Are you wondering what a career in manufacturing holds for you?
Wondering what kinds of jobs are in manufacturing? Want to know what kind of work you’ll be doing day-to-day? Check out the manufacturing jobs below to learn more about what these manufacturing jobs are all about.
MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY
Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Machine Operators – Metal and Plastic Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.
Sample of reported job titles:
Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist), Machine Operator, Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator (CNC Lathe Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator), Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator (CNC Mill Operator), Production Worker, Brake Press Operator, Computer Numerical Control Set Up Technician (CNC Set Up Technician), Computer Numerical Control Set-Up Operator (CNC Set-Up Operator)
Machinists
Machinists set up and run machines that shape metals into precision parts. Machinists make products such as machine gears and cutting tools.
Mold Makers (Molding, Coremaking, Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.
Sample of reported job titles:
Machine Operator, Production Technician, Process Technician, Injection Press Operator, Die Cast Technician, Press Operator, Core Machine Operator, Eight Arm Operator, Cup Fabricating Machine Operator, Cup Operator
Tool & Die Makers
Tool and die makers produce and repair cutting tools, metalworking dies, and special guiding and holding devices called jigs and fixtures used to manufacture metal parts. Tool and die makers also make gauges and measuring devices for inspecting metal parts.
MECHANICAL DESIGN
Industrial (and Commercial) Designers
Industrial designers create and develop ideas for products based on the manufacturer’s criteria. The manufacturer may, for example, want a new product that is visually appealing, easy to use, inexpensive, and/or more cost efficient to operate than existing products. Industrial designers usually work with a team of management, marketing, and engineering specialists from the client manufacturer.
Mechanical Drafters
Mechanical drafters make detailed drawings using sketched directions given to them by engineers. They change designs into exact plans for products. Their drawings show the materials needed to make the product and how to construct it. These products range from tools and parts to whole machines and structures.
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Mechanical engineering technicians help engineers design and test products and equipment. When engineers develop new ideas, mechanical engineering technicians draw plans for producing the machines and other products. Technicians may design new tools or modify old ones.
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers look for ways to improve energy systems, such as auto and jet engines, power plants, and home heating systems. To save fuel and reduce pollution in energy production, they often design new devices or machines, ranging from single parts to complete jet aircraft.
ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY
Industrial Automation Technicians
Design and select electromechanical equipment, materials, components, or systems to meet manufacturing specifications. Use Electromechanical skills like: electronics, automation, motion control, mechanics, fluid power and programmable logic controllers. Install, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems, Maintain service records of automated equipment and production systems. Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on automated systems or components.
Sample of reported job titles:
Electromechanical Technician, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Operations Assistant, Production Technician, Mechatronics Technician, Automation Technologist, Robotics Technician, Electronic Technician, Test Technician Instrument Technician, Electro-Mechanic Technician
Laboratory Technicians
Assist scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, mix solutions, and calculate and record results. Equipment used would include microscopes, pipettes, centrifuges, clean/fume hoods, incubators, electrophoresis gels, spectrometers, and computers.
Sample of reported job titles:
Biological Technician, Chemical Technician, Research Associate, Laboratory Technician, Research Specialist, Research Assistant, Research Technician, Environmental Technician
Packaging Technicians
Develop methods to store, ship, and market consumer products and other industrial goods. Use Electromechanical skills like: electronics, automation, motion control, mechanics, fluid power and programmable logic controllers to package, protect, and market products before they reach consumers. Find cost effective ways to efficiently have products readily available and keep consumer cost low.
Sample of reported job titles:
Process Technician, Associate Packaging Technician, Packaging Technology Manager, Packaging Development Technician, Packaging Technician, and Packaging Technologist, Electromechanical Technician.
Process Technicians
Collect and record data regarding industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. He or she may perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Sample of reported job titles:
Engineering Technician, Industrial Engineering Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Production Staff Worker, Industrial Engineering Analyst, Process Documentation and Methods Analyst
Quality Assurance Technicians
Observe and conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediates, and finished products. May conduct tests for yield, content, and repeatability and present the data using various software including Excel and Minitab. May assist with calibration of equipment and offer recommendations when results are out-of-spec.
