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Manufacturing Job Titles and Descriptions. Jobs in manufacturing involve creating new products, either from raw materials or from pre-made components. Manufacturing jobs might involve working on the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials to create these new products.

Most companies in the manufacturing world have plants, factories, or mills where employees are involved in the production of goods and materials.

Manufacturing plants and factories need more than just people who work on a production line.

An efficient operation requires employees in numerous roles.

Because manufacturing is such a broad field, there are many manufacturing job titles. Read below for a list of some of the most common manufacturing job titles, as well as a longer list of manufacturing job titles.

Also read below for more general information about the manufacturing industry, average salaries, and more.

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Technology Could Replace Some Workers

Because of technological advances reducing the need for workers, this is one of the sectors where the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment to decline slightly. The median annual wage for production occupations was $33,130 in May 2016, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations: $37,040.

Some positions are higher paying union jobs – usually skilled positions – while other unskilled positions typically pay lower wages.

Training Could Improve Job Security

Educational requirements vary significantly based on the job.

Some positions may provide on-the-job training, while others may require a college degree. Although technology may contribute to the decline in some positions, education or certification in a technical area may improve your chances of job security.

Common Manufacturing Job Titles

Below is a list of some of the most common manufacturing job titles, as well as a description of each.

For more information about each job title, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Assembler/Fabricator
Assemblers and fabricators put together pieces of products, and also assemble finished products. They use their hands, as well as tools and machines. Most assemblers and fabricators work in manufacturing plants. Most of these positions require a high school diploma, but many employees also get on-the-job training.

Brazer/Cutter/Solderer/Welder
Welders, solderers, cutters, and brazers use equipment to cut and/or join metal parts. Most of these positions require some technical education, through high school courses, vocational schools, community colleges, or similar programs. They also receive on-the-job training. These positions require an eye for detail, the ability to operate equipment, and the ability to read blueprints and diagrams.

Machinist/Tool and Die Maker
Machinists and tool and die makers set up, maintain, and operate computer- and mechanically-operated machines that are used to create parts for the manufacturing process. These positions require training, either in apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, or community or technical colleges.

These employees also receive lots of on-the-job training.

Production Manager
Production managers oversee the day-to-day operations at manufacturing plants. They ensure that production stays on schedule, they hire and manage workers, and they fix any production problems. Most production managers need a bachelor’s degree, typically in business or industrial engineering.

Quality Control Inspector
Quality control inspectors examine materials and products for any hazards, defects, or deviations. They generally work in manufacturing plants, inspecting products. Most quality control inspectors require a high school degree and receive on-the-job training. If they are required to use technical equipment and computer programs to inspect products, they might need a higher degree, such as an associate’s degree in quality control management.