CareerGPS

Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
514 550 36 6.98% 7 58 65 $30.62 $63,697 Associate's degree
Description: Apply engineering theory and technical skills to support manufacturing engineering activities. Develop tools, implement designs and integrate machinery, equipment and computer technologies to ensure effective manufacturing processes.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Prepare layouts, drawings, or sketches of machinery and equipment such as shop tooling, scale layouts, and new equipment design using drafting equipment or computer-aided design software.
  • Oversee equipment start-up, characterization, qualification, or release.
  • Create computer applications for manufacturing processes or operations using computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) tools.
  • Coordinate equipment purchases, installations, or transfers.
  • Develop manufacturing infrastructure to integrate or deploy new manufacturing processes.
  • Erect manufacturing engineering equipment.
  • Install and evaluate manufacturing equipment, materials, or components.
  • Monitor or measure manufacturing processes to identify ways to reduce losses, decrease time requirements, or improve quality.
  • Design plant layouts and production facilities.
  • Develop or maintain programs associated with automated production equipment.
  • Develop production, inventory, or quality assurance programs.
  • Estimate manufacturing costs.
  • Identify and implement new manufacturing technologies, processes, or equipment.
  • Identify opportunities for improvements in quality, cost, or efficiency of automation equipment.
  • Recommend corrective or preventive actions to assure or improve product quality or reliability.
  • Select material quantities and processing methods needed to achieve efficient production.
  • Verify weights, measurements, counts, or calculations and record results on batch records.
  • Ensure adherence to safety rules and practices.
  • Operate complex processing equipment.
  • Plan, estimate, or schedule production work.
  • Train manufacturing technicians on topics such as safety, health, fire prevention, and quality.

Knowledge

94%
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
90%
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
88%
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
88%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
86%
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
81%
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
71%
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
70%
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
60%
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
52%
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills

75%
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
75%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
69%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
65%
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
65%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65%
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
65%
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
62%
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
62%
Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
62%
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
62%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
60%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
60%
Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
60%
Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
56%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
56%
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
56%
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
53%
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
53%
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
50%
Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
50%
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
50%
Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
50%
Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
50%
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Abilities

75%
Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
72%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
72%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
72%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
72%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
69%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
69%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
69%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
69%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
65%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
65%
Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
65%
Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
65%
Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
62%
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
62%
Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes compa
62%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
62%
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
62%
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
60%
Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
60%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
56%
Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
50%
Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
50%
Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
50%
Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
50%
Memorization - The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
50%
Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
50%
Depth Perception - The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
50%
Speed of Closure - The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

Work Activities

85%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
83%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
83%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
82%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
82%
Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
81%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
79%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
79%
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
76%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
75%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
74%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
73%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
72%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
70%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
69%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
69%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
68%
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
68%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
66%
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
64%
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
64%
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
63%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
63%
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
62%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
62%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
62%
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
61%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
60%
Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
60%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
58%
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
51%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
51%
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Title Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Overall Experience A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents.
Education Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Self Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Work Values

Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.