properties and characterization up to developing entirely new formulations and modify them to make new products suitable for new applications. One should be prepared to work in research lab, but also in pilot plants, as well as in manufacturing facilities. As for the soft skills, those are critical thinking, problem solving, communication, written and oral, including ability to communicate science to scientists, but also nonscientific audience, also flexibility and adaptability in (always) willing to learn. Although not a soft skill, but rather technical one, do not forget about fundamental knowledge and understanding of materials specifics and properties one works with.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
Andriy Voronov: I think most graduate programs in materials science offer opportunities for interdisciplinary research and educational activities. Their philosophy is to educate and prepare job prospects by providing advanced aspects of work, including extensive collaborations between departments, programs, institutions or with industrial partners. Offering specialized trainings in various areas, graduate programs aim to merge basic and applied research within the certain field. With this said, quit often graduate programs work also with leading industrial scientists who help to provide to the graduates new and practical directions to become competitive at the job market. Answering your question more specifically, graduate programs do target as complementary and comprehensive education as possible. It will be interesting to hear from graduates what courses they took have the biggest impact for them, as well as if they need any additional certifications/licenses and which specifically.
Dr. Matt Howard Gordon Ph.D.
Professor & Chair, Mechanical & Materials EngineeringUniversity of Denver
Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
Dr. Matt Howard Gordon Ph.D.: I think so. At least for a couple years.
What will help Principal Manufacturing Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Matt Howard Gordon Ph.D.: I stress outside the class experiences - internships, undergraduate research, and/or study abroad. I believe all help with earning potential. And maybe students should consider getting their PE.
What's a good job out of college for Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
Dr. Matt Howard Gordon Ph.D.: I think any technical job is a good job for engineers. You build experience, ideally in an area of interest, making it easier to get your next job.
What technical skills for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer stand out to employers?
Tracy Farrell: Technical skills that employers are seeking include "real" computer skills like Microsoft Office Suite tools, proper communication skills via email and website development and postings, developing proper document format that is appropriate to send to stakeholders (i.e., letter formatting, report writing, email formatting); strong communication skills that include speaking professionally and respectfully to stakeholders as well as writing professionally (i.e., making eye contact when speaking, proper handshake, respectful dialogue including questioning); project management - knowing how to organize work and develop a timeline that includes who will be responsible for what and follow through; data analysis - being able to not only present data in an organized and understandable manner; but, be able to interpret data correctly offering the justification behind what they are interpreting and why.
Respectfully, today's graduates do not understand that being able to text and use social media does not prepare them for "real" computer skills. Many students that I have in high school and in college do not have proper writing skills, document formatting skills, or document management skills to know how to save documents properly and where to save to.
What technical skills for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer stand out to employers?
David Blunck Ph.D.: Employers like students who have engineering-related experience. Experience can come through internships, research, jobs, and extra-curricular activities. Graduates need to realize that they will likely apply to jobs where all of the other applicants have the same degrees. So students need to identify ways that they can differentiate themselves. Experience can be a great differentiator.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
David Blunck Ph.D.: Yes, I believe that there will be an enduring impact, just like all major challenges our country has faced (e.g., The Great Depression, WWII, etc). All of us will view the world differently and likely emphasize personal safety and security more. On a more practical basis, this experience has forced us to embrace technology and in the process realize that companies and individuals can successfully approach work and engineering differently. As a result, I think that our modes of communicating, collaborating, and working will be largely altered.
What's a day at work look like for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer?
David Blunck Ph.D.: In the near term, I expect that graduates will wrestle with challenges associated with the pandemic. For example, training, on-boarding, communicating are altered for many fields. Perhaps more challenging is helping companies navigate through financial challenges, and take advantage of new opportunities for growth. While in the short term, it may be a struggle for many graduates, in the long term I think that engineers are well positioned for stable and meaningful employment. At its core, engineering is about problem solving and there will always be many problems that need to solved using engineering skills.
Jonathan Puthoff
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Chemical and Materials Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Principal Manufacturing Engineer 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 Principal Manufacturing Engineer 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 Principal Manufacturing Engineers 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. Maria Benavides Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Chemistry Program Coordinator, Assistant ChairUniversity of Houston - Downtown
College of Sciences and Technology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Principal Manufacturing Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.: Chemistry graduates can work in a broad spectrum of fields: education, government agencies, research laboratories, and industry (oil, chemical, healthcare, pharmaceutical), and these jobs should still be viable options to Chemistry majors, even during the pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, I anticipate a greater number of opportunities arising in the pharmaceutical industry and the drug discovery field.
What skills stand out on Principal Manufacturing Engineer resumes?
Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.: Apart from a good foundation in the chemistry discipline, skills that will stand out on resumes include: experience in various analytical techniques, excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing, ability to work collaboratively (team player), and the ability to think critically to find solutions to problems (problem solving). Another valuable skill nowadays would be to be competent in the use of technology for communication purposes (Zoom, etc.).
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Principal Manufacturing Engineers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.: Texas is a good place for Chemistry graduates, particularly the city of Houston, which houses the largest medical center in the world, and the largest petroleum industry hub in the world. Most of our graduates find employment in the oil industry but also in those companies that provide services to the petroleum industry, such as chemical supply, waste disposal, chemical safety, etc. Our graduates also find employment in the medical research field, in research labs such as the famous UT Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. Lance Sherry Ph.D.
