Types of Manufacturing Jobs in CT

The manufacturing field is surging with opportunity. Manufacturing, as a whole, is the most influential industry supporting the U.S. economy, driving 15 percent of economic output and accounting for roughly 12,960,000 jobs nationwide. Within the field, there are thousands of different jobs in manufacturing, ranging from machining to welding, fabrication to assembly, inspection to management. The list goes on.

There is – and there will always be – a large need for skilled labor. Even as manufacturing introduces exciting technologies like AI and robotics, the demand for hands-on workers remains prominent. In fact, almost 75 percent of manufacturing executives expect that attracting and retaining quality workers will be their primary business task in 2024. Manufacturing jobs abound.

Still, you may be wondering, what types of manufacturing jobs are available today? And what do these jobs entail? Most people think manufacturing jobs are synonymous with laborious factory jobs. But the truth is, there is a variety of incredible manufacturing careers embracing things like modern technology, sustainability, creativity, and leadership. If you are looking for an exciting, hands-on job that goes beyond the desk, you should consider one of the many careers in manufacturing.

Types of Manufacturing Jobs and Job Titles

Specialized Production Jobs

For those just starting out in the field, there are various manufacturing specialties that can lead to an innovative, hands-on career. Several of these require a postsecondary education or training program, but can be achieved in just a short amount of time. Within a matter of months, you can be on your way to creating goods and enjoying a specialized title like the following:

Assembler
Boilermaker
Brazer or Solderer
CNC Machinist
CNC Programmer
Controller
Cutter
Fabricator
Industrial Designer
Machinist
Materials Planner or Handler
Metalworker
Millwright
Pipefitter
Plastic Machine Worker
Painting or Coating Worker
Production Specialist (such as planner, scheduler, or worker)
Power Plant Distributor or Dispatcher
Precision Machinist
Production Control Worker
Stationary Engineer
Steamfitter
Supply Chain Specialist
Team Assembler
Tool and Die Maker
Welder
Woodworker

Manufacturing Operator Jobs

Operators are often part of the production process, enjoying a hands-on career with a specialized operator title. Here are examples of manufacturing operations jobs you can pursue today:

Boiler Operator
Chemical Plant Operator
CNC Operator
General Machine Operator
Machine Tool Cutting Operator
Plant Operator (power plants, waste treatment plants, etc.)
Process Operator
Specialized Machine Operators

Quality Control Jobs

Quality control is another important part of the manufacturing process, to ensure that all the goods produced meet certain standards and specifications. Below are examples of jobs within the quality control and assurance sector of manufacturing:

Inspector
Quality Auditor
Quality Controller
Quality Control Analyst
Quality Customer Service Representative
Receiving Inspector
Sorter
Sampler
Tester
Weigher
Supplier Quality Assurance Supervisor

Manufacturing Technician Jobs

Technicians are typically certified in a certain area of manufacturing and proficient in specialized technologies related to their job. Many manufacturing technicians are responsible for repairing, installing, servicing, and monitoring various types of technology and equipment. Examples of these types of manufacturing jobs include:

Automation Technician
Calibration Technician
Certified Logistics Technician
Certified Production Technician
Electromechanical Technician
Field Service Technician
Industrial Engineering Technician
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Industrial Networking Technician
Manufacturing Quality Technician
Manufacturing Repair Technician
Mechatronics Technician
Mechanical Technician
Process Development Technician
Quality Assurance Technician
Robotics Technician
Safety Technician
Service Technician

Administrative Manufacturing Jobs

Not all manufacturing jobs require hands-on labor. Many professionals work behind-the-scenes, in an office setting, helping to streamline the day-to-day operations of manufacturing facilities. These jobs include, but are not limited to:

Buyer
Customer Service Representative
Financial Assistant
General Operations Clerk
Health and Safety Officer
HR Administrator
Inventory Manager
IT Administrator
Purchasing Agent
Receptionist
Research Analyst
Risk and Compliance Officer

