1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Manufacturing systems engineer

Manufacturing systems engineer

Alternative titles for this job include

Manufacturing systems engineers design and install manufacturing machinery and production lines.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 41 a week

You could work

weekends on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a manufacturing systems engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • manufacturing systems engineering
  • electrical or electronic engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • production or manufacturing engineering

If you've got another engineering qualification, you could take a postgraduate master's course in manufacturing systems engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

College

You could start by completing a college course before going on to do a higher level engineering qualification or an apprenticeship. 

Courses include:

  • mechanical engineering
  • electrical and electronic engineering
  • automation and control engineering
  • T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

There are a lot of engineering apprenticeships available and the one you take will depend on your area of interest. 

Examples include:

  • Food and Drink Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Manufacturing Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Space Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Robotics Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Further information

You can find more advice about careers in manufacturing systems engineering from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a manufacturing systems engineer, you could:

  • produce design and engineering plans for new installations and equipment
  • build models using computer aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) software
  • test systems and analyse data to improve production methods
  • manage projects, budgets and a team of engineers and technicians
  • give progress reports to senior managers

Working environment

You could work in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could work in any branch of manufacturing, like:

  • vehicles
  • food and drink
  • pharmaceuticals
  • electronics
  • aerospace

With experience, you could become a lead or senior engineer on projects.

You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status with the professional body associated with your branch of engineering.

This would give you industry recognition of your skills and knowledge and open up further opportunities for career development.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Concorde Close, Fareham

Industrial Engineer Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Eastfield, Scarborough
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC IN MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

  • Provider: HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 16 September 2024
  • Location: HARTLEPOOL

Manufacturing Engineering HNC Diploma

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: Smith's Wood
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.