Alright, you just graduated, but what do you do now? If you want to work in a massive, global industry with almost limitless potential for career growth, maybe you should try manufacturing.
Looking to start your career but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry — we have you covered. We’ll tell you about the best manufacturing career opportunities in areas like quality control, supply chain logistics, and production management.
Then, we’ll give you the job description for each and provide a list of companies looking for skilled manufacturing workers to fill part- and full-time jobs through Handshake.
Should you pursue a career in manufacturing?
Even though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects production jobs to decrease by about 2% from 2021 to 2031, it also projects that around 1 million manufacturing jobs will become free due to people retiring each year, so there will be plenty of open positions.
Most manufacturing jobs require technical skills and attention to detail. Some higher-level manufacturing operations jobs also require leadership, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills. And since technology is always evolving, manufacturing technicians must be able to adapt quickly to new tools and processes.
Best degrees to land manufacturing jobs
The degree plans that can get you into a manufacturing career are diverse. Here are some of the best ones:
- Engineering. This degree can teach you how to engineer new materials, products, and processes to help you land jobs like materials or manufacturing engineer.
- Operations management. This degree will teach leadership and organization skills to help you direct production. It can help you land jobs like production supervisor and supply chain manager.
- Computer science and information technology (IT). This degree can give you the technical skills to manage automated manufacturing systems and develop new production software. It can help you land jobs like robotics engineer and data analyst.
- Quality management. This degree will teach you how to inspect and test manufacturing processes to ensure they meet quality standards. It can help you land jobs like industrial engineer and quality control specialist.
- Industrial design. This degree will teach you to improve current products and create new ones with sustainability and the end user’s convenience in mind. It can help you land jobs like industrial designer and user experience (UX) designer.
Industries where you can build a manufacturing career
It’s difficult to find an industry that doesn’t need manufacturing. Here are some of the top sectors where Handshake can help you find manufacturing jobs:
- Health care. Hospitals and caretakers need a steady supply of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Careers include medical device manufacturing engineer and pharmaceutical production technician.
- Technology. Computers and electronics need smart chips and a lot of other components. Careers include electronic manufacturing engineer and electronic quality control analyst.
- Retail. Stores need clothes, home goods, and other products to sell. Careers include garment production manager and product development engineer.
- Power. Manufacturers build materials to harness fossil fuels and renewable forms of energy, like solar power. Careers include oil and gas production technician and renewable energy materials engineer.
- Aerospace. All types of aircraft need safe, reliable parts. Careers include composite materials technician and aerospace manufacturing engineer.
- Motor vehicles. Car and motorcycle manufacturers are always building safer, more efficient vehicle parts. Careers include manufacturing manager and quality control analyst.
Scroll to the bottom of this article to find a bigger list of companies hiring manufacturing professionals through Handshake.
Top 10 entry-level jobs in manufacturing
Here are some of the top entry-level jobs in the manufacturing industry you can get.
1. Manufacturing engineer
Manufacturing engineers work with other departments to find and fix obstacles in production, so factories can run more efficiently. They also help businesses make the best use of resources.
Median salary: $95,300 a year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering or a related field
- Mechanical engineers need a license from an ABET-accredited program
Skills:
- Communication and collaboration skills
- The ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) tools
- Problem-solving abilities
- Analysis skills
- Attention to detail
- Independence
- Adaptability
2. Production worker
Production workers operate on assembly lines in factories. They’re the ones who actually build products. They’re also responsible for inspection and shipping.
Median salary: $36,230 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A certified production technician course can be substituted
Skills:
- Ability to listen and follow instructions
- Attention to detail
- Endurance and strength
- Time management
- Communication
- Problem-solving
3. Machine operator
Machine operators use manufacturing devices in assembly and product transportation. They also make sure machines work properly and produce quality products.
Median salary: $38,380 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some businesses require prior machine operating experience or technical training
Skills:
- Endurance and strength
- Ability to follow technical instructions
- Technical machine operating skills
- Organizational skills
- Ability to work with team members
4. Quality control technician
Quality control technicians inspect and test products and machinery. Products must be free of defects and meet quality standards before reaching customers. Quality control technicians use calipers, micrometers, spectrometers, and other tools to take measurements, run tests, and document defects.
Median salary: $49,522 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some businesses may require an associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Some businesses require former experience
Skills:
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Communication and collaboration
- Flexibility
- Basic documenting and computer skills
5. Process technician
Process technicians manage the production process in a facility. They watch for errors in equipment and troubleshoot problems. They work in rotating schedules to make sure production always runs smoothly.
Median salary: $62,001 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some companies prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, or a related field
Skills:
- Technical skills
- Troubleshooting
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Teamwork
- Ability to perform under pressure
- Ability to use CAD tools and other software
6. Supply chain coordinator
Supply chain coordinators manage materials. They check inventory levels and correspond with vendors to ensure all supplies get delivered and end up where they need to go.
Median salary: $52,241 a year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or a related field
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or similar certification
Skills:
- Strong organizational skills
- Analytical skills
- Clear communication skills
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Ability to use software tools, like Microsoft Excel
- Attention to detail
7. Maintenance technician
Maintenance technicians keep manufacturing machines working smoothly and safely. They examine equipment to see what could go wrong and perform preventative repairs. When machines malfunction, they troubleshoot and fix them.
Median salary: $59,380 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A technical certificate or maintenance degree
Skills:
- Ability to understand technical manuals
- Basic computer skills
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Adaptability
- Troubleshooting skills
8. Inventory control specialist
Inventory control specialists track and order stock, keep performance records on shipping, receiving, and storage transactions, and make suggestions to improve inventory management. They also research and solve inventory disparities.
Median salary: $37,870 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some businesses may require a degree in supply chain management or a related field
Skills:
- Excellent organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Teamwork
- Ability to use inventory management software
9. Industrial engineer
Industrial engineers use automation and analysis tools and engineering software to design ways to improve manufacturing processes, maximize efficiency, and save money. They work with other departments to better understand how production operates.
Median salary: $95,300 a year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field
Skills:
- Excellent mathematical abilities
- Ability to use statistical analysis and process mapping
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Project management
- Ability to use engineering software like CAD
10. CNC operator
Computer numerical control (CNC) operators study blueprints and use precision measuring tools to program machines to make parts with specific dimensions. CNC operators must adjust, calibrate, and test equipment to ensure it produces parts with the right specifications.
Median salary: $46,640 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Understanding of CNC machines
- CNC certifications can be helpful
Skills:
- Ability to understand and use schematics
- Technical ability to operate and adjust machines
- Attention to detail
- Ability to use precision measuring tools
- Basic computer skills
Who’s hiring in manufacturing on Handshake?
Start your career in manufacturing with help from Handshake
If you’ve dreamed of being a machinist, or working with machines, and you want to work hard in a manufacturing environment with huge opportunities for advancement, a career in manufacturing might be just what you need.
Handshake helps job seekers move their job search along. We’ll give you job alerts and access to job posts from top companies looking to hire talented people for great manufacturing jobs. Create your profile and get started today.
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/home.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm
- https://www.abet.org/
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519199.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/material-moving-machine-operators.htm
- https://www.comparably.com/salaries/salaries-for-quality-control-technician
- https://www.comparably.com/salaries/salaries-for-manufacturing-process-technician
- https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Supply_Chain_Coordinator/Salary
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/material-recording-clerks.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519161.htm#ind