Why a Career in Manufacturing?
Nearly everything in our lives had to be manufactured. From the computer you are using right now to read this website, to the t-shirt you’re wearing, to the cereal you ate for breakfast – all of it was manufactured from raw materials, usually on machinery, but sometimes with by-hand assembly. Advanced manufacturing refers to producing the most complex and high quality goods in an efficient and profitable way.
Within the manufacturing industry, there is always a demand for better products, more innovation in design, and the incorporation of new technologies into the products being made. Working in manufacturing no longer means that you’ll be standing on an assembly line for eight hours a day. Although those jobs still exist, many manufacturing jobs require programming and calibration of production equipment, careful attention to quality standards, and following precise design specifications – which are often created by a trained engineer or prototype designer. Certifications in manufacturing lead to career paths in management or in engineering as you increase skills, continue your education, and gain experience.
Learn More:
What are the types of jobs?
What are the salaries like?
Where can I learn more?
How do I get started?
What Kinds of Jobs Exist in Manufacturing?
Tool and Die Maker: Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools
Machinists: Set up and operate machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments.
Tool Room Supervisor: Direct the work activities of employees such as machine setters, fabricators, and assemblers to make sure they meet production and quality standards. Maintain tools, supplies and equipment used in these activities. Instruct employees on safety standards and ensure those standards are met.
Maintenance Technician: Inspect and repair or replace machines and mechanical equipment used in the manufacturing of a company’s product. Install, align, or calibrate new equipment; make repairs using skills such as pipe-fitting, welding, or carpentry.
Materials Handler: Identify, pack, move, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials such as lead, asbestos, contaminated soil, or chemicals. Operate trucks or earth-moving equipment.
Industrial Designer: Design manufactured products such as electronics, household items, or toys. Combine creativity, knowledge of materials, and market research to develop new products.
Machine Operator: Operate computer-controlled machines or robots as part of the manufacturing process. Inspect completed items for quality; determine whether repairs are needed to equipment; adjust machine output if needed using automated controls.
Production Technician: Set up, test, and adjust manufacturing equipment, using electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or computer technologies
Project Engineer: Design and plan all aspects of a manufacturing project. Select materials, examine prototypes, approve quality standards, and supervise management staff in the production of the item. Collaborate with operations, sales, marketing, and finance to determine delivery methods, packaging, pricing, and promotion.
Quality Assurance Manager: Oversee quality standards for all products manufactured by a company. Establish and implement quality control policies. Consult with engineers, repairers, or machinists to solve identified quality issues. Collaborate with sales and marketing to ensure that products are meeting customer expectations.
Safety Manager: Establish and implement safety policies that limit the risks of chemical, biological, physical injury to workers. Train employees on safety procedures and provide them with safety equipment where needed. Maintain records of safety issues for federal and state reporting.
Production Technicians: Optimize manufacturing outputs by using knowledge of systems and tools to adjust, calibrate, or test equipment. Monitor processes and equipment to maintain quality and productivity standards set by management.
Source: http://online.onetcenter.org/
What Salary Level is Possible?
Entry Level: Operators and Assemblers: $21,000 - $31,700 annually
Mid Level:Technicians and Designers: $27,800 - $49,500 annually
Advanced Level: Engineers and Managers: $59,700 - $93,000 annually
Sources:
http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/OccGuides
http://www.careerinfonet.org
Resources and Articles: Manufacturing
Career OneStop: National website that provides labor market and occupational profiles. Use "Topics A to Z" Site Search box to search careers in manufacturing.
Career Voyages Newsletter: Article about careers and opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
National Council for Advanced Manufacturing: An affiliate group furthers the interests of manufacturing companies by advising on manufacturing policies at the federal level. Offers information on current issues in manufacturing as well as a weekly blog.
National Association of Manufacturers: An affiliate group that offers information about manufacturing, economic and trade data, and current issues in manufacturing.
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Prepare yourself for college coursework and jobs in Manufacturing by considering the following high school courses:
- Mathematics: geometry, algebra
- Economics
- Wood Shop
- Computer Information Systems or Computer Science
- Applied Sciences: biology, chemistry
- Machining
- Auto Mechanics
- Drafting
- Introduction to AutoCAD
- Metalworking
- Welding
