You’re considering a career in manufacturing engineering. What are the most common paths to success?

It is important to be disciplined and systematic. When we say manufacturing engineering, it is systematic, in defined manner and under guidance of specifications and standards, we approach towards certain objective to be achieved. Thus you must be disciplined, process oriented and willing to study on regular basis.

Getting bachelors degree in engineering is the first step. During BE one should contribute in practical excerises with proven results and work as an internee in manufacturing concerns. In addition to that studying research papers as well as technology articles in advanced manufacturing.

The most important thing to success in manufacturing is, you need to have a passion to understand how things work and how they are made. If the passion is there the right attitude comes with it along with the tenacity to figure out the problems that you'll need to overcome. Of coarse education is a factor but if you have the motivation you will learn by any means possible.

For me, a good education is critical for a successful career in manufacturing engineering. Beyond a degree, obtaining certifications in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma will equip anyone in this profession with the essential tools needed for success in this field. Once employed, I strongly believe that hands-on experience and practical training are indispensable in understanding manufacturing processes thoroughly. My approach involves immersing myself in the processes as if I were a new production employee, gaining firsthand experience and insight into the intricacies of each task. This allowed me to identify any inefficiencies or potential hazards within the process, enabling me to make informed decisions on necessary improvements.

I can advise young engineers starting their careers to prioritise continuous learning and development. The field of mechanical engineering is constantly evolving, and staying updated on the latest technologies and methodologies is crucial for success. Key Recommendations: - Seek out internships or co-op programs to gain practical experience alongside your studies. - Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and seminars to supplement your academic learning. - Join professional organisations and attend industry conferences to network with professionals and stay updated on industry trends. - Stay connected on LinkedIn and gain more insights.

As an experienced mechanical engineer with over 18 years of experience, I have learned that practical experience is invaluable. While theoretical knowledge is essential, nothing beats hands-on experience in solving real-world engineering challenges. Focus on below areas: - Robotics & AI is in trending. Gain as much knowledge as you can to stay ahead in competitive world. - Quality is the key factor for any organisation. Learn quality related courses and get certifications. - Cross-functional team work is important in executing projects and build strong relationships to acquire more knowledge. - Stay curious and proactive in seeking out new knowledge and skills, whether through formal education or self-study.

Manufacturing engg. is constantly developing and we have to frequently work on assignments that hastasks beyond our prior experience and knowledge. Since every time professional consulting is not available we have to rely on information and specifications received from Internet, OEM and Suppliers. Lot of knowledge gathered is highly misguided and may not suit to our existing conditions. A manufacturing engineer need to effectively filter out the correct information and marry the concepts with available requirements. Learn from industry experts like OEM suppliers , counter question them and their competitors to get the exact information. To increase knowledge and upgrade ourself Visit industrial exhibitions , supplier base .

when a problem arises in a manufacturing process or project, our skills, and knowladge work under pressure come together to problem-solve issues as crop up and help the team get through challenging situations and keep on track to the deadline. You can develop new organisational standards for validation protocols for product and process and manufacturing procedures.

I have always believed in promoting from within your own facility. I would chose people that have worked the floor and machinery for years, that may have taken some relative courses, over a green engineer that does not know our business.

In addition to getting skill and knowledge of CAD and CAM it is very necessary for an individual to know the manufacturing processes. If gets command in processes then its optimization would be easy.

You have to walk a lot on the shop floor until your feet get tired. There is no such thing as a "theoretical" manufacturing engineer: you have to live the gemba, in addition to books, lectures and courses. Experience all product cycles: the launch, which is critical due to the turbulence it creates in the process, the maturation phase and consequent cost reduction, and the out phase where we begin to prepare the environment for new launches. It is important to relate 360 degrees with human beings and non-biological entities. Networking must be a consequence and not a target.

As an experienced mechanical engineer i can suggest few things below: Networking: Build relationships, expand connections for new career opportunities. Technical Proficiency: Enhance CAD/CAM, FEA, programming skills for mechanical engineering. Soft Skills Development: Improve communication, teamwork, problem-solving for professional growth. Project Management: Learn principles, tools for effective engineering project planning, execution.

