Manufacturing Systems Engineering

The Manufacturing Systems Engineering program at Weber State University combines engineering principles with advanced manufacturing technologies to prepare students for careers in designing, optimizing, and managing manufacturing processes. Students gain hands-on experience with modern tools and systems, equipping them to meet industry demands in automation, robotics, and sustainable production.

Manufacturing Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs

Bachelor of Science

• Manufacturing Systems Engineering (BS)

Master of Science

• Online Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is Manufacturing Systems Engineering?

  Manufacturing Systems Engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing processes and systems. It involves the use of advanced technology and techniques to create efficient and effective manufacturing processes that can produce high-quality products at low costs.

  Manufacturing engineers are responsible for designing and improving manufacturing processes, developing new materials and manufacturing techniques, and ensuring that products are manufactured to meet the required specifications. They work closely with other engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel to ensure that production runs smoothly and that quality standards are met.

  Some of the key areas of focus in manufacturing systems
  engineering include process planning, tool design, material selection, automation, quality control, and production management. This field also involves a deep understanding of materials science, mechanics, and mathematics.

  Overall, manufacturing systems engineering plays a critical role in the production of goods, helping to ensure that products are made efficiently, effectively, and with high quality.

• What is the difference between Manufacturing Engineering Systems and Manufacturing Engineering Technology?

  Manufacturing systems engineering and manufacturing engineering technology are two related fields that share many similarities but also have some key differences.
  
  Manufacturing systems engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing processes and systems. Manufacturing engineers are responsible for designing and improving manufacturing processes, developing new materials and manufacturing techniques, and ensuring that products are manufactured to meet the required specifications.
  
  Manufacturing engineering  technology, on the other hand, is a field that focuses more on the practical aspects of manufacturing processes, such as equipment selection, process control, and quality assurance. Manufacturing engineering technologists are trained to apply engineering principles to the development, design, and operation of manufacturing processes.
  
  In general, manufacturing systems engineering is more focused on the theoretical and conceptual aspects of manufacturing, while manufacturing engineering technology is more focused on the practical application of those concepts. Manufacturing Systems Engineer may work on developing new manufacturing techniques, while manufacturing engineering technologists may focus more on implementing and optimizing existing techniques.

  
  However, the boundaries between these two fields are not always clear-cut, and there is often overlap between them. Both fields play important roles in the manufacturing industry, and many professionals in these fields work closely together to develop and improve manufacturing processes and systems.

• Why pursue a bachelors in Manufacturing Systems Engineering?

  There are several reasons why someone might choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering systems. Here are a few:

  • 1.    Job prospects: Manufacturing Systems Engineering is a growing field with many career opportunities. Graduates with a degree in this field can work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical devices.
    2.    Hands-on experience: Many Manufacturing Systems
    Engineering programs include hands-on experience, such as laboratory work or internships. This can provide students with practical skills and experience that they can apply to their future careers.
    3.    Versatility: A degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering can provide graduates with a range of skills that can be applied to different areas of manufacturing. For example, graduates may work in areas such as process design, quality control, or materials engineering.
    4.    Innovation: Manufacturing Systems Engineering is a field that is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed all the time. Graduates with a degree in this field may have the opportunity to work on innovative projects and contribute to the development of new manufacturing methods.
    5.    High demand: With the increasing demand for efficient and effective manufacturing processes, the need for skilled manufacturing engineers is also increasing. This can lead to good job prospects and competitive salaries for graduates in this field.

  
  Overall, a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Systems
  Engineering can provide graduates with a strong foundation in engineering principles and practical skills that can be applied to a range of manufacturing industries.

• What is systems thinking?

  Systems thinking related to manufacturing is an approach that involves many modeling and analysis techniques to view manufacturing lifecycle issues.  Students will gain a broad perspective that includes seeing overall structure, patterns, and cycles in manufacturing systems.
  Systems thinking as it relates to manufacturing requires a holistic look at the analysis, design, implementation, and retirement of manufacturing related systems.  These systems often involve human and robot interactions and integration, management of complex systems over their life cycles, and retirement or disposal of systems.
  Systems thinking is also a diagnostic tool.  It can be used for examining manufacturing challenges holistically and accurately before acting.  It allows engineers to ask better questions before formulating solutions. Systems thinking includes:

  • Looking at interconnections, relationships, and emerging behavior in manufacturing
  • Viewing the manufacturing system or process as circular, not linear
  • Viewing the manufacturing system as a whole, and not as individual parts
  • Using synthesis to understand the whole and parts at the same time
     
• Why choose Weber State for your degree in Manufacturing Systems
  Engineering Degree?

