Manufacturing systems engineer

Career path and progression

You could work in any branch of manufacturing, like:

• vehicles
• food and drink
• pharmaceuticals
• electronics
• aerospace

With experience, you could become a lead or senior engineer on projects.

You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status with the professional body associated with your branch of engineering.

This would give you industry recognition of your skills and knowledge and open up further opportunities for career development.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• complex problem-solving skills
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Engineering - Manufacturing systems engineers work at the heart of engineering – designing production lines, installing machinery, and improving manufacturing processes. Understanding engineering principles like systems thinking, mechanisms, and control is essential to every part of this role.
• Mathematics - Manufacturing systems engineers use maths constantly – from calculating tolerances and production rates to analysing data on system performance. Algebra, statistics, and applied maths are all needed when designing equipment and optimising how a factory operates.
• Physics - Manufacturing systems engineers need to understand forces, motion, energy, and materials to design machinery that works reliably and safely. Concepts like thermodynamics, mechanics, and electricity underpin the systems they build and maintain.
• Design and Technology - Manufacturing systems engineers produce design plans, build prototypes, and use CAD/CAM software to develop new installations. Understanding the design process – from identifying a problem through to testing a solution – is central to this career.
• Computer Science - Manufacturing systems engineers work with automated production lines, robotics, and programmable control systems. Understanding how software controls hardware, along with skills in programming and computational thinking, is increasingly important as factories become more digitally driven.

Also relevant

• Electronics - Manufacturing systems engineers often work with sensors, control panels, and automated systems that rely on electronic circuits. Understanding how electronic components and control systems function helps when designing and troubleshooting production line equipment.
• Chemistry - Manufacturing systems engineers working in sectors like pharmaceuticals, food and drink, or materials processing need to understand chemical reactions and material properties. This knowledge helps when designing systems that handle, mix, or transform raw materials safely.
• Business - Manufacturing systems engineers manage projects, budgets, and teams of technicians. Understanding how businesses operate – including cost management, efficiency, and supply chains – helps them make decisions that improve production while keeping costs under control.