A degree in manufacturing technology provides access to many different industries. With the growth that is being seen due to advanced manufacturing growth, those with skills in manufacturing are in high demand. Students will have access to careers that cover various skills, such as hands-on manufacturing skills, automation and robotics, and CAD/CAM techniques. This article will cover the top industries likely to hire manufacturing engineering graduates and what kind of work they will be looking to fulfill.
Aerospace Manufacturing
Aerospace manufacturing is an advanced field that is focused on precision and innovation. Companies in this industry build everything from commercial and military aircraft to satellites to space exploration vehicles.
Because of the high-stress situations these crafts get placed in, there is no room for error. Professionals in this field comply with high safety standards and quality assurance.
Students who want to enter this field should be knowledgeable about both engineering and hands-on production. Aerospace employers often look for candidates who understand automation systems, robotics, CAD/CAM software, and assembly. Having a grasp on materials and how they behave is also valuable for the type of work that is used in aerospace manufacturing. Aircraft and aerospace components must meet strict federal safety and quality standards, making technical manufacturing training especially desirable.
There are three different sectors of aerospace that hire manufacturing technology graduates, and each has its own goals that can be catered to the student’s goals and skills.
- Commercial Aviation: Help manufacture aircraft structures, engines, and other avionics systems like navigation and communication. This sector is primarily focused on transporting passengers or cargo safely and effectively.
- Defense and Military Aviation: Be a part of building a range of military products, including aircraft carriers, bombers, and fighter jets. Understanding advanced materials, high precision fabrication, and welding systems is key in this sector.
- Space Exploration: Push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration. Help build spacecraft that can withstand entering the Earth’s atmosphere, or space stations that might be a step towards going to Mars.
Top Companies in Aerospace
These are a list of companies that are at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing:
- Boeing
- Lockheed Martin
- Airbus
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon Technologies
Automotive and Transportation Manufacturing
Modern transportation has grown past the traditional assembly line, using advanced technology to automate production, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. This aids in the production of all types of transportation, such as gas and electric vehicles, buses, trucks, and rail systems.
Manufacturing technology graduates are valuable in this field because they possess skills used in transportation manufacturing, including CNC machining, robotics, and automation. Both digital automation and physical manufacturing are important parts of working in this field. Cars, for example, have more electronics and computer technology embedded in them, which changes how they are built.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines four broad areas of the automotive industry: production, wholesaling, retailing, and maintenance. Among these, the strongest fit for manufacturing technology majors would be in production, where parts are manufactured in assembly plants. Wholesaling could also be a good fit if you want to work in supply chain coordination or operations. Retailing and maintenance are the least likely, with possible but limited positions.
Top Companies in Automotive and Transportation Manufacturing
Companies in the automotive and transportation industry will fall into different categories, with many directions you can take your major in. Generally, they include:
Automotive manufacturers are the companies that build vehicles and are the most well-known to the public. They include:
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Toyota Motor Corporation
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd
- Tesla, Inc
These only scratch the surface of the possible car companies you could work for.
Automotive suppliers and parts manufacturers build car parts, such as steering and braking systems. They include:
- Magna International
- Bosch
- Denso Corporation
- Nexteer Automotive
These companies hire people to work in welding, automated production, tooling, and more.
Heavy equipment and transportation manufacturing focus on large equipment capable of extensive hauling and construction work. This could be construction equipment, tractors, and heavy trucks. They include:
- John Deere
- Caterpillar Inc.
- PACCAR
- Cummins Inc.
Common work areas include industrial automation, welding, CNC, operations, and more.
Medical Device and Healthcare Manufacturing
The role of manufacturing technology is very important in medical device and healthcare manufacturing. They help produce equipment and tools that can diagnose, monitor, or alleviate patients' ailments. This includes products like:
- Surgical tools
- Robotic surgery systems
- Pacemakers
- Diagnostic equipment
- Hospital monitoring equipment
Devices have strict standards they must pass before being used, so companies need workers who can ensure quality and safety is being upheld.
Manufacturing technology majors are a good fit for this field because of their expertise in precision manufacturing, robotics, and process validation. Creating high-quality products that can be completed as efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively as possible can help millions of people who need care live better lives. And with new breakthroughs in AI and robotics, there are always new ways to improve science.
There are many sectors of healthcare manufacturing where graduates can find work, including, but not limited to, medical devices, surgical robotics, and diagnostic equipment. Each of these uses precise manufacturing technology systems to produce high-quality goods. Generally, this field leans more towards precision manufacturing and automation than heavy hands-on work like welding. It is still a very hands-on practice, but very different from other industries, like construction equipment, for example.
Top Companies in Medical Device and Healthcare Manufacturing
These are some of the leading companies in medical device and healthcare manufacturing:
- Abbot Laboratories
- Medtronic
- Johnson & Johnson
- Boston Scientific
- Medline Industries
- Stryker Corporation
Conclusion
These are only a few of the fields a manufacturing technology major could enter. By understanding the type of work required in each and following your interests, you can find a niche that fits you and your skill set.
Sources
What Is Aerospace Manufacturing? Accurate Machine Products
Understanding the Aerospace Manufacturing Industry: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities Modus Engineering
Aerospace and Defense Michigan State University
10 Top Aerospace & Defense Companies Shaping the Industry Cre8tive Technology and Design
Space Exploration Aerospace
Automotive Industry U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical Additive Manufacturing SME
What To Know About Medical Device Manufacturing Arterex
Top 40 Medical Device Companies MD+DI