Manufacturing systems engineer
Design and install the equipment that will make a factory more efficient. This means it can produce quality goods while staying environmentally friendly.
About the job
What it's like
You would design and install new equipment and assembly lines in factories and manufacturing plants. You'll be making the production process as efficient as possible so the factory can make goods on time and at the right cost and quality.
You’d also work with production managers to get the most out of existing systems and to develop new systems. You might also be involved in the building of new manufacturing plants.
You'd help to manage each phase of a project, overseeing the work of technicians and other professionals.
Your tasks might include:
working out the costs for equipment, time and labour
building 3D models with computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software
testing systems and analysing data to find the most cost-effective production methods
presenting plans to managers and clients for their approval
installing new equipment and machinery
investigating and fixing production problems
writing operation and training guidelines
You’d need to understand manufacturing processes and follow health and safety regulations.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
introduce systems the increase energy efficiency
make systems which produce less waste material during manufacturing
using materials that are recyclable or biodegradable
Hours
You might work standard office hours Monday to Friday, or you could work shifts and or be involved in an on-call rota, depending on the project.
Environment
Your working environment would depend upon your industry. You could be working on the factory floor one day and working in an office or laboratory the next.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- designing
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Computing Science
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in:
Mechanical electronic systems engineering
Mechanical engineering
Electrical or electronics engineering
Some employers may also require a relevant postgraduate qualification (SCQF 11).
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at AAAB or above, or a relevant HNC/HND.
You can enter a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) with National 4/5 qualifications and one Higher or relevant NC qualification.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4).
Employers value work experience so finding courses with work placements or an internship, or working for a year in industry can be especially useful.
Once in a job it could benefit your career if you worked towards incorporated or chartered status with a relevant industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
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