There’s a difference between manufacturing, engineering, and manufacturing engineering, believe it or not, and manufacturing engineers aren’t recognized quite as often for the important work that they do.

So, what is ?

Engineering is a huge, huge part of the manufacturing process, and manufacturing engineers are absolutely integral in any plant or factory. Contrary to popular belief, manufacturing engineering is also one of the careers in society that requires the most creativity.

“Engineers are creative pillars of modern society. While a painter focuses his creative energy towards expressing himself on a canvas, a manufacturing engineer works on the creation of things, processes and technology. We rely on the vision and genius of our society’s engineers every single time we turn on the television, drive a car, check our email, do laundry, or take showers. Basically, the work of an engineer is involved with almost everything we do.” Most people don’t realize that the above statement is true, but most things that define “modernity” or separate us from the pioneers and buggy wagons of the 1700’s are due to the work of manufacturing engineers.

So, what’s the goal of a ? They make manufacturing processes better, faster, and cheaper. These are all important innovations for companies consistently striving to remain on top and produce more faster for less money, so the opinions of manufacturing engineers are highly valued. They develop products, buildings, systems, and more. It’s important to know about this career now, because the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that job opportunities for manufacturing engineers will continue to grow over the next decade.

Being economically competitive is certainly a goal for manufacturing engineers, so if you’re interested in the field, it helps to have a healthy sense of competition and pride after achievement. Examples of projects a manufacturing engineer could be hired to do are as follows:

• Automate a chemical manufacturing facility through computer integrated technology
• Design circuit board manufacturing processes to reduce costs and improve product quality
• Develop the best assignment of machines and equipment to various manufacturing cells in discrete parts manufacturing
• Develop and implement fabrication processes for nano-/micro-devices

It’s a field for those who enjoy working hard, creating, and innovating to change society’s landscape. Do classes in intense math, science, calculus, computer science, physics, and more, appeal to you? Then this might be a good fit. Do you get a thrill from thinking about improving a process from start to finish (start with a block of wood, end with a usable table)? Then manufacturing engineering could very well be your calling.

All engineering is not created equal, so make sure that this is something you want to pursue by doing internships, watching videos (). Questions? Comments? Want to learn more about where to pursue this career in Nebraska? Leave a comment in the section below anytime!

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photo credit: Advanced Manufacturing Engineering via