Engineer

Drive the design and development of manufactured products, parts and structures and manage processes like quality control and process optimization. Engineering is a very broad field and has various specializations. If you enjoy math and science, there is probably a branch of engineering that fits you!

Make a Difference

A Typical Day

Investigate or resolve operational problems, such as material use variances or bottlenecks.
Identify opportunities or implement changes to improve manufacturing processes or products or to reduce costs.
Apply continuous improvement methods such as lean manufacturing to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness.
Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing.

Recommended Credentials

Bachelor's Degree

Education & Training

Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.

Northwest Lower Michigan

Get started with engineering classes at your local community college.

Complete your general education requirements at Northwestern Michigan College before you transfer to a 4-year school.

Elsewhere in Michigan

Mechanical Engineering
— Michigan Tech University
College of Engineering
— Kettering University
Mechanical Engineering
— Lake Superior State University

Explore This Career

Try it before you buy it!

Take high school physics and other AP classes in math and science.
Michigan Tech University - Summer Youth Programs (Grade 6 to 11)
Use the 3D printer at the Traverse Area District Library or look into a high school Internship with Century, Inc.

The Local Advantage Learning Pathway

Pathway 1

Check out Northwest Education Services’ Engineering Academy, Robotics & Automation, Electrical Occupations or a similar program.

Take advanced or AP math and science classes at your school: Physics, Chemistry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, etc.

Apply to join advanced curriculum programs, such as Sci-Ma-Tech at Traverse City Central and West High Schools.

Ask your high school counselor about dual enrollment at NMC for these classes:

Calculus III (MTH 241)
Differential Equations (MTH 251)
Intro to Engineering (EGR 101)

Pathway 2

NMC's Engineering program articulates to 7 Michigan Technological University (MTU) engineering programs. In the 2+2 Program, NMC Engineering students can transfer to Michigan Tech as a junior, saving you a lot of time and money! You will graduate with both an Associate's degree from NMC and a Bachelor's degree from MTU.

Transfer Guide from NMC to Lake Superior State University, Robotics Engineering, BS

Pathway 3

Transfer to a 4-year school to complete your bachelor’s degree! The following have a transfer agreement with NMC:

Engineering Robotics, BS — Lake Superior State University
2+2 Engineering Transfer Program — Michigan Tech University

Sample Employers in Our Region

Click the logos below to learn more.

TIP

Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.

Sample Job Titles...

Manufacturing Engineer
Design Engineer
Quality Engineer
Process Engineer
Project Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Materials Engineer
Chemical Engineer