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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing engineers design, implement, direct, and coordinate manufacturing materials, processes, systems, and activities. They strive to achieve efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production safely and with care for the environment in mind.

Also Known As

Logistics Manager, Process Engineer, Professional Engineer

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2141: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers

2006 NOC-S

  • C041: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers

2011 NOC

  • 2141: Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2016 NOC

  • 2141: Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2021 NOC

  • 21321: Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2023 OaSIS

  • 21321.00: Industrial and manufacturing engineers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Manufacturing engineers focus on creating and producing industrial and commercial products. These include:

  • Machinery and equipment
  • Consumer electronics such as cell phones and computers
  • Home appliances such as refrigerators and toasters
  • Home fixtures such as furniture and windows
  • Oil and gas products
  • Chemical products such as detergent and fertilizer
  • Pharmaceutical products (drugs)
  • Leisure equipment such as snowboards and roller blades
  • Food and beverages
  • Vehicles, from cars to planes
  • Clothing and textiles
  • Products that are sensitive to the environment (for instance, made of recycled materials)

In general, manufacturing engineers develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing systems and methods. They apply their knowledge to:

  • Product design
  • Materials and parts
  • Fabrication processes
  • Tooling and production equipment capacity
  • Assembly methods
  • Quality control standards
  • Project management

They also strive for processes that produce good customer value with zero waste. For example, they:

  • Work with planning and design staff on product design and tooling to ensure low-waste production methods
  • Consult with customers on developing new products and enhancing existing ones
  • Work with vendors on product specifications
  • Analyze space requirements and workflow
  • Design efficient and ergonomic layouts for equipment and workstations
  • Work with agencies that regulate safety, design, and environmental concerns
  • Decide whether to produce parts in-house or buy them elsewhere
  • Set production standards, change manufacturing methods, and automate processes
  • Test equipment or products and report on results
  • Arrange to buy equipment, materials, or parts
  • Estimate production times, staffing needs, and related costs
  • Design, plan, and set up production equipment
  • Come up with ideas for racks, bins, and other containers to hold and protect parts and subassemblies
  • Plan for future manufacturing needs and opportunities
  • Provide content for manufacturing work instructions, visual aids, and training resources
  • Participate in design reviews
  • Provide feedback about manufacturability and process capability
  • Introduce key performance indicators (KPI), monitor measurements, and study results for ways to reduce process variance, defects, and costs
  • Implement product and process engineering changes

In smaller companies, manufacturing engineers often have a wide range of tasks and duties. They may be involved from developing a product to shipping it.

Manufacturing engineers may specialize in different areas.

When designing products, they use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design products that meet performance, quality, and cost targets. They consider product impact, including how it will be used, serviced, and decomposed or recycled.

When designing and improving processes, they develop process specifications to optimize efficiency. They may develop new processes or automate existing ones.

When designing facilities, they may select locations and equipment for manufacturing products. They may also design materials-handling systems.

When managing operations, they take part in capacity management and production planning, scheduling, and control. They also manage inventory and logistics.

They may specialize in information systems for manufacturing. They design, implement, and operate these advanced systems throughout the enterprise.

They may specialize in machine and process reliability. They optimize maintenance schedules to focus on preventing problems.

They may also specialize in tooling and fixture design and analysis.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Working conditions vary from one employer to another. Manufacturing engineers may need to take safety precautions. For instance, they may need to wear hard hats, steel-toed boots, or safety glasses to avoid injury when working on the production floor.

Some work in “clean rooms,” where rigid standards of cleanliness prevent product contamination. Some work around electronics, where electrostatic discharge must be controlled to prevent contact with dangerous electric charges.

Most manufacturing engineers work standard office hours. They may work overtime to meet project deadlines. They may travel to meet with vendors, suppliers, and customers and support branch plants.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2023 OaSIS: 21321.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Manufacturing engineers need:

  • Creativity and determination when solving problems
  • Critical and abstract thinking
  • Process approach thinking
  • Risk-based thinking
  • Oral and communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • The ability to see 3D objects from 2D drawings
  • The ability to work as part of a team
  • The ability to understand the effects of change
  • An aptitude for math
  • An interest in how technical processes work
  • A focus on continuous improvement

They should enjoy:

  • Putting different pieces of information together
  • Using equipment and instruments to perform precision tasks
  • Taking charge of projects
  • Supervising the work of others

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2016 NOC: 2141

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 39 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Nov 03, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Team player
Tasks: Develop maintenance standards, schedules and programs
Organized
Accurate
Tasks: Develop flexible or integrated manufacturing systems and procedures
Tasks: Analyze costs of production
Excellent oral communication
Excellent written communication
Work under pressure
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

Manufacturing engineers need a bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline. They need skills and knowledge in:

  • Engineering materials
  • Manufacturing processes and production methods
  • Process automation, robotics, and control systems
  • Approaches to engineering design and computer tools
  • Quality engineering
  • The design of manufacturing facilities
  • Human factors and human systems integration
  • Operations management (inventory control and production scheduling)
  • Business and financial issues
  • Information management
  • Technology management
  • Supply chain management
  • Lean Six Sigma (lean leadership)
  • Value-stream mapping

Technology and manufacturing techniques advance rapidly. Manufacturing engineers must keep up with these changes. They must take part in professional development activities and continuing education courses. Several associations offer continuing education, training courses, and certification. These include the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Association for Manufacturing Excellence.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northwestern Polytechnic

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Engineer

Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.

You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Manufacturing engineers work for manufacturing, processing, and consulting firms.

With time on the job, engineers may become administrators or managers. Those with graduate degrees may teach at the post-secondary level or conduct research.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2016 NOC: 2141

82.3% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2021 NOC: 21321
Warm
Job Market
2,600
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2016 NOC: 2141
2.3%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
50
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2021 NOC: 21321
Average Wage
$48.50
Per Hour
Average Salary
$98,168.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 21321 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.00 $53.05 $35.34 $37.09
Overall $24.34 $73.62 $48.50 $47.26
Top $26.00 $79.58 $56.11 $54.81

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing
Health Care & Social Assistance

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
54%
54%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
32%
32%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
10%
10%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) website: www.ame.org

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): www.sme.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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