The manufacturing field is surging with opportunity. Manufacturing, as a whole, is the most influential industry supporting the U.S. economy, driving 15 percent of economic output and accounting for roughly 12,960,000 jobs nationwide. Within the field, there are thousands of different jobs in manufacturing, ranging from machining to welding, fabrication to assembly, inspection to management. The list goes on.
There is – and there will always be – a large need for skilled labor. Even as manufacturing introduces exciting technologies like AI and robotics, the demand for hands-on workers remains prominent. In fact, almost 75 percent of manufacturing executives expect that attracting and retaining quality workers will be their primary business task in 2024. Manufacturing jobs abound.
Still, you may be wondering, what types of manufacturing jobs are available today? And what do these jobs entail? Most people think manufacturing jobs are synonymous with laborious factory jobs. But the truth is, there is a variety of incredible manufacturing careers embracing things like modern technology, sustainability, creativity, and leadership. If you are looking for an exciting, hands-on job that goes beyond the desk, you should consider one of the many careers in manufacturing.
Types of Manufacturing Jobs and Job Titles
Specialized Production Jobs
For those just starting out in the field, there are various manufacturing specialties that can lead to an innovative, hands-on career. Several of these require a postsecondary education or training program, but can be achieved in just a short amount of time. Within a matter of months, you can be on your way to creating goods and enjoying a specialized title like the following:
- Assembler
- Boilermaker
- Brazer or Solderer
- CNC Machinist
- CNC Programmer
- Controller
- Cutter
- Fabricator
- Industrial Designer
- Machinist
- Materials Planner or Handler
- Metalworker
- Millwright
- Pipefitter
- Plastic Machine Worker
- Painting or Coating Worker
- Production Specialist (such as planner, scheduler, or worker)
- Power Plant Distributor or Dispatcher
- Precision Machinist
- Production Control Worker
- Stationary Engineer
- Steamfitter
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Team Assembler
- Tool and Die Maker
- Welder
- Woodworker
Manufacturing Operator Jobs
Operators are often part of the production process, enjoying a hands-on career with a specialized operator title. Here are examples of manufacturing operations jobs you can pursue today:
- Boiler Operator
- Chemical Plant Operator
- CNC Operator
- General Machine Operator
- Machine Tool Cutting Operator
- Plant Operator (power plants, waste treatment plants, etc.)
- Process Operator
- Specialized Machine Operators
Quality Control Jobs
Quality control is another important part of the manufacturing process, to ensure that all the goods produced meet certain standards and specifications. Below are examples of jobs within the quality control and assurance sector of manufacturing:
- Inspector
- Quality Auditor
- Quality Controller
- Quality Control Analyst
- Quality Customer Service Representative
- Receiving Inspector
- Sorter
- Sampler
- Tester
- Weigher
- Supplier Quality Assurance Supervisor
Manufacturing Technician Jobs
Technicians are typically certified in a certain area of manufacturing and proficient in specialized technologies related to their job. Many manufacturing technicians are responsible for repairing, installing, servicing, and monitoring various types of technology and equipment. Examples of these types of manufacturing jobs include:
- Automation Technician
- Calibration Technician
- Certified Logistics Technician
- Certified Production Technician
- Electromechanical Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Networking Technician
- Manufacturing Quality Technician
- Manufacturing Repair Technician
- Mechatronics Technician
- Mechanical Technician
- Process Development Technician
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Robotics Technician
- Safety Technician
- Service Technician
Administrative Manufacturing Jobs
Not all manufacturing jobs require hands-on labor. Many professionals work behind-the-scenes, in an office setting, helping to streamline the day-to-day operations of manufacturing facilities. These jobs include, but are not limited to:
- Buyer
- Customer Service Representative
- Financial Assistant
- General Operations Clerk
- Health and Safety Officer
- HR Administrator
- Inventory Manager
- IT Administrator
- Purchasing Agent
- Receptionist
- Research Analyst
- Risk and Compliance Officer
Manufacturing Leadership Jobs
Every industry needs leaders, and manufacturing is no exception. Managers and supervisors are needed across every area of manufacturing, to ensure workers are productive, efficient, safe, and satisfied in their roles. Manufacturing leaders are also needed to manage facilities, keep track of inventory, set goals for production, develop budgets, and hire talent. Below are examples of leadership careers in manufacturing:
- Facilities Supervisor
- First-line Supervisor
- Information Technology Manager
- Inspection Supervisor
- Inventory Manager
- Logistician
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Manufacturing Manager
- Plant Supervisor
- Production Controller
- Production Planner
- Quality Manager
- Safety Supervisor
- Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
Manufacturing Careers Abound in Connecticut
In its 2022 Manufacturing Report, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) revealed that over 160,000 workers enjoy manufacturing careers in Connecticut. What’s more, the average compensation for these manufacturing workers amounted to over $101,000 annually across the state.
