Manufacturing Engineering Technology
In the Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MFT), you’ll design, develop, and optimize manufacturing systems using the latest technology—from CNC machines and robotics to 3D printing and advanced automation. As a hands-on, project-based program that builds your skills in both technical problem-solving and business strategy, you’ll learn how to improve product quality, cut costs, and make manufacturing processes more efficient—all while gaining real-world experience in state-of-the-art labs.
At Bradley, your MFT experience culminates in an industry-sponsored capstone project where you’ll solve real challenges for real companies.
Experiential Learning
In Bradley’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MFT) program, you’ll tackle real-world projects from day one, work with industry partners, and build practical skills that employers are looking for. Along the way, you can customize your experience by adding minors in Business Administration and Quality Engineering—giving you the tools to lead teams, make data-driven decisions, and drive continuous improvement.
Industry-Sponsored Capstone & Lean Manufacturing Projects – Partnering with companies like Caterpillar, CNH, Matcor, Komatsu, Tomerson, Shure, Dynamic Manufacturing, Dove Equipment, and Micro Weld Micro Products Company, students analyze production systems, develop Lean transformation strategies, and propose efficiency improvements.
Internships & Job Shadowing – Strong industry ties open doors for hands-on experience with Caterpillar, CNH, Komatsu, Matcor, and American Print on Demand, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
Professional Networking & Mentorship – Student organizations such as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), American Society for Quality (ASQ), and American Society for Materials (ASM) connect students with local industry leaders, company-sponsored projects, and national conferences.
Alumni Mentorship & Career Support – Graduates working at Caterpillar, CNH, Komatsu, Matcor, Tomerson, Shure, and Dynamic Manufacturing provide job shadowing, plant tours, and career guidance, helping students transition from academics to industry.
Program Details
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Manufacturing Engineering Technology using:
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
Within five years into their careers, the graduates from the Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program at Bradley University will have successful careers based on
- Demonstrated ability to move into a leadership role in various phases of a manufacturing system while communicating objectives and intentions to a diverse team of cross functional members.
- Demonstrated ability to expand into different areas of manufacturing using transferable skills learned through hands-on experience.
- Demonstrated ability to serve both the profession and the community balanced with the work environment.
- Demonstrated ability to gain additional knowledge and skills by obtaining certifications and additional education.
Student Outcomes (SOs)
In order to meet these program educational objectives, students graduating from Bradley’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program will attain the following outcomes.
- An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline
- An ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline
- An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature
- An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes
- An ability to function effectively as a member or leader on a technical team
Career Opportunities
Bradley’s MET graduates step into high-impact roles like manufacturing engineer, process engineer, tool engineer, and quality engineer—often securing job offers before graduation.
Our alumni are building the future at top companies like Caterpillar, Ford, Aerotech, Butler International, and John Deere, where they work on cutting-edge projects in product design, process improvement, and advanced manufacturing.
Starting salaries typically average around $65,000 per year, and MET grads are especially valued for their ability to combine hands-on technical skills with business-minded problem solving.
