Nature of work
A manufacturing engineer works on the development and improvement of tools, systems and equipments related to different practices of manufacturing. His/her main job is to plan and coordinate manufacturing processes, as well as evaluate and improve manufacturing methods in industrial plants and manufacturing workshops. He/she also analyzes the utilization of workforces, workflow, and place requirements in order to achieve maximum efficiency and lower cost. He/she develops manufacturing processes and technologies. His/her field of experience overlaps with the experience of industrial engineers, operations managers, mechanical engineers, and sometimes with electronic engineers. He/she searches for product requirements and manufacturing methods in order to develop, design, modify and improve manufacturing processes. He/she also tests different methods and equipment to improve manufacturing efficiency. On practical side, he/she plans equipment layout and work flow, estimate costs of materials, production, labor, and future manufacturing requirements. He/she frequently collaborates with professionals from related fields, such as mechanical engineering, health, safety, accounting, and finance. Environment of work
Most companies apply a shift system. Working hours may include regular unsocial hours, including weekend and evening work. He/she may be required to work extra hours, particularly at times when a new process is being installed and tested. Manufacturing plants must fit the healthy and safety rules and environmental policies. Dress code can vary from smart casual in the office to protective clothing and equipment at the practical stage. Many certified engineers may work on consultancy. Career breaks are possible. Because the technology changes rapidly an engineer should keep up to date with the profession; otherwise, he/she may not be able to re-enter the same level. Some employers run career break schemes, which do allow jobs to be kept open. The company may have branches in other locations, either nationally or internationally; therefore, traveling may be necessary for training purposes. Professional life
A manufacturing engineer is not specialized as other engineers. He/she is employed in a wide range of industries, including major manufacturing industries, hospitals, consulting and engineering services, research and development firms. This variety arises from the fact that the engineer’s experience focuses on reducing internal costs, making his/her work valuable even for the more developed industries. However, development will be decreased since many manufacturing industries are projected to be declined. Their variety allows an industrial engineer to engage in activities that are useful to different business, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. Career development will depend on the individual, his/her ambitions and the structure of his/her employing organization. The organizational culture, size and nature of the business will also influence career development. Some engineers will become project managers or some will specialize in a particular area and concentrate on research and development. Some may specialize and become environmental engineers or health and safety experts.Range of typical starting salaries: 50000 SYP plus potential bonuses.
Getting the job
Manufacturing engineer typically have a degree in industrial engineering .Entry requirements usually includes holding a high –rate degree in engineering or technology, but more and more engineers enter the field with a master’s degree because their career objectives include obtaining status of chartered engineer. A manufacturing engineer will normally have a degree in mechanical, manufacturing, electronic or chemical engineering. To gain his/her first engineering role, he/she will normally be expected to have a high –rate degree in engineering or even a Masters (MEng) degree, as this is one of the routes to chartered status. Incorporated engineer (IEng) status requires a bachelor’s degree plus professional development. A manufacturing engineer may have qualification in any discipline of engineering, although typically he/she might be manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical/electronic engineering graduate. In order to develop his/her professional life, a manufacturing engineer should be a member at the Order of Syrian engineers. Skills
A manufacturing engineer must be initiative, systematic, responsive, and highly organized. Also, he/she should have good analytical skills, and excellent knowledge in product design, quality standards and requirements. Additionally, he/she must have good knowledge in the company’s technology, tools, and methods, and be able to use CAD (computer-assisted design) tools. A manufacturing engineer must be good at working within budget and meeting deadlines, and has an excellent understanding of health and safety issues and requirements. Since defining objectives is an important part of his/her job, good communication skills are always required. Leadership skills can be an asset if his/her work entails overseeing and coordinating technicians. Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is included in this file, you can visit the following websites:· www.mer-online.com, Manufacturing Engineering Resource
· The Order of Syrian engineers, Damascus, Tel: 6627256
· www.arab-eng.org, Arab Engineers Forum.
· Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.
Summary
A manufacturing engineer has a high level of technical experience and skills in which he/she has to plan, design, set up, modify, and monitor manufacturing processes.Since the basic principles of manufacturing engineering apply to all industries, he/she can work in numerous sectors including food and drink, oil, plastics. He/she works to produce high quality products efficiently using the most effective cost methods and with the aim of reducing the impact of production on the environment.