Automation Engineer Salary in the US
Manufacturing Engineer Salary Range
$95,400
$139,000
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in USD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by state.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in the U.S.
Manufacturing Engineer salaries in the Life Sciences Manufacturing industry typically range from $95,400 to $139,000, with a midpoint of approximately $115,200. Compensation varies based on manufacturing engineering experience, process validation expertise, regulatory knowledge, Lean Manufacturing experience, manufacturing complexity, and overall technical responsibility.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$95,400
$139,000
$95,400
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$115,200
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$139,000
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect a Manufacturing Engineer's Salary
Manufacturing Engineer compensation can vary based on manufacturing complexity, product portfolio, process validation experience, regulatory requirements, engineering specialization, facility size, geographic location, and overall technical responsibility. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the position supports highly regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device manufacturing operations, advanced manufacturing technologies, or complex manufacturing transfer and validation activities.
Manufacturing Engineer Job Description:
A Manufacturing Engineer develops, implements, improves, and supports manufacturing processes used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic, and other life sciences manufacturing environments. This role helps improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and overall operational performance by optimizing production processes and supporting manufacturing operations throughout the product lifecycle.
Manufacturing Engineers typically work with production equipment, manufacturing processes, validation activities, process optimization, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating with Production, Quality Assurance, Validation, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, and Engineering teams. Their responsibilities may include developing manufacturing processes, supporting equipment qualification, troubleshooting production issues, conducting process validations, improving process capability, implementing Lean Manufacturing initiatives, and ensuring compliance with FDA, cGMP/GMP, ISO, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Manufacturing Engineers are expected to understand how manufacturing processes directly impact product quality, regulatory compliance, production efficiency, operating costs, and customer satisfaction. Strong candidates typically combine manufacturing engineering expertise, analytical thinking, process improvement experience, validation knowledge, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and continuous improvement experience within highly regulated life sciences manufacturing environments.
Common Responsibilities:
Developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve productivity, product quality, operational efficiency, and cost performance while supporting safe and compliant manufacturing operations.
Supporting production by troubleshooting manufacturing issues, performing root cause analysis, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and improving process capability and equipment reliability.
Leading equipment installation, commissioning, qualification, process validation, manufacturing transfers, and scale-up activities while ensuring compliance with FDA, cGMP/GMP, ISO, and other applicable regulatory and quality standards.
Collaborating with Production, Quality Assurance, Validation, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, and Engineering teams to support manufacturing objectives, new product introductions, and continuous process improvements.
Developing and maintaining manufacturing documentation including SOPs, work instructions, process specifications, validation protocols, engineering reports, change controls, and technical documentation to support regulatory compliance.
Driving Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing manufacturing data, reducing waste, optimizing workflows, and improving product quality and operational performance.
Monitoring manufacturing KPIs, conducting process capability studies, statistical analysis, and risk assessments while recommending engineering solutions that enhance equipment performance, manufacturing reliability, and overall operational excellence.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across industrial automation, manufacturing, packaging, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
Latest Hiring Trends
Book a 15-Minute Consultation
Have a quick 15-minute call to learn how TQR works and how we help companies hire and professionals advance, and we’ll begin working on your search the same day.
