Careers in the manufacturing cluster involve
skills in planning, managing, and making raw
materials into quality products. The cluster
pathways involve production, process development,
and equipment maintenance and installation,
inventory control. They also include quality, health,
safety, and environmental assurance.
Production workers use machinery and
tools to assemble everything from electronics
to modular homes. Design engineers and
production managers work with product design
and the overall manufacturing process to
make quality products. Equipment technicians
perform emergency repairs and also do routine
maintenance on equipment, machines, and tools.
Quality assurance workers make sure products
and services meet customer standards.
People who work with logistics—the handling
of operational details—and inventory control
oversee all aspects of production from delivering raw
materials to shipping products. Environmental and
safety engineers focus on the safe use of equipment
and a safe and healthy work environment.
The job outlook in manufacturing will grow
faster than average especially for people with broad
skills. Some careers, such as those in quality control,
may see a decline as automation increases. Skilled
jobs, such as machinists and welders, are usually
learned through apprenticeships or at technical
schools or two-year community colleges. Engineers,
scientists, and production managers need at least
a four-year degree. Some careers require special
licenses or certification in addition to education and
training.
Assembler
■
Automated
Manufacturing Technician
■
Bookbinder
■
Calibration
Technician
■
Electrical Installer
& Repairer
■
Extruding &
Drawing Machine Setter
■
Extrusion Machine Operator
■
Foundry Worker
■
Grinding,
Lapping, & Buffing Machine
Operator
■
Hoist & Winch
Operator
■
Instrument Maker
■
Large Printing Press Machine
Setter
■
Milling Machine Set-Up
Operator
■
Millwright
■
Tool &
Die Maker
■
Welder
■
Tender
& Cutter
■
Painter
■
Pattern
& Model Maker
■
Precision
Layout Worker
■
Production
Associate
■
Sheet Metal Worker
■
Solderer & Brazier
Production
Pathways and
Career Options
Design Engineer
■
Electrical
& Electronic Technician &
Technologist
■
Electronics
Engineer
■
Engineering
Technician & Technologist
■
Engineering Technician
■
Industrial Engineer
■
Labor Relations Manager
■
Manufacturing Engineer
■
Manufacturing Technician
■
Power Generating & Reactor
Plant Operator
■
Precision
Inspector, Tester, & Grader
■
Process Improvement
Technician
■
Production
Manager
■
Purchasing Agent
■
Supervisor
Manufacturing Production
Process Development
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