MANUFACTURING CAREERS
Note: The following comprehensive list of careers may have inadvertently omitted occupation
opportunities. Please confirm before completing career choices.
Source of information: U.S. Department of Labor~ Compiled by InterLink
Manufacturing includes jobs involved in the fabrication and processing of materials into
commercial products. All careers related to the planning, production, producing, and design of end
products are included in manufacturing. The manufacturing industry as a whole is slightly different
than the manufacturing career group, as manufacturing as a skill set can apply to diverse industries
such as agriculture, automotive, and high technology.
The manufacturing industry has become more specialized and technical. Innovations in computer
technology, precision manufacturing, micro-assembly, manufacturing processes, robotics and
augmented reality, continue to shape the industry. Projected shortages in talent based on current
undergraduate enrollment should fuel manufacturing growth and compensation, particularly in
manufacturing project management, computer design and, specialized precision production.
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Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders: Operate or tend bonding machines that use
adhesives to join items for further processing or to form a completed product. Processes include joining
veneer sheets into plywood; gluing paper; or joining rubber and rubberized fabric parts, plastic,
simulated leather, or other materials. Most have a high school diploma or GED
Automated Assembly Line Worker: Works within a system with automation handling strenuous tasks.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers: Assemble, fit, fasten, and install
parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers,
landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems. Most have a high school
diploma or GED
Biofuels Processing Technicians: Calculate measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with
additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep
records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.
Biomass Plant Technicians: Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as
needed.
Boilermakers: Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house
auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints.
Most have a high school diploma or GED
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters: Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate
a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape
lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products. Most have some college
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders: Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes
or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes
devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels. Most have a high school diploma or GED
Chemical Plant and System Operators: Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of
machines. Most have a high school diploma or GED
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders: Operate or tend
machines to wash or clean products, such as barrels or kegs, glass items, tin plate, food, pulp, coal,
plastic, or rubber, to remove impurities. Most have a high school diploma or GED
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: Set up, operate, or tend
machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal,
plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil , or rust-proofing
materials. Most have a high school diploma or GED
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