How to Be Production Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 8, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

As the demand for consumer goods increases, the pressure on production engineers to produce higher quality products at a lower cost has also increased. This has resulted in an increased need for production engineers to find new and innovative ways to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the quality of products. By introducing new technologies and making process improvements, production engineers are able to reduce the production time, increase productivity, and create a better end product.

Through the use of automation and robotics, they can further reduce the labor costs associated with production. The result is improved customer satisfaction and a more profitable business.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a production engineer is to pursue a bachelors degree in engineering, such as industrial engineering or mechanical engineering. Coursework typically includes engineering topics such as mathematics, physics, thermodynamics, and computer-aided design.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience. Employers may require production engineers to have experience in the field. Students can obtain relevant work experience through internships, apprenticeships, or part-time jobs in the engineering field.
Get Certified. Many employers prefer to hire production engineers who have certification in their specific field of engineering. Certification is typically obtained through professional organizations and requires passing an exam.
Earn a Masters Degree. Completing a masters degree program in engineering may improve an individuals job prospects and earning potential.
Keep Current on Industry Trends. Production engineers must stay up to date on the latest technology and industry trends in order to remain competitive in the job market. This can be done by attending conferences and seminars, reading industry publications, and joining professional associations.

Staying ahead and competent in the field of Production Engineering requires dedication and hard work. In order to stay ahead and competent, one must take the time to stay informed of the latest industry trends, research new technologies and techniques, and stay up-to-date with advancements in the field. it is important to gain hands-on experience in the field, either by working in a production engineering role or by taking courses or seminars related to production engineering.

Finally, networking with industry peers can provide valuable insight into the changing landscape of production engineering and help one stay ahead of the competition. By following these steps, a production engineer will be able to remain current, competitive, and successful.

You may want to check Industrial Engineers, Computer Hardware Engineers, and Petroleum Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop manufacturing processes for new products according to customer specifications.
Develop, modify, and evaluate methods of manufacturing products, utilizing knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials.
Analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow.
Design layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
Plan and formulate aspects of production process such as capital requirements, and labor costs.
Monitor quality of products, and implement corrective measures when necessary.
Research new materials and methods of manufacturing processes.
Establish or adjust work procedures to meet production schedules.
Analyze production specifications and plant capacity data and plan production operations accordingly.
Investigate or resolve customer complaints regarding production quality.
Consult with vendors to determine equipment and material specifications for new products.
Maintain records and reports of production activity and inventory levels.
Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in production activities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of manufacturing processes and procedures.
Ability to analyze and troubleshoot production problems.
Knowledge of production planning, scheduling, and inventory control.
Understanding of quality control principles.
Familiarity with safety and environmental regulations.
Experience in machine operation and maintenance.
Proficiency in computer applications and software related to production engineering.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents and drawings.

Having strong problem-solving skills is essential for a successful Production Engineer. Being able to identify and troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently can help prevent costly downtime. Good communication skills are also crucial, as a Production Engineer must be able to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and other personnel.

Having good organizational skills is also important, as Production Engineers must be able to manage their time and resources in order to meet deadlines and optimize production. Understanding basic engineering principles, such as thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, is also essential for success in this field. knowledge of software applications such as CAD and PLM will allow Production Engineers to design, analyze, and optimize production processes.

Finally, the ability to think critically and develop creative solutions to complex problems is essential. These skills will enable the Production Engineer to maximize production efficiency and ensure the smooth operation of the production line.

Environmental Engineer, Tooling Engineer, and Civil Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in production engineering?
Describe a challenging production engineering project that you have completed.
How do you ensure that the production process meets quality standards?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot production issues?
How do you optimize the production process for cost efficiency?
What strategies do you use to maximize production output?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in production engineering?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with production machinery?
What strategies do you use to manage multiple production projects at once?
How do you ensure that production deadlines are met?

Common Tools in Industry

CAD Software. Computer-aided design software used to create 3D models and technical drawings (eg: Autodesk Inventor).
CAM Software. Computer-aided manufacturing software used to generate instructions for CNC machines (eg: MasterCAM).
Simulation Software. Software used to simulate complex mechanical processes for validation and optimization (eg: ANSYS).
3D Printing Software. Software used to create 3D models for 3D printing (eg: Ultimaker Cura).
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software. Software used to analyze structural integrity of components and assemblies (eg: Solidworks Simulation).
Statistical Analysis Software. Software used to analyze data and create predictive models (eg: Minitab).
Quality Assurance Software. Software used to plan, inspect, and control product quality (eg: Quality Companion).
Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software. Software used to plan, execute, and track production processes in real-time (eg: Plex Manufacturing Cloud).

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME)
International Association of Production Engineers (IAPEN)
International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies (FISITA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

We also have Aerospace Engineers, Sales Applications Engineer, and Reliability Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

CAD (Computer-Aided Design). A software used by production engineers to design and create 2D and 3D models and drawings of products.
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing). A software used by production engineers to control computerized machine tools and manufacturing processes.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control). A computerized system used to control machine tools, such as lathes, mills, and drills.
Robotics. The use of computers and machines to automate manufacturing processes.
Lean Manufacturing. An approach to production that focuses on reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and improving quality.
Quality Control. A process of inspecting products to ensure they meet the required standards.
Supply Chain Management. The process of managing the flow of materials and products from suppliers to manufacturers and then to customers.
Project Management. A process of planning, organizing, and controlling resources in order to achieve a specific goal.
Six Sigma. A process improvement methodology that seeks to reduce defects by focusing on process variation.
Prototype Development. The process of creating a detailed model of a product before it is manufactured for testing and evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Production Engineer?

A Production Engineer is a specialized engineer who focuses on the production processes used to create goods and services. Their job is to design, develop, and optimize production systems to maximize efficiency, minimize waste, and ensure quality control.

What skills are required for a Production Engineer?

The skills required for a Production Engineer include technical knowledge in engineering principles such as manufacturing processes, automation, and cost analysis. They must also have strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Production Engineer?

The primary responsibilities of a Production Engineer include designing, developing, and testing production systems; troubleshooting and resolving production issues; ensuring compliance with safety regulations; and analyzing production data to identify areas for improvement.

What is the typical salary range for a Production Engineer?

The typical salary range for a Production Engineer is $60,000 - $90,000 per year. This range can vary depending on the industry and company size.

What type of education is required to become a Production Engineer?

To become a Production Engineer, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline such as Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering. Many employers also require experience in a related field.

Web Resources

Production Engineer | NC State Online and Distance Education online-distance.ncsu.edu
How to become a production & industrial engineer - Open www.open.edu.au
Production Engineering - Admissions | KTU admissions.ktu.edu