Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Senior manufacturing process engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior manufacturing process engineer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 30,600 new jobs for senior manufacturing process engineers are projected over the next decade.
Senior manufacturing process engineer salaries have increased 6% for senior manufacturing process engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 183,952 senior manufacturing process engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 75,273 active senior manufacturing process engineer job openings in the US.
The average senior manufacturing process engineer salary is $94,308.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 183,952 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 183,669 | 0.05% |
| 2019 | 183,942 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 173,486 | 0.05% |
| 2017 | 162,362 | 0.05% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $94,308 | $45.34 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $93,322 | $44.87 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $92,283 | $44.37 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $91,053 | $43.78 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $89,389 | $42.98 | +1.0% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,130 | 31% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 214 | 31% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 362 | 27% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,358 | 24% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 214 | 20% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,466 | 19% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 803 | 19% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 595 | 19% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 180 | 19% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 121 | 19% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,872 | 18% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,514 | 18% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 991 | 18% |
| 14 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,143 | 17% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,056 | 17% |
| 16 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 806 | 17% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 126 | 17% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 909 | 16% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 558 | 16% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,107 | 15% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliso Viejo | 2 | 4% | $113,384 |
| 2 | Buffalo Grove | 1 | 2% | $90,926 |
| 3 | Casa Grande | 1 | 2% | $98,177 |
| 4 | East Hartford | 1 | 2% | $96,604 |
| 5 | Pensacola | 1 | 2% | $108,929 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $94,119 |
| 7 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $77,804 |
| 8 | Melbourne | 1 | 1% | $108,050 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $93,060 |
| 10 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $108,262 |
Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Maryland - College Park
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Northern Illinois University
North Carolina State University
Marshall University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Oklahoma State University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