Manufacturing Leadership Jobs

Every industry needs leaders, and manufacturing is no exception. Managers and supervisors are needed across every area of manufacturing, to ensure workers are productive, efficient, safe, and satisfied in their roles. Manufacturing leaders are also needed to manage facilities, keep track of inventory, set goals for production, develop budgets, and hire talent. Below are examples of leadership careers in manufacturing:

Facilities Supervisor
First-line Supervisor
Information Technology Manager
Inspection Supervisor
Inventory Manager
Logistician
Maintenance Supervisor
Manufacturing Manager
Plant Supervisor
Production Controller
Production Planner
Quality Manager
Safety Supervisor
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

Manufacturing Careers Abound in Connecticut

In its 2022 Manufacturing Report, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) revealed that over 160,000 workers enjoy manufacturing careers in Connecticut. What’s more, the average compensation for these manufacturing workers amounted to over $101,000 annually across the state.

However, many manufacturing jobs are currently unfilled. Since the pandemic, there has been a surge in job openings across the state of Connecticut – yet there is a lack of qualified and skilled workers to fill them. According to the CBIA, in August 2022, there were 114,000 job openings for manufacturing workers in CT. Many employers (about one-third) report that the applicants for these jobs do not possess the required skills or expertise needed, making it very difficult for them to fill these open positions.

If you are interested in a career in manufacturing, and live in Connecticut, the best thing you can do now is to pursue a relevant education or training program. Employers are seeking highly qualified workers in manufacturing, and those who pursue specialized training will reap the benefits. Employers across the state are focusing on offering their new hires benefits like flexible schedules, extensive paid time off, tuition reimbursement, retention bonuses, and other job perks.

In other words, the investment in manufacturing school now is well-worth the future return.
Goodwin University is recognized for our partnerships with manufacturers throughout the state of Connecticut, and has designed manufacturing and machining programs to meet employers’ growing demands. The best part is, many of these programs can be completed in less than two years.

Graduates of Goodwin University have gone on to pursue many different types of manufacturing jobs in their areas of specialty. For example, graduates of Goodwin’s CNC Machinist Training programs have gone on to the following professions:

CNC Machine Programming
CNC Machine Set-up
CNC Machinist (Lathe and Mill)
CNC Operator (Lathe and Mill)
Manual Machine Operator

Graduates of Goodwin’s associate degree programs – for example, a Quality Management degree – have pursued the following types of manufacturing jobs:

Calibration Technician
Manufacturing Quality Inspector
Cargo & Freight Manager
Quality Auditor
Quality Technician
Quality Supervisor
Receiving Inspector
Logistics Analyst
Maintenance Supervisor
Procurement Specialist
Production Control Analyst
Storage & Distribution Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Traffic Coordinator
Warehouse Manager

Graduates of our Manufacturing Management program (bachelor’s degree) have moved on to pursue careers in the following positions:

Logistician
Maintenance Supervisor
Manufacturing Supervisor
Production Planner
Inventory Manager
First-Line Supervisor
Inspection Supervisor
Purchasing Agent
Quality Manager
Safety Supervisor
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

The time is now to launch a career you love, especially with the demand for manufacturing specialists so high in the state of Connecticut. And we can help you get there. The Career Services team at Goodwin, combined with our extensive network of manufacturing employers across the state, work to provide students and graduates a lifetime of career placement and counseling support — for free! Our team can help you with resume and cover letter writing, networking, workshops, mock interviewing, individual counseling, career fairs, and more. Our job isn’t finished until our graduates are in manufacturing jobs they love.

Pursue a Career in Manufacturing Today

Manufacturing workers play a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. In an age of advanced technology and flourishing innovations, manufacturing stands at the heart of it. Today, manufacturing jobs are filled by creators, innovators, mathematicians and engineers. Their work involves everything from mechanical design to mathematics, computer programming to quality control, high-tech machinery to powerful, hands-on work. Gone are the days of the gritty factory environment, as manufacturing is now a technologically-driven, cutting-edge field brimming with job opportunities.

Ready to get started? Break into one of Connecticut’s most flourishing fields today. Request more information about Goodwin’s manufacturing training programs online or call 1-800-889-3282 to learn more.

Goodwin University

Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.