Manufacturing systems engineers work across a range of manufacturing sectors, including the automotive, food and drink, aerospace, pharmaceutical and electronics industries. They work with production managers to design, develop, improve and implement manufacturing systems to deliver products on time, within budget and to exact quality standards.

The work covers the entire production cycle from the initial design of new systems or refinements to existing ones, through to implementation.

Although systems engineers may specialise in a particular industry, they are expected to have a broad knowledge of mechanical and electrotechnical manufacturing principles. Tasks can cover:

Estimating – compiling detailed costings for bids and tenders covering equipment, time and labour costs.

Design – using computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software packages to build three-dimensional virtual models that replicate production processes and meet client specifications.

Testing - conducting trials and analysing data to determine the most cost- and time-effective methods to be used.

Presentation – carrying out demonstrations of favoured solutions to senior managers and clients before final approval.

Installation – putting in place the new plant or machinery required for the manufacturing system; and drawing up maintenance schedules for technical staff to ensure the continued smooth running of the process.

Investigation – alongside the design or refinement of systems, engineers may be called upon to locate the causes of production problems and rectify them, for example, a sudden drop in batch quality.

Management – directing and monitoring progress during each phase of the project, overseeing a team of technicians and other professionals, and scheduling and delegating workloads.

The work involves liaising closely with engineering technicians, quality control and procurement departments. Engineers report details of progress or problems to senior project managers.

Fully qualified professional engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status.

Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes. They are often project leaders and are responsible for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians.

Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the day-to-day process of applying current engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner. They often hold key operational management roles.

Hours and Environment

Systems engineers work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, hours can vary and may involve shift work and on-call duties, depending on the contract.

The working environment depends on the industry and can alternate between working on the factory floor, a workshop, office or laboratory.

Skills and Interests

To be a manufacturing systems engineer you should:

• have strong maths, science and IT skills  
• have excellent analytical skills
• be well organised and able to plan effectively
• have excellent communication and presentation skills
• have a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes
• be able to make quick, clear decisions while under pressure
• be able to work to deadlines
• be able to delegate duties where necessary
• keep up to date with new developments
• be aware of health and safety responsibilities.

Entry

You can start as an assistant or trainee with a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree. Relevant subjects include manufacturing systems engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and production/manufacturing engineering.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward

To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

For a degree course you will need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and physics, or equivalent qualifications such as vocational A levels.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Candidates from other branches of engineering may need to undertake postgraduate study, such as an MSc in manufacturing systems engineering or a related subject, for example production/manufacturing engineering.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology has details of colleges and universities offering relevant engineering courses for this field. See their website in Further Information.

For more general information about engineering careers, see the websites for SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering in Further Information. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their website in Further Information.

Training

Training is normally on the job. Graduate apprenticeship schemes are commonly available for those holding a first degree.

Across the engineering sector, it is accepted that gaining professional status is a highly recommended way of enhancing career prospects. This can be done by registering with a relevant professional engineering institution and applying for incorporated or chartered engineer status with the Engineering Council. For details, see the Engineering Council website in Further Information.

To qualify as an incorporated engineer you should:

• have an accredited engineering degree or equivalent qualification, or BTEC HNC/HND plus further learning equivalent to one year of study -this includes work based study
• complete a period of Initial Professional Development including practical training and professional engineering experience
• pass a professional review
• gain membership of an appropriate professional body.

To qualify as a chartered engineer you must:

• have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering subject
• complete a period of Initial Professional Development which includes formal and informal training and professional engineering experience
• pass a professional review
• gain membership of an appropriate professional body.

For further information about professional development, contact the Institution of Engineering and Technology or Institution of Mechanical Engineers in Further Information.

Engineers seeking incorporated or chartered status will be assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence). This replaced SARTOR (Standards And Routes TO Registration) on 1st March 2004. These new standards have been developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council (UK) reinforcing the need to prove professional competence within the job but also taking wider account of recent developments in UK qualifications, such as foundation degrees and work based training, to satisfy the academic requirements of registration.

For more information about UK-SPEC see the website in Further Information.

Opportunities

Systems engineers work in a wide range of manufacturing industries and opportunities are good for qualified staff.

With professional development training, there may be opportunities to move into senior management roles, work abroad, or become self-employed, for example, on a consultancy basis.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants start between £22,500 and £25,000.
Experienced engineers can earn between £26,000 and £35,000.
Engineers with senior status can earn over £40,000.

Further information

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