University of Hawaii at Manoa
York College of Pennsylvania
Xavier University

Missouri State University

Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Jiayue Shen: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in Mechanical Engineering Technology, contemplate acquiring certifications like the FE or PE license, or additional training in high-demand specialized areas such as semiconductors. Moreover, gaining practical experience through academic clubs, undergraduate research, internships, or co-op programs can increase your appeal to employers, potentially resulting in higher salary offers.
Jiayue Shen: It's essential to stay curious and eager to learn, as the field is continually evolving. Keeping abreast of the latest technologies and trends through seeking out learning opportunities and maintaining a curiosity about new developments is crucial. Additionally, building a robust professional network and seeking mentorship can offer valuable insights and guidance. Embracing interdisciplinary projects is also key, as the field is expanding beyond purely mechanical aspects. Being dynamic and proactive in interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds will be beneficial, as collaboration across disciplines is increasingly important in this field.
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
Manufacturing Engineering
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.
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.
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. James Rawlins: The career field is ripe for students that want to solve problems and be rewarded for doing so consistently. There is a current shortage of STEM related recent graduates based upon both current retiring positions and future needs. Deloitte estimates that there will be 4.6 million manufacturing jobs to fill between 2018 and 2028. There will be a shortfall of 2.4 million and that will drive opportunities and salaries higher, estimated to be 1.7X average all position salary growth (onetonline.org) for those that have STEM related degrees. Polymer scientists, engineers and plastics engineers are highly sought after and needed.
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: Mechanical Engineering jobs vary depending on the industry or even subfield within a specific industry. Things that are important to all fields and jobs would be time management and communications skills. Improving these things can be helpful in all aspects of work and life in general. New graduates should learn how to make themselves useful for the specific job they are in. This may require learning more Computer Aided Design and Analysis tools, or project management tools, or specific lab or manufacturing tools or programs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and will most likely find its way into all work fields (engineering and others). New graduates should look for innovative ways to apply AI to their new jobs, even if it is not being used when they first start.
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Mechanical engineering education gives you a broad foundation from which to make an impact in the most diverse set of practical fields, ranging from quantum computing to biomedical engineering to designing spacecraft, and everything in between. Be inquisitive and creative. Every practical problem that you encounter in your field has an engineering solution linked to what you have learned in class and is waiting to be discovered by you.
Mohammed Daqaq: This is a difficult question to answer and is very much dependent on how satisfied an individual is about their job. I can comment on what I hear from students with regards to their ME education. Most engineers choose ME because of its breadth and that it allows them more freedom to maneuver the job market once they graduate. They can clearly see that, despite being one of the most traditional engineering disciplines, it is still very trendy with employers. They also like the hands-on nature of the discipline where they get to design, optimize, and build physical components that work and move together to achieve a desired task. As for the dislikes, some students complain about the fact that ME requires an in-depth understanding of many mathematical concepts which many students find to be challenging.
Mohammed Daqaq: It depends on what aspect of the job they are hired to do. Some graduating MEs work in industrial plants where they are expected to deal with and fix engineering related problems, or work on the design and testing of innovative industrial solutions. Many MEs end up in the sales and maintenance departments of companies that manufacture specialized machinery and equipment. Some ME graduates are hired by the research departments of companies and federal labs where they participate in the research and development of new technologies, etc. A recent trend that we have been observing with our graduates is that they are being sought after by major consulting companies especially in business development and finance. Such companies like the versatility of the engineering education, and the logical/structured way of thinking that engineers are trained to follow during their studies.
Todd Allen: -work hard to develop professional networks
- get the details right
- the way you present is as important as your technical knowledge
Todd Allen: - analyzing systems, including technical and social implications, of engineering solutions
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.
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.
North Carolina State University
Manufacturing Engineering
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.
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.
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: 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.
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
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.
Asad Salem Ph.D: In the contemporary engineering sphere, commanding expertise in environmental conservation and global warming mitigation technologies is indispensable. This proficiency spans across clean and low carbon footprint solutions, renewable energy sources, energy storage, new materials, health considerations, water resource management, transportation systems, and innovative manufacturing processes. Simultaneously, a robust mastery of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity is gaining importance. Furthermore, a profound comprehension of sustainable practices and collaborative technologies is anticipated to assume an increasingly pivotal role in the continually evolving field of engineering.
Asad Salem Ph.D: Cultivate a well-rounded skill set, encompassing interpersonal, communication, teamwork, work ethics, and self-learning capabilities, to propel your career forward. Foster a curious mindset, actively seek feedback, and confront challenges with confidence. In a dynamic professional landscape, prioritize adaptability and continuous learning. Strike a harmonious balance between a solid technical foundation and crucial soft skills, such as effective communication and teamwork. Stay abreast of industry developments, take a proactive stance, and seek mentorship for effective career navigation. Develop a robust technical base while valuing soft skills, staying informed about industry trends, taking initiative, and securing mentors to guide you through your career journey.
Marshall University
Engineering
Dr. Yousef Sardahi: In the next 3-5 years, several skills are expected to become increasingly important in the mechanical engineering field:
Advanced Computational Skills: Proficiency in simulation and modeling software (like ANSYS, SolidWorks, or MATLAB) will be crucial as these tools become more integral in designing and testing complex systems.
Robotics and Automation: With industries moving towards automation, skills in robotics, automated systems, and knowledge of AI integration will be highly sought after.
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing: Expertise in 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques will be valuable as these technologies revolutionize product development and manufacturing processes.
Renewable Energy Technologies: As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, mechanical engineers with knowledge in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies will be in high demand.
Data Analysis and IoT: Skills in data analytics and understanding the Internet of Things (IoT) will be important as more mechanical systems are connected and produce large amounts of data.
Materials Science: Knowledge in advanced materials, such as composites or smart materials, will be crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable products and systems.
Systems Engineering and Integration: The ability to understand and integrate various subsystems within a larger system will be key, especially in complex projects.
Project Management and Leadership: As projects become more complex, skills in project management and leadership will be essential for overseeing projects and leading teams effectively.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The ability to work effectively across disciplines, understanding aspects of electrical engineering, computer science, and even business, will be increasingly important.
Communication and Soft Skills: Strong communication skills, both for technical and non-technical audiences, along with teamwork and problem-solving skills, will always be invaluable in the engineering field.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Materials Engineering
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.

