Also called: Production Engineer, Process Engineer
Figures out the best way to actually build an aircraft or rocket: the steps, tools, and factory layout.
You write the work instructions technicians follow, design a jig to hold a wing panel, and solve why the drill station keeps making off-size holes.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in industrial, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
Growing much faster than average (about 11% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI and digital twins plan build steps and factory flow; solving problems on the floor and launching new lines stay human.
Classes: Physics, Shop or machining class, CAD class, Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2112.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.