However, many manufacturing jobs are currently unfilled. Since the pandemic, there has been a surge in job openings across the state of Connecticut – yet there is a lack of qualified and skilled workers to fill them. According to the CBIA, in August 2022, there were 114,000 job openings for manufacturing workers in CT. Many employers (about one-third) report that the applicants for these jobs do not possess the required skills or expertise needed, making it very difficult for them to fill these open positions.
If you are interested in a career in manufacturing, and live in Connecticut, the best thing you can do now is to pursue a relevant education or training program. Employers are seeking highly qualified workers in manufacturing, and those who pursue specialized training will reap the benefits. Employers across the state are focusing on offering their new hires benefits like flexible schedules, extensive paid time off, tuition reimbursement, retention bonuses, and other job perks.
In other words, the investment in manufacturing school now is well-worth the future return.
Goodwin University is recognized for our partnerships with manufacturers throughout the state of Connecticut, and has designed manufacturing and machining programs to meet employers’ growing demands. The best part is, many of these programs can be completed in less than two years.
Graduates of Goodwin University have gone on to pursue many different types of manufacturing jobs in their areas of specialty. For example, graduates of Goodwin’s CNC Machinist Training programs have gone on to the following professions:
- CNC Machine Programming
- CNC Machine Set-up
- CNC Machinist (Lathe and Mill)
- CNC Operator (Lathe and Mill)
- Manual Machine Operator
Graduates of Goodwin’s associate degree programs – for example, a Quality Management degree – have pursued the following types of manufacturing jobs:
- Calibration Technician
- Manufacturing Quality Inspector
- Cargo & Freight Manager
- Quality Auditor
- Quality Technician
- Quality Supervisor
- Receiving Inspector
- Logistics Analyst
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Procurement Specialist
- Production Control Analyst
- Storage & Distribution Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Traffic Coordinator
- Warehouse Manager
Graduates of our Manufacturing Management program (bachelor’s degree) have moved on to pursue careers in the following positions:
- Logistician
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Manufacturing Supervisor
- Production Planner
- Inventory Manager
- First-Line Supervisor
- Inspection Supervisor
- Purchasing Agent
- Quality Manager
- Safety Supervisor
- Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
The time is now to launch a career you love, especially with the demand for manufacturing specialists so high in the state of Connecticut. And we can help you get there. The Career Services team at Goodwin, combined with our extensive network of manufacturing employers across the state, work to provide students and graduates a lifetime of career placement and counseling support — for free! Our team can help you with resume and cover letter writing, networking, workshops, mock interviewing, individual counseling, career fairs, and more. Our job isn’t finished until our graduates are in manufacturing jobs they love.
Pursue a Career in Manufacturing Today
Manufacturing workers play a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. In an age of advanced technology and flourishing innovations, manufacturing stands at the heart of it. Today, manufacturing jobs are filled by creators, innovators, mathematicians and engineers. Their work involves everything from mechanical design to mathematics, computer programming to quality control, high-tech machinery to powerful, hands-on work. Gone are the days of the gritty factory environment, as manufacturing is now a technologically-driven, cutting-edge field brimming with job opportunities.
Ready to get started? Break into one of Connecticut’s most flourishing fields today. Request more information about Goodwin’s manufacturing training programs online or call 1-800-889-3282 to learn more.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.