Product Engineer vs. Process Engineer: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
Product and process engineers are responsible for developing and improving products and processes. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, automotive and aerospace. If you’re interested in a career in engineering, understanding the difference between product and process engineering can help you decide which path is right for you. In this article, we compare and contrast product and process engineering, and we provide information on job outlook and salary expectations.
What is a Product Engineer?
Product Engineers design, develop, test and oversee the manufacture of products. They work in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices and industrial machinery. Product Engineers use their knowledge of engineering principles to create products that are safe, efficient and cost-effective. They collaborate with other engineers, designers and manufacturers to ensure that products meet all required specifications. Product Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and several years of experience in the field.
What is a Process Engineer?
Process Engineers are responsible for improving and maintaining the systems and processes that are used to create and distribute a product. They work with all departments in a company to optimize the production process and ensure that products are made efficiently and to the highest quality standards. Process Engineers use their knowledge of engineering principles and tools to design, implement and optimize manufacturing processes. They also develop quality control procedures to ensure that products meet or exceed customer expectations. Process Engineers work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceutical and consumer goods.
Product Engineer vs. Process Engineer
Here are the main differences between a product engineer and a process engineer.
Job Duties
Product engineers primarily focus on the design, development and improvement of products for consumers. They typically work directly with designers to create new products that appeal to customers. These professionals research market demands and customer requirements to determine what improvements can be made to current products and what new products to develop.
In contrast, process engineers primarily focus on improving production processes within manufacturing or other industries. They often work with operations and plant managers to identify inefficiencies and devise solutions to resolve them. These professionals use their knowledge of engineering principles and mechanical and electrical systems to troubleshoot equipment issues and devise solutions to improve efficiency.
Job Requirements
Product engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Process engineers also usually need at least a bachelor’s degree, but their field of study can vary. Some process engineers have degrees in chemical engineering, while others might have degrees in mechanical engineering or another relevant field. Many process engineers also pursue certification through the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This organization offers several different certifications that teach professionals how to use quality control tools and methods.
Work Environment
Process engineers typically work in manufacturing facilities, where they oversee the production of products. They may also travel to different locations to ensure that their processes are running smoothly and efficiently. Product engineers usually work in offices or laboratories, where they can design new products and test prototypes. These professionals may also visit manufacturing sites to observe how their products are being produced.
Skills
Both product engineers and process engineers use technical skills to perform their jobs. Product engineers need to have an understanding of manufacturing processes, as well as the ability to create and interpret blueprints. Process engineers also need to understand manufacturing processes, but they also need to be familiar with statistical analysis and quality control methods.
Both types of engineers need to have problem-solving skills, as they will often be tasked with finding ways to improve products or processes. They also both need to be able to work independently and be self-motivated, as they may spend a lot of time working on projects alone.
Product engineers tend to focus more on the design of products, while process engineers focus more on improving manufacturing processes. Because of this, product engineers may benefit from having creativity and artistic skills, while process engineers may benefit from having analytical and research skills.
Salary
The average salary for a product engineer is $79,909 per year, while the average salary for a process engineer is $85,585 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the industry in which you work, your level of experience and your location.