Production Engineer (Manufacturing)
Who are they and what do they actually do? The details of Production Engineering
Production Engineers (Manufacturing) are responsible for ensuring production lines run smoothly with minimal quality problems. They are heavily involved in numerous aspects of the manufacturing process. A Production Engineer will routinely spend large chunks of their time thinking, optimising and fixing issues on the production line.
Due to advancing developments in robotics, Production Engineers are facing new challenges in their careers. It is entirely possible that in the near future companies will be able to completely remove manufacturing workers from the production line. The challenge for Production Engineers will be to adapt to this change.
Cognitive processes and intelligence methods used: A Production Engineer performs a lot of kinaesthetic functions and combines it with a lot of research and analytical thinking (logic, verbal-linguistic).
Skills that are needed to begin in this career path: Beginning in this career requires a good foundation in root cause analysis and production line theory. However, these skills can also be taught on the job. The most critical attribute that Production Engineers require is quick thinking and a love of details.
Skills that are developed throughout this career path: Production Engineers further hone their diagnostic skills and ability to find product defects from very minor signs.
Individual or teamwork: Most production engineers are hired by large scale manufacturing companies. They tend to work individually as Engineers and also have strong collaboration with technicians, quality inspectors and factory workers.
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