Manufacturing Engineer

OBJECTIVE

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the role of a Manufacturing Engineer in designing tools and systems for production

• Explain why jigs and fixtures are used in high-volume manufacturing

• Apply the engineering design process to develop a jig that improves precision and repeatability

• Use iterative testing to improve the quality and speed of a production system

• Analyze performance results of a production run to assess quality and efficiency

FUTURE READY

Manufacturing Engineers are among the most in-demand professionals in today’s economy because they design the systems that keep products moving—from aerospace components and medical devices to electronics, food processing, and renewable energy technologies. Their work isn’t about building a single product; it’s about creating reliable, efficient processes that can be applied in almost any industry. This makes the role highly transferable and opens doors to a wide range of careers across the Central Coast and beyond.

By exposing students to the thinking of a Manufacturing Engineer—problem-solving, process improvement, teamwork, and designing tools that help others work accurately—we help them build future-ready skills valued in countless fields. Whether students pursue engineering, technology, healthcare, agriculture, or manufacturing, the habits they practice in this lesson mirror the real-world skills companies seek: creativity, precision, critical thinking, and the ability to improve how work gets done.

LESSON DURATION

45 minutes