Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Arlington, TX
Manufacturing engineers are core to Arlington's economy because the city is a genuine manufacturing town. The GM Arlington Assembly plant builds full-size SUVs and relies on manufacturing engineers to design and maintain the processes, tooling, and automation that keep the lines running, while aerospace suppliers to Lockheed Martin and Bell and plastics maker Poly-America need process engineers too. UT Arlington graduates fill much of this local demand.
Current manufacturing engineer Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Manufacturing Engineers
These Arlington-area employers regularly hire manufacturing engineers to design and improve production.
- GM Arlington Assembly - process, tooling, and automation manufacturing engineers on the SUV lines.
- Lockheed Martin - aerospace manufacturing and producibility engineers in Fort Worth.
- Bell Textron - rotorcraft manufacturing engineers in the DFW area.
- Poly-America - process and production engineers at the Grand Prairie plant.
- Siemens - manufacturing and automation engineers for industrial products.
- Trinity Industries - heavy manufacturing and process engineers in the DFW area.
Manufacturing Engineer Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: roughly $66,000 to $80,000 per year
- Experienced: roughly $85,000 to $110,000 per year
- Senior or lead: roughly $114,000 to $142,000 or more per year
These are estimates that vary by industry and experience. Full-time manufacturing engineering roles in Arlington typically include health insurance, a 401(k) with match, paid time off, and bonuses tied to plant performance.
How to Become a Manufacturing Engineer in Arlington
Most roles require a bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering from an ABET-accredited program. UT Arlington offers relevant degrees with strong local manufacturing ties, and Tarrant County College offers engineering technology and transferable coursework. Lean Six Sigma certification is valued, and while a PE license is optional for most manufacturing roles, it is available through the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
What the Job Involves
Manufacturing engineers design, launch, and improve the processes that turn parts into finished products. In Arlington that means developing work instructions and tooling, programming and troubleshooting automation and robotics, running root-cause analysis on defects, supporting new product launches, and driving cost and cycle-time improvements. The role is hands-on and spends most of its time on the plant floor.
Skills Employers Look For
- Process design, tooling, and fixture development
- Automation, robotics, and PLC familiarity
- Lean, Six Sigma, and root-cause problem solving
- CAD and GD&T for manufacturability
- Ability to work fast on a live production floor
Career Path and Advancement
Manufacturing engineers in Arlington typically start as a process or associate engineer, advance to manufacturing engineer and senior engineer, and then move into lead engineer, manufacturing engineering manager, or plant operations leadership. At GM Arlington and aerospace suppliers, strong performers often move into program launch and plant management roles.
Related Careers in Arlington
If manufacturing engineering interests you, these related Arlington roles hire in the same market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to work as a manufacturing engineer in Arlington?
No. Manufacturing engineers at GM Arlington and area plants work under the industry exemption and do not need a PE license. Lean Six Sigma certification and hands-on process experience matter far more locally.
How long does it take to become a manufacturing engineer?
A bachelor's degree takes about four years. Many engineers add Lean Six Sigma certification and automation skills on the job within their first couple of years.
What is the difference between a manufacturing and an industrial engineer in Arlington?
Manufacturing engineers focus on the specific processes, tooling, and equipment that make a product, while industrial engineers focus more broadly on optimizing flow, labor, and overall system efficiency. The roles overlap heavily at plants like GM Arlington.
Can manufacturing engineers work remotely in Arlington?
Rarely. The job centers on real production equipment and lines, so manufacturing engineers spend most of their time on-site at the plant.
Which Arlington employer pays manufacturing engineers the most?
Aerospace employers like Lockheed Martin and Bell, plus senior manufacturing engineering roles at GM Arlington, generally offer the highest local pay.
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