Director, Center for Air Transportation Systems Research Assoc. Professor, System Engineering and Operations Research Dept.George Mason University
What type of skills will young Principal Manufacturing Engineers need?
Dr. Lance Sherry Ph.D.: Critical thinking - don't take things for granted. Instrumentalize the process, and collect the performance data. Analyse the data, and test hypotheses. Once the problem and issue are understood, then, and only then, develop a solution.
Too many times we rush in with a technology solution that does not really solve the problem.
Also go and listen to the stakeholders. Understand their perspectives and account for these perspectives in the design solution.
Too many times we rush in with a technology solution that causes more problems than it solves because we have not truly understood the perspectives of the stakeholders.
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 Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
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 Principal Manufacturing Engineers 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 Principal Manufacturing Engineer 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
Diran Apelian: All of humanity has been impacted by the pandemic - every age, race, and country. For our graduates, it will be a "story" that they will pass on to the next generation someday. Each story will be different, but one theme will be common to all of them: that they learned to be agile, resilient, enterprising, and active learners. There is always a silver lining, and the confidence that they now have in being comfortable with the uncomfortable throughout life is perhaps the greatest and most beneficial impact.
What type of skills will young Principal Manufacturing Engineers need?
Diran Apelian: Talent will be the most in-demand asset in the 21st century. It is not about capitalism or socialism - the 21st century is all about "talentism".
Those graduates who will succeed and lead will have:
an understanding of the human dimension;
the ability to harvest the data revolution;
skills in line with the Industry 4.0 pathways; and
commercial and business acumen.
What experience really stands out on Principal Manufacturing Engineer resumes?
Diran Apelian: Graduates who have never had industry experience are at a disadvantage. Those who stand out have taken risks and have exposed themselves to various engineering venues through summer jobs and various internships. Theory and practice stands out.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Principal Manufacturing Engineers?
Lorenzo Valdevit Ph.D.: As a practical example, the entire capstone design experience has been heavily compromised, as partial or total lab closures due to social distancing guidelines have made the usual design-fabricate-test-optimize model impossible to implement. Students have to think on their feet and restructure their process flow, to put more emphasis on numerical modeling and digital twinning, and to reassess how they break themselves in sub-teams. While this is inconvenient, stressful, and ,perhaps, unpleasant compared to how a traditional capstone design activity could be, the teams who pull it off will demonstrat a level of mental agility invaluable in their future professional life.
What experience really stands out on Principal Manufacturing Engineer resumes?
Lorenzo Valdevit Ph.D.: As the pandemic has made it harder for students to secure these invaluable internships and other industrial experience, we expect the gap between the most marketable students (those who succeeded in securing these experiences against all odds) and everyone else to grow even deeper this hiring season.
What Principal Manufacturing Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kamran Abedini: First of all, I do not recommend a gap year or any interruptions in education as it could require additional warm-up and setup for starting it again in the future. However, if they "need" to do so, I recommend they at least take one course so that they understand the trend and the expectations of students in an educational environment. For example, in the last couple of semesters, both faculty and students have learned and experienced new methods of virtual learning and assessment. If you just plan on coming to school after a few semesters, you would be highly surprised by the changes, taking you much time to prepare, and it would cause falling behind your coursework.
What general advice would you give to a Principal Manufacturing Engineer?
Dr. Kamran Abedini: Larger corporations might have more mentors and give you more time to get familiar with the processes; however, smaller ones need your undivided attention from day one to prove your worth. Both have their own advantages. Learn why you are being hired and work toward satisfying that purpose. Graduates need to be tech-savvy and know how to work remotely. This means a formal work setting at home or taking advantage of remote offices, recently becoming popular for those who want to get out of their homes to feel they are in a working environment. Furthermore, they need to spend more time thinking and taking advantage of cognitive skills as artificial intelligence can substitute natural intelligence, but still, pattern recognition and feeling interpretation is still made by humans. Engineers are tasked to imagine and make a better world. That is what they should wake up thinking every day.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Principal Manufacturing Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Kamran Abedini: For those graduating this academic year, and maybe next, students are almost in the same category as others who graduated in the years before. They have had their hands-on experiences in labs, and the senior-level courses were more theoretical and model analysis, and it should have been the same to them, whether virtual or in person. As such, the industry expectation should be about the same. However, since the pandemic, many have decided to work virtually; the industry will focus on those who are self-motivated and can work alone or with online interactions. This means less supervision, possibly less mentoring for new engineers, and still the same expectations. Recruiters could possibly focus more on the psychological state of the interviewees for jobs than before.
Virtual manufacturing and Industry 4.0 is becoming a reality. Virtual offices for engineers will become norms in the future, and as such, universities should also try to participate in training engineers who are expected to interact online. This means familiarity with communication software, such as Zoom and others, that connects designers, engineers, and management for an entire working day. As computers took the place of common tools of engineers, such as slide rules, virtual 3D tools will be developed to test the quality of manufactured products at the virtual manufacturing plants. Thus, better perception and visual Imagineering are needed for engineers, in addition to their intelligence. In other words, cognitive skills should be more developed in engineering schools and should be more on wisdom and decision making virtually (the same as when an airplane pilot has to learn new skills if he/she is asked to control a flying drone remotely). Productivity standards will be set for virtual work as it was done for manual and office workers in the past.