Key contributing factors that can help to start your career in manufacturing sector - 1. Relevant industrial trainings and internships at right time with significant business improvement projects. 2. Networking with right people for right opportunities. Do not be very specific at the initial stage. Be open for all sorts of jobs and opportunities in manufacturing. Gradually the path will itself guide you to choose your forte. 3. Right platform is too much important to demonstrate your skills and knowledge, keep educating yourself and keep delivering at right point. This can only be possible if you keep connecting on LinkedIn and other firms at industrial conferences and seminars for better opportunities.

3. Experience and networking: - Gain practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in manufacturing environments to apply theoretical knowledge, build practical skills, and establish professional connections within the industry. 4. Continuing education and development: - Pursue opportunities for continuing education, professional certifications, and advanced training programs to stay updated on industry trends, acquire specialized skills, and advance your career prospects in Manufacturing Engineering. #ManufacturingEngineering #CareerDevelopment #SuccessPaths

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you not only would be dealing with your own shop, you’ll likely be dealing with suppliers and vendors to get you the parts you don’t have. A good rapport with these folks makes your day-to-day job, as well as your urgent days, much easier. It’s much more comfortable knowing that if you have a hot deadline to meet and you just ran out of fasteners, that you can get on the phone with the vendor and explain the situation knowing they’ll help you because you’re their friend, rather than having to be shuffled to the back of the line because you’re just another number to them.

Learning doesn't stop after graduation—it's a lifelong journey. Stay curious and committed to continuous improvement. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in mechanical engineering. Mentorship: Find a mentor within your organisation or industry who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your career. Develop Leadership Skills: As you progress in your career, cultivate leadership abilities to effectively guide teams and projects. Focus on Quality: Strive for excellence in everything you do, whether it's designing a component or managing a project.

I am agree with it. If you are graduated in technical field . Then you can do your job as an engineer along with pursuing online courses in AI technology and management for future growth .You should aware with new technologies through visits, expo and seminars

Certifications, seminars, and other programs are great opportunities to not only build your network but also to build your credibility within the industry and market. As the industry continues to grow and shift, those who stick with the changes will be well aware of what’s coming and can implement the changes ahead of time, as well as coach and mentor newer engineers to cultivate that knowledge and continue to develop sharp individuals for years to come.

As manufacturers we have to have relevant education, continuous improvement mindset, lean thinking and so on, but what coagulates all those things together and gives them concentrated value, is your inner set of principles that guide your decisions and behavior on daily basis. In short, I learned to appreciate individual core values more than any other personal skill.

Leadership and Management Skills 1. Develop Soft Skills: Effective communication, leadership, and project management skills are crucial for advancing in your career. These skills help in managing teams, projects, and interfacing between different departments. 2. Management Roles: Aspire to take on managerial positions by demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive projects and teams towards achieving business goals.

Your role as an engineer is only one cog in a large machine. The manufacturing process takes many people to operate smoothly, and if you take your time to understand everyone else’s role in it from purchaser, to machinist, to planner, to inspector, you’ll develop a strong bond with the rest of your team to where any hiccups or kinks in the process can be identified and worked on, ultimately bringing the quality and timeliness of your products to the best they can be.

Manufacturing is an area where Industry 4.0 is growing fast. I see a lot of companies think about what data they can collect, then how they are going to use it. To me the other way round is better - what problem are you trying to solve (or what question do you want to answer), and what data do you need to do it. Being good at analysing data is important. Picking the right data to analyse is critical. It's all about asking the right questions, and solving problems in a structured way.

Understand the process, internal, and external customers. In order to make improvements, listen and communicate plus DMAIC. Be a good leader. Team problem solving and problem solving tools work well with a team oriented process. Listen and communicate effectively to get buy in on change. In a meeting, a production manager tasked me to improve metrics on an equipment process. In less than hour after the meeting, I assembled the shift supervisor, equipment manager, and a lead operator to listen to their opinions on issues with the equipment. This led to a problem solving session, interrupted by the manager. He wanted to know what we were doing. When I told him, he said, "I told you to do it". Be prepared for this mentality my friends.