Unlock Your Future in Manufacturing Engineering: Thriving Careers Await!
Manufacturing engineering faculty jobs represent a dynamic intersection of innovation, production, and academia, where professionals shape the next generation of industry leaders. This field combines mechanical principles with process optimization, focusing on everything from sustainable production to advanced robotics. With the U.S. manufacturing sector rebounding—adding over 800,000 jobs since 2020 per the National Association of Manufacturers—demand for skilled educators is surging. Students pursuing manufacturing engineering degrees enjoy hands-on curricula in CAD/CAM, lean manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies, preparing them for roles at companies like Boeing or Tesla.
Aspiring professors find abundant faculty jobs at universities emphasizing practical training, such as Purdue or Georgia Tech. Earnings are competitive, with assistant professors averaging $105,000 annually according to 2023 AAUP data, rising to $145,000 for full professors. Trends like additive manufacturing and green supply chains amplify prestige, especially in Midwest hubs like Michigan's auto corridor. Parents and job seekers appreciate the stability: engineering faculty turnover remains low at under 5% yearly. Dive into rate my professor reviews for manufacturing engineering instructors to gauge teaching excellence. Explore career advice at higher ed career advice.
Browse Higher Ed Jobs NowWhy Pursue Manufacturing Engineering in Academia?
Manufacturing engineering stands out for its real-world impact, bridging theory and factory floors. Faculty guide students through simulations of assembly lines, fostering skills in automation and quality control. A quirky fringe: Western Michigan University's pilot plant replicates full-scale factories, letting students troubleshoot live machinery quirks like vibration damping in CNC mills—rare even among top programs.
Prestige soars with alumni leading innovations, such as ex-students at SpaceX optimizing Starship welds. Link up with peers via professor jobs postings tailored to this niche.
Student Paths: What to Study in Manufacturing Engineering
Undergrads start with core courses in thermodynamics, materials science, and PLC programming, often culminating in capstone projects building prototypes. Graduate paths emphasize research in smart factories. Career trajectories lead to roles like process engineer ($95,000 median BLS 2023) or plant manager. Check rate my professor for standout manufacturing engineering faculty at Indiana schools like Purdue.
Scholarships abound; explore scholarships for manufacturing-focused aid. Parents note strong ROI: 95% placement rates at programs like Texas A&M.
Professor Opportunities and Salaries in Manufacturing Engineering
Higher ed jobs for manufacturing engineering professors emphasize tenure-track roles at R1 universities. Expected earnings vary:
| Rank | Avg Salary (2023) | Top Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant | $105,000 | Texas |
| Associate | $125,000 | Michigan |
| Full | $145,000 | California |
Detailed breakdowns at professor salaries. Fringe perk: Some Midwest depts offer housing stipends amid talent shortages.
View Professor SalariesTrends and Prestige in Manufacturing Engineering
Industry 4.0 drives demand, with AI-integrated factories projected to add 2.1 million jobs by 2030 (Deloitte 2023). Academia leads in sustainable manufacturing research, like Lehigh's IBE program blending business quirks. Rate top rate my professor manufacturing engineering courses for insights. Job seekers, target Ohio for aerospace ties.
Prestige peaks at NSF-funded labs; research jobs complement teaching. Get career advice for resumes.
Top Programs
Associations for Manufacturing Engineering
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
A professional association dedicated to advancing manufacturing professionals, communities, and industries through education, events, and resources.
The International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP)
An international organization focused on promoting research and development in manufacturing and production engineering.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
A UK-based professional body that supports mechanical engineers, including those in manufacturing, through qualifications, standards, and networking.
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
An association that represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology providers, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the industry.
European Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (euspen)
A society that advances precision engineering, manufacturing, and nanotechnology in Europe through conferences, training, and collaboration.
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
Canada's largest trade and industry association focused on manufacturing, advocating for policies that support manufacturers and exporters.
Engineers Australia
The national body for engineering in Australia, providing support and resources for manufacturing engineers among other disciplines.










.jpg&w=128&q=75)



