Do All Manufacturing Engineers Have Craftsmanship Skills?

In the world of engineering, there is a longstanding belief that engineers primarily rely on their mental prowess, while skilled technicians focus on their manual dexterity. While this distinction is often made, it doesn't necessarily hold true for all manufacturing engineers.

Myths vs. Reality

Many people believe that engineers who have the same educational qualifications as their colleagues are interchangeable, specializing only in mental skills and lacking the practical hands-on skills. However, the reality is more nuanced and diverse. Some manufacturing engineers are indeed 'spanner' engineers, capable of only removing and replacing parts, while others possess a range of engineering skills and can operate machinery and repair parts.

From Academic to On-Hand Skills

Take, for example, my experience working at a defense contractor. The company was known for hiring top graduates from MIT, and while these individuals brought exceptional mental capabilities, not all of them possessed the necessary craftsmanship skills. In some cases, they were excellent at putting together a design for a product but would struggle to operate the machinery required to cut or weld parts.

Personal Insights and Experiences

In my personal experience, there are engineers who were taught a trade by their fathers before pursuing college education. For instance, my father was a master in HVAC, a skill he learned in the union. After graduating from college, he became a designing engineer for a major air conditioning manufacturer. In his later years, he even taught these skills to his students at a university, illustrating that practical craftsmanship can enhance engineering knowledge.

From Hands-On Skills to Academic Degrees

Not all engineers start their careers with theoretical knowledge alone. Some engineers, like myself, had the opportunity to balance both academic and practical skills. I initially aspired to become an electrical technician, which required a blend of hands-on and theoretical knowledge. Although I decided to pursue a degree in power and distribution engineering, I retained the necessary skills to handle both the design and practical aspects of engineering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are certainly engineers who are more focused on mental skills and less on hands-on craftsmanship, it is unfair to generalize all engineering degrees as being exclusive of practical skills. Practical skills can significantly contribute to a well-rounded engineer, enhancing their ability to understand and apply complex designs and processes.

My experience has shown that many manufacturing engineers possess a range of skills, from design to hands-on craftsmanship. Whether a manufacturing engineer excels in one area or both depends on their background, opportunities, and personal development. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills is essential for success in the field of engineering.