5 Industries & Dozens of Examples of Manufacturing Job Types
May 30th, 2017 Written by: Molly Masterson
Modern manufacturing has a new look—and the makeover is driving significant economic growth for the manufacturing sector and opportunities for job seekers.
Manufacturing is thriving in large part because of technological innovations and growing demand for their products. And while the number of manufacturing jobs has declined since the heyday of American manufacturing, production output is on the rise thanks to that influx of innovation. As a result, manufacturers are on the hunt for passionate and skilled workers—from entry level to shift leads to supervisors—to join their teams.
If you’re considering a career in manufacturing and looking to learn more about the types of opportunities out there, keep reading. This post will dive into the types of jobs available within five big industries, as well as provide examples of the leading companies that fall into each category.
1. Food Production and Manufacturing
The average American eats a mind-boggling 1,996.3 pounds of food every year. In order to satisfy an appetite that large, food production and manufacturing has to generate considerable output.
Food production and manufacturing workers bridge the journey from American farms to kitchen tables. They do so through processing the raw foods that the growers provide.
Some big names in food production and manufacturing are Kraft, Hormel, Kellogg’s and General Mills.
Types of Food Production and Manufacturing Jobs
- Food Prep
- Food Packaging
- Assembly Line
- Machine Operator
- Quality Control
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Compliance
- Maintenance
- Meat Packers
- Shipping/Receiving
2. Printing
Printing manufacturing covers everything from the production of books and magazines to clothing. Taking a piece of raw wood and turning it into best selling novel isn’t a simple process.
Large companies in the industry include RR Donnelley, Deluxe Corp, and Royal Apparel.
Types of Printing Jobs
- Bindery
- Jogger
- Kitting
- Fulfillment
- Quality Control
- 3D Printers
- Shipping/Receiving
3. Medical Device Manufacturing
From replacement heart valves and pacemakers to cochlear implants, medical device manufacturers build innovative and lifesaving tools that people all over the world benefit from. And rapid innovation in the field means there are growing opportunities for workers at their respective manufacturing facilities.
Some of the big names in medical device manufacturing include Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific and Siemens AG.
Types of Medical Device Manufacturing Jobs
- Medical Device Assembly
- Medical Device Reprocessing
- Clean Room
- Good Documentation Practices (GDP) Compliance
- Shipping/Receiving
- Quality Control
4. Mechanical and Engineering Manufacturing
From automotive parts to data center generators to military defense systems, mechanical engineering and manufacturing companies create critical parts and equipment for a variety of industries. Often, mechanical engineering and manufacturing jobs are closely tied to the transportation sector, with recognizable companies like Ford, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing leading the way.
Types of Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing Jobs
- Machine Operator
- Shipping/Receiving
- Tenders
- Inventory Control
- Quality Control
- Maintenance
- Engineering
- Design
- Assembly
- Welding
5. Distribution
Distribution is the final stage of the manufacturing journey. Once the products have been created, they must to delivered to the masses. Often times, companies have their own warehouse and distribution centers that require dependable, skilled workers.
Types of Distribution Jobs
- Shipping/Receiving
- Forklift
- Rework
- Kitting
- Order Fulfillment
Manufacturing is a massive and far-reaching industry that contains dozens of sub-divisions and hundreds of jobs types at all experience and skill levels. If you’re interested in joining the manufacturing workforce, check out the variety of manufacturing jobs Masterson Staffing Solutions is filling in your area today.
