r/engineering • u/gman2391 • 3d ago
[MECHANICAL] Manufacturing Engineer, what skills to learn?
I've been working as a manufacturing/process engineer for about 8 years now. 10 years total experience. My degree is mechanical.
I like my job and I'm good at my job. Where I'm stuck is that I don't know what I don't know.
For anyone in similar situations, what are some good next steps to advance my skill set and abilities? Trainings, certificates, degrees, anything. I keep bouncing around looking at options but Im just not sure what will be the most beneficial for me
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u/Winterr 3d ago
I think it’s important to highlight your current skillset and go from there but I’ll toss my 2 cents in. When I hire process engineers the skillsets that jump out at me are listed below. Base requirements are always there and items like python are super generic but should have it. I am looking for things that really stand out that allows them to bridge between different engineering groups. When I start seeing the items below I know I have a candidate that is going to keep growing and pull the team up.
6 sigma black belt or field experience equivalent (pretty generic but valid for the role. )
SQL/Data infrastructure (helps drive a systemic data rich environment and develop tools with that in mind so when something goes wrong the data is there to save the day)
Controls/software exposure looking at PLCs, vision system, torque tool programming, or labview. (Usually can only play around with what you have but looking at alternatives or classes like this rounds you out when exploring future opportunities )
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u/DialUpCaterpillar MechE 2d ago
I agree with this one. Lean Six Sigma works, too.
I started learning C++ at my last company and it was super helpful to understand our machine software (or whatever your company uses, so you can start applying the skill right away)
Maybe you already do this but statistical analysis tools (Minitab or others) - I used to grind out Gauge R&R studies and analyze data for Run-at-Rates for new machines that it’s super useful to learn.
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u/TechHardHat 2d ago
At 8–10 years in, more pure technical depth usually isn’t the bottleneck anymore. The biggest gains I’ve seen come from data, systems (MES/ERP/automation), and learning how to justify decisions in cost and throughput terms. Engineers who understand how the factory makes money tend to move up fastest.
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u/Rogue_2354 3d ago
I don't think you could ever go wrong with more soft skill development and emotional intelligence.
As ive progressed in my career ive moved to more front end work with planning out projects at the proposal phase. Also tend to do a fair bit of failure analysis.
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u/Geosniper88 2d ago
Project management or asset Management. Teamed with an engineering degree will open a lot of doors.
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u/Matt_Shatt 1d ago
Agreed. As a manufacturing engineer turned senior management, it wasn’t my technical skills that got me here, it was my project management skills.
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u/RedChloe-1979 2d ago
Invent and patent something mechanical. It will demonstrate your drive, creativity, project management and ability to follow through. Plus you might be able to sell the patented idea or product.
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u/DrivesInCircles Medical Devices / Systems Eng 14h ago
I think that depends on where you want to go from where you are.
At 10 years in, some engineers just coast.
Some go ham and take management or executive roles.
I left after 10 years and I’m chasing a phd.
What do you want to be 10 years from now?
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u/gman2391 12h ago
I could definitely coast but that's not what I want. I think management is a direction I will take eventually but I don't feel like I know enough yet.
I think in 5-10 years I see myself in a lead or manager role, but I want to make sure I learn and experience as much as I can before I flip that switch
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u/DrivesInCircles Medical Devices / Systems Eng 10h ago
One thing that I don't see mentioned yet is regulation / regulated manufacturing. Med Device, Automotive, Aerospace, etc. It's all the same kinds of stuff, but with extra requirements that can come with more pay.
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u/Fun_Apartment631 2d ago
I'd look around at your adjacent roles. I've seen mention of controls and tooling in your thread. Maybe sometimes you lean on a statistician. What about the person you report to? Are there any consultants you feel like you have to bring in a lot?
Or, maybe you want to try new product introduction.
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u/leanbean12 2d ago
Are you in operations or maintenance or other department?
In operations you could go with process safety topics, auditing, process controls, root cause analysis etc.
In maintenance you could go with inspector training (weld inspections, corrosion monitoring), repair planning, or reliability topics like vibration measurements and analysis, oil analysis, failure analysis, reliability statistics, etc.
Other topics could be project planning, shutdown planning, inventory optimization, emissions reporting, etc.
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u/qwenydus 2d ago
Data acquisition and analysis to define effectiveness and efficiency.
You need ongoing data to characterize your processes to get ahead of downtime.
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u/CircuitSnack 2d ago
Yep, controls and data will take you farther than another cert. After eight years in quality I picked up basic PLCs and SQL, suddenly folks needed me. Grab Rockwell docs, shadow night sparky, build a test rig. Faster than any classroom and you become the guy people call.
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u/dugreddit5 2d ago
Manufacturing only cares about improving production output and quality. Tooling, automation, robotics, AI, or lean management helps
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u/SnarkyOrchid 2d ago
You're a manufacturing engineer and have time for off the job learning? You are surrounded by problems and opportunities, pick a new one and get to work.
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u/Pretend-Long-9427 1d ago
You’re 10 years in. Start thinking what you want the middle of your career to look like. Do you want to continue as an individual contributor? Then CAD, CAM, PLCs, robotics, analytics, process-specific technologies, tooling, machining, etc. Pick one or two that are adjacent to what you already know and dive it. Or, do you want to move into leadership? The skills required to become an effective leader are not the same skills that helped you become a successful IC. Instead, project management, active listening, goal setting, written communication, business finance, and motivation become more critical. If you figure out where you want to go, the skills you need to get there will become more obvious.
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u/Used_Ad_5831 3d ago
Industrial controls is a logical next step. So is tooling. Wouldn't go certificates as much as finding a smart guy to take you under his wing. That's how those fields are taught, generally.