High School

Take classes in biology, chemistry, mathematics (algebra, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry), and physics. Other essential classes that are helpful for future manufacturing engineering technology work include computer science (especially database management, computer-aided design, and advanced artificial intelligence), design, and English and speech classes.

Postsecondary Training

Most employers prefer to hire manufacturing engineering technologists who hold a bachelors degree in engineering technology or industrial engineering, although an associates degree may be sufficient for some positions. There are two- and four-year schools that offer engineering technology programs that focus on the practical side of engineering, such as design and production; students spend less time on science and theory. Engineering technologists who hold a degree in engineering technology are not engineers and cannot be licensed as professional engineers, but they may fill many of the same positions.

The official accrediting agency for colleges that offer engineering technology and engineering programs is ABET. Find accredited engineering technology programs at https://www.abet.org.

The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) offers the FAME Program in which students participate in a work-study opportunity to earn an associate degree and certification as an advanced manufacturing technician. Students attend classes at a local community college twice a week (8 hours or more each day) and work at least 24 hours a week for a local, sponsoring employer, while earning a competitive wage. Visit https://fame-usa.com/fame-program-for-students to learn more.

Some manufacturing engineering technologists train for the field by participating in apprenticeships. Visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-industries to learn more about apprenticeships.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in engineering technology, manufacturing engineering, advanced manufacturing, and emerging fields such as advanced artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Manufacturing engineering technologists continue their education throughout their careers. They must stay current with the latest technologies and software programs used in manufacturing engineering, as well as innovations in business practices. They take classes provided by professional associations such as the American Society for Engineering Education, SME, and the Association for Manufacturing Technology, among many others. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Some employers prefer to hire manufacturing engineering technologists who are certified. The SME offers the certified manufacturing technologist designation to those who have a minimum of four years of manufacturing-related education and work experience who also pass a certification exam. Find information at https://www.sme.org/cmfgt. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies offers certification programs for engineering technologists and associate engineering technologists. Find details at https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs/technologist-certification-program.

Other certification credentials are provided by the Association for Advancing Automation, ETA International, International Society of Automation, International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, and the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals.

Manufacturing engineering technologists do not typically need to be licensed, but technologists working in national defense areas, especially those employed by government agencies, are usually required to carry security clearances.

Manufacturing engineering technologists usually have two or more years of experience and often start their careers through an apprenticeship or entry-level position. They receive on-the-job training.

The job requires the ability to work independently as well as on a team and under close supervision by senior-level technologists. Strong knowledge of engineering and technology, production and processing, machines and tools, math, and design techniques, principles, and tools used in manufacturing is essential. Manufacturing engineering technologists are critical thinkers who can analyze manufacturing systems, identify problems, and come up with appropriate solutions that fit within business operations and budget. People who do best in this field have strong mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, written comprehension, organizational skills, and can communicate clearly with supervisors, peers, and subordinates.