  The WSU degree has a Systems Engineering focus within the manufacturing field.  There is currently a high demand for systems engineers across a variety of industries. Systems engineering is a field that focuses on the design, development, and implementation of complex systems, such as aerospace systems, defense systems, and information systems.

  
  As technology continues to advance and become more complex, the need for skilled systems engineers has grown. Many industries are seeking professionals who can work on the design and development of large-scale systems that require expertise in multiple engineering disciplines.

  
  In addition to the demand for systems engineers in traditional industries such as aerospace and defense, there is also increasing demand for systems engineers in emerging fields such as renewable energy and healthcare. For example, systems engineers may be involved in the design and development of new medical devices or the integration of renewable energy systems into existing power grids.
  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of systems engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for systems engineers is expected to continue to grow as new technologies and systems are developed, making it a promising field for those interested in pursuing a career in engineering.
   

  Affordable Colleges Online (ACO) has ranked Weber State University as 17th nationally, on its list of low-cost colleges with graduates who earn high starting salaries.  In addition to a great education that lands a well-paying career, WSU offers experienced faculty, high impact learning experiences, and real-world case studies.

• What will I learn in my bachelors in Manufacturing Systems Engineering?

  The bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering covers a range of topics related to the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing processes and systems. Here are some of the topics that are covered in the program:

  1.    Materials science: Students may learn about the properties of different materials and how they can be used in manufacturing processes. This may include topics such as metallurgy, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
  2.    Manufacturing processes: Students may study various manufacturing processes, such as casting, molding, forming, machining, and joining. They may also learn about computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  3.    Quality control: Students may learn about statistical process control, quality assurance techniques, and inspection methods used to ensure that products meet the required specifications.
  4.    Process design: Students may learn about the design and optimization of manufacturing processes, including the selection of equipment, process flow, and layout.
  5.    Industrial automation: Students may study automation technologies, including robotics and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and how they can be used to improve manufacturing processes.
  6.    Supply chain management: Students may learn about the logistics of manufacturing, including supply chain management, inventory control, and lean manufacturing techniques.
  7.    Project management: Students may study project management techniques and tools used to plan, organize, and execute manufacturing projects.
  
  Overall, a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering provides a strong foundation in engineering principles and practical skills that can be applied to a range of manufacturing industries. 

• Why study Manufacturing Systems Engineering over other engineering disciplines?

  There are several reasons why someone might choose to study manufacturing engineering systems over other engineering disciplines. Here are a few:

  1.    Focus on practical applications: Manufacturing Systems Engineering  is a field that focuses on the practical applications of engineering principles. Graduates with a degree in this field can apply their skills to the design and development of manufacturing processes and systems that produce tangible products.
  2.    Versatility: A degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering can provide graduates with a range of skills that can be applied to different areas of manufacturing. For example, graduates may work in areas such as process design, quality control, or materials engineering.
  3.    Interdisciplinary nature: Manufacturing Systems Engineering requires knowledge of a range of engineering disciplines, including materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. This interdisciplinary approach can provide graduates with a broad range of skills and knowledge.
  4.    High demand: The manufacturing industry is a growing field that offers many career opportunities for graduates with a degree in manufacturing engineering systems. With the increasing demand for efficient and effective manufacturing processes, the need for skilled manufacturing engineers is also increasing.
  5.    Innovation: Manufacturing Systems Engineering is a field that is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed all the time. Graduates with a degree in this field may have the opportunity to work on innovative projects and contribute to the development of new manufacturing methods.
  
  Overall, a degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering can provide graduates with a strong foundation in engineering principles and practical skills that can be applied to a range of manufacturing industries. It is a promising field for those interested in pursuing a career in engineering and who are interested in the practical applications of engineering principles.