Advanced Manufacturing Engineers

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a “bright employment outlook” for manufacturing engineers during the next decade. As companies increasingly adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, demand will continue to grow for engineers with knowledge of additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies. However, “the pipeline of talent for advanced manufacturing jobs, which require more technical training than past manufacturing careers did, is projected to fall short of demand,” according to Builtin.com, an online community for startups and tech companies. Factors fueling the shortage include many manufacturing workers at or near retirement age and misconceptions by young people that manufacturing jobs are boring, dirty, and low-paying. The advanced manufacturing industry is working hard to educate people about the rewarding work environment, strong employment demand, and high salaries earned by workers in the field.