What can you do with a Manufacturing Engineering degree?

First, some facts. Of the Manufacturing Engineering graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 81 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 82%, Manufacturing Engineering graduates have a much higher likelihood (+15%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 82%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 24% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Manufacturing Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Manufacturing Engineering graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2020 from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Manufacturing Engineering. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
New Product Manufacturing Engineer
Applied Materials
Nov 2020 - Oct 2021
The position of New Product Manufacturing Engineer at Applied Materials directly applies manufacturing engineering principles and skills obtained from the Bachelors degree, making it highly relevant.

Manufacturing Engineer II
Applied Materials
Oct 2021 - Present
As a Manufacturing Engineer II at Applied Materials, this role requires advanced manufacturing engineering knowledge and competencies that are core to the degree, ensuring strong relevance.

ABOUT

Strong work ethic and ability to solve technical problems under pressure. Great written and verbal communication skills and works very well individually, as well in team settings. Texas State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified.

What jobs can you get with a Manufacturing Engineering degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing the job histories of individuals with degrees in Manufacturing Engineering, several trends and insights emerge regarding their career paths. Most notable is that many graduates end up in roles that directly apply their engineering skills, particularly in manufacturing environments. Common positions among these graduates include Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, and Quality Engineer, which directly relate to their academic training in manufacturing principles, processes, and systems. These roles enable graduates to utilize the core competencies gained during their studies, such as process optimization, quality control, and technical problem-solving, often involving hands-on tasks that contribute to efficient manufacturing operations.

However, not all career choices made by Manufacturing Engineering graduates align perfectly with their field of study. A significant number have taken jobs in areas that, while possibly benefiting from some engineering expertise, do not leverage the full spectrum of knowledge gained during their degree. For instance, positions in market research, sales, or project management can often involve skills related to manufacturing but may primarily focus on business aspects, thus diluting the relevance of their engineering education. This trend indicates a mixed utilization of their educational background, with many graduates successfully applying their knowledge in related fields while others may veer sharply from engineering-centric roles, especially in industries like consulting or technology management.

In summary, while a majority of Manufacturing Engineering graduates find roles that are highly relevant and directly applicable to their studies, a noticeable portion ends up in positions that do not fully engage their specialized training. It highlights the value of their degree but also suggests the potential for varied career trajectories that can emerge from a Manufacturing Engineering background. Whether in engineering-focused roles or more business-oriented positions, these individuals are likely leveraging skills from their education even in paths that diverge from traditional manufacturing engineering roles.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Manufacturing Engineering graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Manufacturing Engineering graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of Manufacturing Engineering graduates, it's clear there's a mix of outcomes. Many of these graduates appear to land solid job opportunities right out of college, often in roles closely aligned with their degree. For instance, roles like Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, and even Manufacturing Quality Engineer show that a significant number of these individuals are entering the engineering field directly, which is a promising sign. Their first jobs tend to reflect the skills and knowledge they gained during their academic years, indicating that their education is adequately preparing them for the workforce.

As we look at where these graduates are five or ten years down the line, we see a mix of career growth and some less-than-ideal paths. Many experienced a linear progression in their careers, moving from engineering roles to more senior positions, such as Manufacturing Engineering Manager or even Project Managers in diverse sectors. However, not everyone is following this path. Some graduates, particularly those from schools with lesser-known engineering programs, sometimes find themselves in unrelated fields or struggling to secure positions that utilize their engineering skills fully. For example, individuals have ended up in roles like bartender or commercial sales rep, which can feel a world apart from anything related to manufacturing or engineering. This diversity illustrates a reality check about job satisfaction and relevance to their field of study. Overall, while many from these programs are indeed flourishing in relevant engineering careers, there remains a portion who face significant challenges in aligning their degrees with their professional journeys.

How hard is a Manufacturing Engineering degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering can be pretty challenging, but it's all about how you handle the workload and the subjects. You’ll dive into topics like materials science, thermodynamics, and production processes, which can get pretty technical and require good problem-solving skills. On top of that, you'll likely have hands-on labs and projects that might stress you out if you're not prepared. It’s not necessarily harder than other engineering degrees, but it definitely demands dedication and some solid math and science skills. If you're passionate about making things and can stay organized, you'll probably find the journey rewarding, even if it gets tough at times!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Manufacturing Engineering.

Do Manufacturing Engineering graduates tend to make good money?

When we take a look at these Manufacturing Engineering grads and their career paths, it seems like quite a few of them are doing pretty well financially. Graduates from top schools like Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, and prominent companies like Apple and Nike indicate that they're likely earning a solid income, especially in roles like Engineering Managers and Quality Engineers. For instance, the person who moved from a Mechanical Quality Engineer at Apple to a Manager position is probably pulling in a decent salary, considering Apple's general pay scale.

On the flip side, some graduates appear to have taken jobs that may not be as lucrative. For instance, the Virginia State University grad who transitioned from a Bartender role to a commercial sales rep doesn't seem to be on the same financial path as others in the field. Of course, not every job reflects high pay; some people might prioritize other aspects of a job, like work-life balance or personal interest. Overall, while many are on a promising financial trajectory, a few may still be navigating their way to better pay or more fulfilling roles.

What buzzwords do Manufacturing Engineering graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Manufacturing Engineering. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Manufacturing Engineering?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Manufacturing Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Manufacturing Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count