Cars, computers, microwave ovens, IPODs, MP3s, bicycles, video games, sports equipment, aircraft, athletic shoes, wheel-chairs, sunglasses, medical devices . . . every thing you see and use must be made – manufactured. Manufacturing engineers design, plan, develop, improve, and manage the machinery, processes, and systems that produce these products. Manufacturing engineers make industries and businesses competitive and innovative. They use knowledge of products, materials, processes, assembly methods, production equipment, systems capabilities, and quality standards to ensure that the products meet customers’ expectations and are produced at reasonable cost.