Many people think working on an assembly line is the only way to build a career in the manufacturing industry. Now that many employers need skilled labor to work with high-tech machines, American manufacturing jobs are much more advanced. If you have the right skills and education, you can get a manufacturing job that pays well and offers many opportunities for advancement. If you are looking for a career change, consider applying for one of these positions.
If you need a break from the production aspect of the manufacturing industry, a career in logistics is a good alternative. Logistics professionals coordinate the delivery of finished products to wholesalers and retailers, so they have a big impact on the economy. This type of skill requires strategic planning skills and industry-specific knowledge of transportation practices, forecasting, customer service, materials handling, and warehousing. These manufacturing jobs often come with monetary bonuses and comprehensive benefits packages.
If you have worked in a production facility for several years, you may have enough product knowledge to install, maintain, and repair your company’s products instead of assembling them. If so, consider a career as an installation technician or repairperson. Instead of working in a production facility, you will travel to customer locations and install, maintain, or repair their machines. This career requires good mechanical skills and strong product knowledge, so you may need some additional training before you can move from a production position to an installation or repair position. If you are interested in one of these manufacturing jobs, ask your employer about any upcoming training opportunities.
Designing products is another way to stay in the manufacturing industry without having to work on an assembly line. Product designers develop product concepts, make sketches, produce design layouts, and create product prototypes. This type of manufacturing job usually requires a four-year degree, so ask your human resources representative if your company offers tuition assistance for employees who want to take relevant courses. Employers, educators, and government officials are working to make advanced manufacturing jobs more attractive due to the shortage of skilled labor, so you may have the opportunity to complete a bachelor's degree without paying a lot of money out of your own pocket.
Manufacturers are now using robots, 3-D printers, and other high-tech machines to manufacture a variety of products. As a result, they need skilled employees to create product designs, install and maintain finished products, and make sure finished goods get where they need to go on time. If you are willing to learn new skills and take advanced courses, one of these manufacturing jobs could be yours. One of these opportunities could be just the thing you need to advance your career and make more money as a manufacturing professional.
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