6 in-demand manufacturing jobs right now.

The U.S. manufacturing sector is booming. From January 2022 to April 2023, construction spending on new factories surged from an annualized rate of $91 billion to an eye-popping $189 billion, the biggest uptick in two decades. Legislation like the CHIPs Act, pumping $280 billion into domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and the Infrastructure Jobs Act, investing in areas like electric vehicles, are fueling this expansion.

With this momentum, it’s a great time to look for high-demand manufacturing jobs. So, let’s get into six roles that are hot right now.

1. quality assurance specialist

In manufacturing, quality assurance specialists serve as the last line of defense, ensuring products meet exacting specifications and function as intended. They administer tests and inspections and develop quality control protocols to identify defects and other issues. You'll need at least a high school diploma and some hands-on training to land one of these crucial roles. And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting 64,300 new jobs opening up each year from 2022 to 2032, there's plenty of opportunity to jump in.

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2. industrial engineer

With a projected employment growth of 12 percent from 2022 to 2032, industrial engineer roles are among the most in-demand manufacturing jobs. These professionals are the brains behind efficient systems, blending data analytics, math and engineering to perfect the manufacturing process. If you're eyeing this career, plan on at least 2-3 years of real-world manufacturing experience and be ready to show off your skills in software tools like AutoCAD, Inventor and Solidworks.

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3. assembler

Assemblers are the people who make it all come together, turning individual parts into everything from cars to electronic gadgets. Handy with both traditional tools and high-tech machinery, they make sure every piece fits just right, all while sticking to the blueprint and giving equipment a thorough inspection. And if you're considering this career path, you're in luck: there's a forecasted 188,600 new jobs each year for assemblers from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.

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4. production manager

Looking for a high-demand, high-impact role in manufacturing? Production managers (or production supervisors) are the glue that holds manufacturing and logistics operations together. According to Randstad's most recent research, they've attracted more job postings in 2023 than any other professionals in these fields. Skilled in both personnel management and process optimization, they're essential for ensuring seamless and efficient operations.

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5. welder

Welders are the craftspeople of manufacturing, using their skills to bond materials like metals and plastics. But their job isn't just about welding. They're also pros at reading blueprints, checking structures and sticking to rigorous safety standards. Typically, you'll need at least a high school diploma or GED and some hands-on training or an apprenticeship to get started. And there's good news on the job front: around 42,600 new welder positions are expected to open up each year from 2022 to 2032.

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6. machinist

Machinists are responsible for crafting intricate parts that end up in everything from heavy machinery to healthcare equipment. They measure, cut and shape metal using tools like lathes, milling machines, grinders and saws. Because of the technical nature of the work, you must be comfortable reading technical drawings and blueprints and be good with numbers.

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