Manufacturing Engineers
Medium46.99%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$65,320
Median$99,380
High (90th %)$142,220
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Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.
The occupation "Manufacturing Engineers" has an automation risk of 47.0%, which stems primarily from the repetitive and data-driven aspects of their work. The base risk for this role stands at 47.9%, meaning that nearly half of the tasks are susceptible to automation based on current technology trends. This risk is influenced by the nature of some core responsibilities, which are often structured, rule-based, and reliant on gathering and processing information. As manufacturing processes become more data-intensive and integrated with advanced software and robotics, certain manual and analytical operations can be efficiently handled by machines, raising the likelihood of automation adoption. The top three most automatable tasks for Manufacturing Engineers highlight why this occupation faces a rather significant automation risk. Tasks such as "Purchase equipment, materials, or parts," "Troubleshoot new or existing product problems involving designs, materials, or processes," and "Investigate or resolve operational problems, such as material use variances or bottlenecks" are generally systematic and data-based. These activities can often be broken down into decision trees or pattern-recognition problems that AI systems and robotic process automation can handle effectively. For example, automated purchasing systems can optimize inventory based on predictive analytics, while diagnostic algorithms can address troubleshooting and operational bottlenecks. As artificial intelligence and machine learning systems become better at these kinds of structured problem-solving, the likelihood that these tasks will be automated increases correspondingly. Despite this, several core aspects of the job are resistant to automation, limiting the overall risk for Manufacturing Engineers. The most resistant tasks include "Redesign packaging for manufactured products to minimize raw material use or waste," "Read current literature, talk with colleagues, participate in educational programs, attend meetings or workshops, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the manufacturing field," and "Evaluate current or proposed manufacturing processes or practices for environmental sustainability." These duties require a high degree of creativity, critical thinking, and continuous learning, all bottlenecked by the skill of originality, measured at 3.6% and 4.1% in relevance. Such skills are challenging for AI to replicate because they rely on nuanced judgment, creative problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to emerging knowledge and complex environmental considerations. This human-centric skillset helps protect significant portions of the manufacturing engineering role from being wholly automated in the foreseeable future.
Filter by Automatable Status
Purchase equipment, materials, or parts.
Partially Automatable
Troubleshoot new or existing product problems involving designs, materials, or processes.
Partially Automatable
Investigate or resolve operational problems, such as material use variances or bottlenecks.
Partially Automatable
Apply continuous improvement methods, such as lean manufacturing, to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness.
Partially Automatable
Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing.
Partially Automatable
Incorporate new manufacturing methods or processes to improve existing operations.
Partially Automatable
Review product designs for manufacturability or completeness.
Partially Automatable
Determine root causes of failures or recommend changes in designs, tolerances, or processing methods, using statistical procedures.
Partially Automatable
Prepare reports summarizing information or trends related to manufacturing performance.
Partially Automatable
Prepare documentation for new manufacturing processes or engineering procedures.
Partially Automatable
Design layout of equipment or workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency.
Partially Automatable
Communicate manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, or other information to facilitate production processes.
Partially Automatable
Supervise technicians, technologists, analysts, administrative staff, or other engineers.
Non-Automatable
Design, install, or troubleshoot manufacturing equipment.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate manufactured products according to specifications and quality standards.
Partially Automatable
Train production personnel in new or existing methods.
Partially Automatable
Design tests of finished products or process capabilities to establish standards or validate process requirements.
Partially Automatable
Analyze the financial impacts of sustainable manufacturing processes or sustainable product manufacturing.
Partially Automatable
Redesign packaging for manufactured products to minimize raw material use or waste.
Partially Automatable
Estimate costs, production times, or staffing requirements for new designs.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate current or proposed manufacturing processes or practices for environmental sustainability, considering factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, water pollution, energy use, or waste creation.
Partially Automatable
Identify opportunities or implement changes to improve manufacturing processes or products or to reduce costs, using knowledge of fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment, assembly methods, quality control standards, or product design, materials and parts.
Partially Automatable
Develop sustainable manufacturing technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize raw material use, replace toxic materials with non-toxic materials, replace non-renewable materials with renewable materials, or reduce waste.
Partially Automatable
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, participate in educational programs, attend meetings or workshops, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the manufacturing field.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesTime ManagementManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems Analysis
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Therapy and CounselingEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesMedicine and DentistryProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologyGeographyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageHistory and ArcheologySociology and Anthropology
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or Information
Microsoft ExchangeProgrammable logic controller PLC softwareMicrosoft Internet ExplorerProduct lifecycle management PLM softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareCNC MastercamEkoIBM NotesMinitabRSiemens NXCFileMaker ProAutodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelGeometric CAMWorksThe MathWorks MATLABWeb browser softwareMicrosoft ExchangeMicrosoft Internet ExplorerCNC MastercamEkoFileMaker ProAutodesk AutoCADIBM NotesGeometric CAMWorksMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMinitabProgrammable logic controller PLC softwareRSiemens NXThe MathWorks MATLABMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareWeb browser softwarePTC Creo ParametricMicrosoft Office softwareNational Instruments LabVIEWProduct lifecycle management PLM softwareSolidWorks Enterprise PDMSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwarePTC Creo ParametricDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksNational Instruments LabVIEWComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareMicrosoft Visual BasicCDassault Systemes SolidWorksComputer numerical control CNC softwareComputer numerical control CNC softwareSolidWorks Enterprise PDMMicrosoft VisioEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Access
Industrial Production Managers
Medium50.29%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
Chemical Engineers
Medium50.90%
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Medium47.18%
Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.
Validation Engineers
Medium45.72%
Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.
Materials Engineers
Medium47.91%
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Automotive Engineers
Medium48.94%
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.
Mechatronics Engineers
Medium50.13%
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Microsystems Engineers
Medium45.90%
Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Robotics Engineers
Medium49.96%
Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Robotics Technicians
Medium42.51%
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Medium49.22%
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Quality Control Systems Managers
Medium50.15%
Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.
Biofuels Production Managers
Medium54.44%
Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.
Supply Chain Managers
Medium53.29%
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Medium49.05%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Medium44.96%
Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.
Cost Estimators
Medium45.75%
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Logistics Engineers
Medium48.28%
Design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.
Aerospace Engineers
Medium49.06%
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Fuel Cell Engineers
Medium50.01%
Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Medium49.08%
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
Petroleum Engineers
Medium51.23%
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Nanosystems Engineers
Medium47.02%
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.
Materials Scientists
Medium49.08%
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Sales Engineers
Medium44.20%
Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.
Team Assemblers
Medium51.70%
Work as part of a team having responsibility for assembling an entire product or component of a product. Team assemblers can perform all tasks conducted by the team in the assembly process and rotate through all or most of them, rather than being assigned to a specific task on a permanent basis. May participate in making management decisions affecting the work. Includes team leaders who work as part of the team.
Biofuels Processing Technicians
Medium54.54%
Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.