Manufacturing Engineering

Department of Engineering and Design, College of Science and Engineering

Manufacturing organizations are responsible for creating the vast array of products used in our modern world. These can range from highly personalized products such as a prosthetic device, to complex transportation systems such as a jet airliner. The process of creating these products starts with the identification of a need. This is followed by a systematic sequence of engineering activities that includes the design of the product, the manufacturing processes, the equipment and tooling, and the production systems necessary to produce the final product in sufficient quantities, and with a quality that will be profitable to the organization.

Manufacturing engineers are responsible for conducting this design effort and for implementing, operating, managing and continuously improving the facilities and processes necessary for an organization’s success. They need to be both critical thinkers and applications or “hands-on” oriented. Familiarity with a broad range of technologies in areas such as metals fabrication, polymer processing, CAD/CAM/CAE, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), equipment and tooling design, robotics, automation, controls, systems integration, quality assurance, and Lean Manufacturing is essential. Manufacturing Engineers must also be able to work in and lead teams comprised of other engineers, technologists, scientists and technicians. They must be comfortable functioning in a global setting where the operations of an organization are increasingly dispersed geographically.

This program develops these skills with the help of intensive laboratory components spread throughout its courses. Through these experiences, students learn to apply theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to solve practical, application-based problems in manufacturing.

The Manufacturing Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

Manufacturing Engineers need to be both critical thinkers and applications or “hands-on” oriented. They can be employed in any company that creates a product, and may be involved at any point in product development from design to plant operations, maintenance, and management. Competency in a broad range of technologies in areas such as metals fabrication, polymer processing, CAD/CAM/CAE, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), equipment and tooling design, robotics, automation, controls, systems integration, quality assurance, and Lean Manufacturing provides great flexibility in career choice. The ability to work in and lead teams comprised of other engineers, technologists, scientists, and technicians, allows for career advancement in management. Manufacturing Engineers are also capable of innovation in design and manufacturing that can lead to patenting and start-up companies.

Engineering and Design Departmental Website: engineeringdesign.wwu.edu