University of Hawaii at Manoa
Song Choi Ph.D.: Critical thinking - logical, problem-solving methodology... I'm not quite sure to categorize this as soft/professional skills or hard/technical skills, but probably one of the most necessary assets.
Communication - written, verbal, and overall listening (helps focus on the problem statement and requirements). Most, if not all, projects/tasks are worked in large groups; thus, listening and expressing correctly is important.
Time management - scheduling of tasks and deadlines are important in all levels of engineering, from small fabrication projects/tasks to medium-sized manufacturing projects/tasks to large development/research endeavors. In Hawaii, one of the most important has been the transportation of materials, parts, components, etc., as most items are flown or shipped to us, and the overall project schedule is dependent on the availability of sub-units.
Collaboration - as most if not all engineering projects are dependent on multiple sub-categories. Due to the collaborative nature of engineering, communication is of importance again.
Creativity, innovation, and initiative - it's really about making our future better, more convenient, safer, cleaner, etc. Think outside of the box or live outside of your comfort zone.
Detail-oriented - it is about replicating results. Everything an engineer performs should be documented and clear.
Honesty and integrity as there have been too many fabricated claims and fraud as well as engineering espionage.
Song Choi Ph.D.: Fundamental competence and understanding of the mathematics (calculus), (physics), and fundamental engineering courses, generally the 2nd year and 3rd year courses. If the position requires more development/research type work, a higher competence, and understanding in the 4th year, more specific topic courses would be required. Project descriptions would be extremely important to assess these details.
For general engineering work, overall competence in all facets of mechanical engineering would be preferred - mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, and materials/manufacturing.
As more and more mechanical engineering projects require the use of computer software and packages, a fundamental understanding of programming and the use of specific software - AutoCad, SolidWorks, MatLab, Simulink, computer languages, etc. would be assets.
If critical thinking is categorized as a technical skill involving logical thinking, it should also be considered...
Documentation of all aspects of engineering.
York College of Pennsylvania
Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Stephen Kuchnicki Ph.D.: The skills that stand out are, oddly enough, not necessarily the skills one associates with a mechanical engineering degree. That's because those skills are assumed - sure, you have mechanical design experience in your toolbox, but who doesn't with an ME degree? What stands out are skills beyond the norm. Some knowledge of electronics is good because mechanical engineers work with electrical engineers all the time. Team skills - especially leadership - always stand out. Practical knowledge of machining - not as a machinist, but to understand that parts need to get made and how to design something that is more readily made by a professional machinist - is always a plus as well. Many of these skills come from having to build projects and get your hands dirty, so to speak. Just making something on paper doesn't do the trick because that troubleshooting is lost - as well as the very important engineering step of validating your design. That is, you designed your device to do A, B, and C. How well does your device do those things?
Xavier University
Department Of Physics
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Communication, teamwork.
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Depends on the engineering career, but in general, an ability to know how to use design software, measurement/testing, and analysis equipment, in addition to prototyping and fabrication tools

Missouri State University
College of Business
Dr. Elizabeth Rozell Ph.D.: -Creativity.
-Problem-solving skills.
-Teamwork and collaboration.
-Listening skills.
-Communication skills.
-Ability to work under pressure.
-Leadership.
-Analytical thinking.
-Attention to detail.
Dr. Elizabeth Rozell Ph.D.: -Ability to identify Customer Requirements
-Knowledge of testing procedures
-Development of textile prototypes
-Product Development
-Ability to conduct failure analyses
-Laboratory Management
-R software proficiency and other data analysis software
-Familiarity with OSHA guidelines
-Ability to develop and design technical documents
-Knowledge of most current testing methods
-Ability to design textile studies
Dr. Elizabeth Rozell Ph.D.: In the current industry, proficiency in various technical skills will enable the person to be more marketable.

Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: -Computer-Aided Design
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes
-A good mathematics foundation
-Technical communication
-Problem solving