Your degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Manufacturing Engineering, you’re learning to design optimal industrial environments to produce high-value products for domestic and global markets. You’ll develop important skills to create and integrate new materials and technologies to transform how finished products are made across a spectrum of industries.

These skills may include:

• Planning and design of factory layouts and facilities and the development of digital models for processes
• Selection, planning and management of materials, equipment and machinery, including robots, 3D printers, and computer-controlled machines
• Creation and evaluation of production system activities and sequencing across a range of manufacturing processes, from the production of fuel cells to advanced composite airplanes
• Conducting time series analyses and motion studies to determine production schedules and output rates
• Establishment of key performance indicators to measure the productivity of the assembly process
• Development of maintenance standards and schedules, and carrying out regular plant facility assessments
• Technical report writing and presentation skills, and the ability to provide strong rationale for design solutions

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including automotive, computer and electronics, biotechnology, robotics, clean energy, agriculture, industrial and government research, consulting, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.

• UBC Manufacturing Engineering Club
  Attend networking events and social events, meet like-minded students, build community, and get involved.
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Student Section
  Network with peers and professionals, attend guest speaker events, panel presentations, and field trips.
• UBC Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Student Branch
  Attend technical workshops, participate in industry field trips and join student competitions.
• UBC Supermileage
  Work as part of a diverse team to design and fabricate ultra- fuel-efficient vehicles to compete in annual competitions.
• UBC Rocket
  Gain hands-on technical experience in designing, manufacturing and launching suborbital rockets.
• UBC Third Quadrant Design
  Develop your technical skills and work in a team to design high performance buildings and green infrastructure.
• Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action
  Volunteer your time in a research role focused on the development, analysis, and application of AI systems.
• UBC BizTech
  Participate in case competitions and attend panels and showcases to connect with business and tech professionals.
• entrepreneurship@UBC
  Get the resources and mentorship you need to take your startup idea to the next level.
• Departmental research opportunities
  Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• UBC Engineering Co-op
  Gain work experience in manufacturing engineering between study terms.
• Engineering job board
  Check out engineering employment opportunities.
• Internet of Things (IoT) events
  View upcoming events and conferences on new technologies for different sectors.
• Canada Makes 3D Challenge
  Participate in the Pan-Canadian 3D Printing Design Challenge to compete for a full one-year paid internship and cash prizes.
• ACM Student Research Competition
  Present your original research at this international student conference in term 2 and receive cash prizes and awards.
• #BCTECHSummit
  Attend the conference, do some industry networking, or join an innovation challenge.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• Aerospace Industry Association of Canada
• Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC
• ASM International, The Materials Information Society, BC Chapter
• Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada
• Association of Equipment Manufacturers
• BC Alliance for Manufacturing
• BC Food Processors Association
• BC Tech Association
• BIOTECanada
• Canadian Artificial Intelligence Association
• Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology
• Canadian Home Furnishings Alliance
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
• Canadian Manufacturing (industry news)
• Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society
• Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering
• Canadian Society of Professional Engineers
• Canadian Textile Industry Association
• Clean Energy BC
• Engineering Institute of Canada
• Engineers and Geoscientists BC
• Engineers Canada
• IEEE Computer Society
• IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
• Institute of Industrial Engineers
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC
• Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association
• National Association of Manufacturers
• Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology
• Society of Automotive Engineers BC
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers Canada

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Manufacturing Engineering graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Applied Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Engineering degree.