Sample of reported job titles:
Quality Assurance Technician (QA Technician), Quality Control Technician, Operations Technician, Technical Services Analyst
Robotics Technicians
Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, and fluid power. Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, and end-of-arm tools. Develop robotic motions to maximize efficiency, safety, and quality. Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems. Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
Sample of reported job titles:
Robotics Field Service Technician, Instrument Specialist, Automation Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician), Robotics Technician, and Electromechanical Technician.
ELECTROMECHANICAL / MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
Industrial Machinery Mechanics – Maintenance Technicians – General
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of an establishment in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; boiler making; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
Sample of reported job titles:
Maintenance Technician, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Electrician, Maintenance Engineer, Process Technician, Equipment Engineering Technician, Building Maintenance Mechanic, Building Mechanic, I&C Technician (Instrument and Controls Technician)
Industrial Machinery Mechanics – Maintenance Technicians – Machinery
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of an establishment in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; boiler making; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
Sample of reported job titles:
Maintenance Technician, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Electrician, Maintenance Engineer, Process Technician, Equipment Engineering Technician, Building Maintenance Mechanic, Building Mechanic, I&C Technician (Instrument and Controls Technician)
Robotics Technicians
Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, and fluid power. Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, and end-of-arm tools. Develop robotic motions to maximize efficiency, safety, and quality. Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems. Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
Sample of reported job titles:
Robotics Field Service Technician, Instrument Specialist, Automation Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician), Robotics Technician, and Electromechanical Technician.
ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS
Electrical Engineering Technologists
Assist electrical engineers in computer based process control, electrical power distribution, or instrumentation design, installation, maintenance, and calibration. He or she may prepare layouts of electrical transmission or distribution systems, supervise the flow of work, estimate project costs, or participate in research studies.
Sample of reported job titles:
Electrical Engineering Technician, Computer Engineering Technician, Network Systems Support, Electrical Systems Designer
Electromechanical Engineering Technologists
Develop, build, and maintain automated production lines. Fabricate, assemble and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, or fluid power components or assemblies. Work with robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLC’s), instrumentation, automated process design, and machine design. Analyze engineering designs of digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition for implementation into new or existing automated equipment. Select electromechanical equipment, materials, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
Sample of reported job titles:
Electromechanical Technician, Mechatronics Technician, Operations Assistant, Production Technician, Automation Technician, Robotics Technician, Electronic Technician, Instrument Technician, Electro-Mechanic Technician
Materials Engineers
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials.
Sample of reported job titles:
Materials Engineer, Materials Research Engineer, Metallurgist, Process Engineer, Research Engineer, Test Engineer, Materials and Processes Manager, Materials Branch Chief, Materials Development Engineer, Materials Engineering Superintendent
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Test the structural integrity of materials, buildings, structures, containers, or vehicles using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment. He or she is able to find defects which could compromise the performance or safety of a structure or vehicle, such as invisible cracks in a bridge or airplane wing.
Sample of reported job titles:
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist, Quality Manager, Non-Destructive Testing Technician, Quality Engineer, Non-Destructive Testing Services Director, Non-Destructive Testing Supervisor
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Computer Security Specialist
Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures for information systems to regulate access to computer data files and prevent unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure of information.
Sample of reported job titles:
Information Technology Specialist, Data Security Administrator, Information Security Analyst, Information Security Officer, Computer Specialist, Information Security Specialist, Information Systems Security Analyst, Computer Security Specialist, Information Security Manager, Information Technology Security Analyst
Computer Support Specialists
Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.
Sample of reported job titles:
Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Support Specialist, Computer Technician, Computer Support Specialist, Help Desk Analyst, Technical Support Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Electronic Data Processing Auditor (EDP Auditor), Network Technician, Computer Specialist
Computer System Analyst
Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Sample of reported job titles:
Systems Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Computer Analyst, Information Systems Analyst (ISA), Applications Analyst, Business Analyst,
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
Analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Includes telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment. May supervise computer programmers.
Sample of reported job titles:
Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Systems Administrator, Systems Analyst, Network Specialist, Network Technician, System Programmer, Telecommunications Manager, Systems Specialist
WELDING & FABRICATION
Welders
Combination welders fasten metal pieces by welding them together. They use both gas and arc welding methods. Welders must know the ways that steel, bronze, aluminum, and other metals react to heat, cold, and pressure.
