There’s been a lot of talk about shrinking industries within the United States. Manufacturing is not one of them. In fact, America is set to see a considerable increase in manufacturing jobs over the next four years.
According to MAU Workforce Solutions, U.S. manufacturing will likely experience 3.05% growth by 2028. That’s a market increase of $3.59 trillion! What a huge number! And increases like that mean one thing: jobs.
But what kind of manufacturing jobs are out there? Luckily for you, we have the answer!
For over 40 years, Masiello Employment Services has been helping candidates and employers connect with jobs in Light industrial and Skilled Manufacturing. These are two areas we specialize in, so we have excellent knowledge of what is going on in the industry.
Some roles are entry level, while others require more refined skills. We’ll share six real-life examples from our own job portal to paint you a picture of what a career in manufacturing could look like!
What is Manufacturing?
This industry encompasses a wide range of jobs, but at its core, it’s the transformation of materials into parts and parts into products. From the early days of modern manufacturing, people have been the beating heart of the industry.
And while technology has come in to help things along, reduce physical exertion, and make products even more precise, there is still a great need for people in this industry. The following jobs will appeal to anyone who has a need to use their hands, their minds, and their creative energy to make tomorrow’s products today!
6 Great Examples
Manufacturing Associate
Not all manufacturing jobs require college degrees and decades of experience. As a Manufacturing Associate, someone who has just graduated high school can enter into this growing field. The elements of the job include inspection of parts for defects, preparation of production equipment, keeping records, ensuring efficiency of production, assisting in physical production, and informing superiors of any quality issues. It’s a fantastic, entry-level position that will provide the base-level experience needed to rise quickly in the manufacturing field.
Chocolatier
While you might not view being a Chocolatier as “manufacturing” think about this: the only difference is the product. A chocolatier still works with industrial kitchen equipment, measuring out ingredients in large batches for recipes, and has the manual dexterity to produce high end chocolates.
All are skills any traditional industrial manufacturer requires, only in a far sweeter setting. While unorthodox, being a chocolatier is a great manufacturing job for anyone who has an analytical mind and culinary flare. Plus, for those who would rather work in a kitchen than a factory, small-scale chocolate production is going to be the perfect fit.
Production Worker
Another job that provides hands-on, entry-level manufacturing experience is that of a Production Worker. This is the job many think of when they think about careers in manufacturing. This position requires a lot of manual dexterity and attention to detail, with duties that include assembling and filling products as they come down the line, as well as taking them on and off of the machine. It’s not precision work, but it offers an introduction into the manufacturing process. That makes it a great place to learn the ropes and climb steadily up the manufacturing ladder.
CNC Machinist
A job that requires considerable skill, CNC Machinists are highly sought after because of their ability to run the very machines that put products together. Typically working with metall, a machinist can read instructions straight off of a blueprint and translate them into a completed product. The tools of the trade are lathes, grinders, milling machines, and many others. Strong math skills are also a must, plus the knowledge of how to perform preventative maintenance on any machines they operate. Machining is one of those positions that requires several years of experience to reach. However, once there, it is one of the best paying, and most rewarding manufacturing jobs there is.
Diamond-Point Operator/Programmer
Diamond-Point Operators are extremely valuable to the manufacturing industry. They work on machines called diamond-points, which use diamond edges to make highly precise cuts and indentations for an array of different products. The machine requires someone with excellent computer skills to program and operate.
That is why, in order to be a diamond-point operator, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, plus several years of experience, and knowledge in multiple different areas of CNC programs, G codes, and master programs are required. This is one of those skilled manufacturing jobs that brings with it the type of pay that makes manufacturing an industry where employees routinely make 13% more than other industries in the United States.
Engineering Manager
While an Engineering Manager won’t be getting their hands dirty with the day-to-day tasks of manufacturing, their ability to delegate tasks and lead a team is what makes efficient manufacturing possible. The major job of the manager is to oversee the engineering team. These are the folks who put things together, and they need a leader who is organized and decisive.
Project management, overseeing of instruction and direction, ensuring safety compliance, dealing with technical issues, and providing hands-on assistance are just a few of the many tasks an engineering manager has to take on. A Bachelor’s degree, years of experience, and excellent communication skills are a must for this position.
These are just a few examples of the variety of jobs you can expect to find in the manufacturing industry. If you’re someone who is looking to begin their career, or make the transition to a more skilled line of work, Masiello Employment Services is the staffing agency for you!
Our talented team can match you with your dream job in Light Industrial or Skilled Manufacturing. All you need to do is call 603 358 1000 or visit our offices in Keene, NH to get started!
