Despite an opinion from Goldman Sachs researcher Jan Hatzius that US manufacturing jobs aren't coming back, domestic manufacturing trends continue to experience a slow and determined climb. Up-and-coming positions seem to be grouping in certain industries, include aircraft, auto, and tech manufacturing.
Growth in aircraft manufacturing is driven in part by expected growth in the domestic airline industry. The FAA predicts passenger growth will climb to 1.3 billion over the next twenty years, creating the need for better aviation technology and additional airplanes. Aircraft manufacturing jobs are also being spurred by international growth in transportation markets. Emerging countries are building airports and infrastructure, and they're seeking aircraft supply from established companies, many of which are in the United States. A growing demand for personal small-engine aircraft and regular defense contracts also bolster the creation of manufacturing jobs in this sector. In April, Lockheed Martin announced a potential 2,400 new manufacturing jobs associated with the demand for F-35 strike fighters.
Manufacturing trends are positive for another transportation-related industry. According to the Center for Automotive Research, automakers and parts businesses are expected to add 35,000 jobs this year. Up-and-coming auto-industry jobs range from machine operation to mechanical engineering. Manufacturers are struggling to keep pace with post recession growth in demand while maintaining the innovation necessary to meet future regulation and market requirements. Mel Stephens of Lear Corp, a seat manufacturer, said business volume is requiring the company to add workers. Other parts companies, such as TRW Automotive Holdings Corporation and BoigWarner Inc., are working to fill both research and factory positions.
According to research published by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), tech manufacturing jobs are trending up for the first time in more than ten years. The bulk of up-and-coming technology jobs in the manufacturing space require technical education and experience in things like software programming or engineering. An increasing number of products involve computers; from toys to cars, more complex products demand a higher level of R&D, and companies from across the nation are beginning to compete for a limited pool of technical talent. As manufacturing hubs like Detroit begin drawing computer programmers from tech-concentrated areas like Silicon Valley, individuals with the right qualifications may be able to make salary or benefits demands from employers struggling to fill positions. According to the JLL study, tech manufacturing jobs aren't in a boom, but positions are expected to grow steadily through 2018.
As products become more complex and overall demand increases, industry experts predict more manufacturing jobs will be created in or return to the United States. From automakers to aircraft factories, employers want to leverage high-tech manufacturing talent that's close to home. If you're looking to enter the manufacturing industry, you may want to concentrate educational efforts in computer science or engineering for the best chance at manufacturing jobs over the next few years.
(Photo courtesy of Stoonn / freedigitalphotos.net)
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!