Careers: industrial maintenance technician, CNC machinist, production supervisor, quality control inspector, and mechatronics technician. Majors: Industrial Technology, Mechatronics and Robotics, Precision Machining and CNC, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, and Engineering Technology.
College majors for manufacturing and industrial careers
Industrial Technology
Prepares you to manage and improve industrial and manufacturing operations.
Mechatronics and Robotics
Combines mechanics, electronics and programming to build and maintain automated systems.
Precision Machining and CNC
Teaches you to make precision parts with manual and computer-controlled machines.
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Improves how people, machines, materials and information work together.
Engineering Technology
An applied, hands-on engineering degree focused on building, testing and maintaining systems.
Mechanical Engineering
Designs machines, engines, tools and mechanical systems.
Welding Technology
Teaches you to join and cut metal using welding processes used in industry.
Automotive Technology
Prepares you to diagnose and repair cars and light trucks.
Operations Management
Studies how organizations produce goods and services efficiently and with high quality.
Careers in manufacturing and industrial careers
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Keep factory machinery running with mechanical, electrical and PLC troubleshooting.
- Typical training: 1–4 years
CNC Machinist
Set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts.
- Typical training: 6–24 months
Production Supervisor
Lead factory teams to hit safety, quality and production goals every shift.
- Typical training: 3–5 years of experience
Quality Control Inspector
Measure, test and inspect products to make sure they meet specifications.
- Typical training: 3–12 months on the job
Mechatronics Technician
Install and fix automated systems that combine mechanics, electronics and controls.
- Typical training: 2 years
Production Assembler
Put together products and components on factory lines, following precise instructions.
- Typical training: 1 day to 1 month on the job
Millwright
Install, align and maintain the heavy machinery in factories, plants and power stations.
- Typical training: 4 years (apprenticeship)
Building Maintenance Technician
Keep apartments, offices, schools and facilities running with everyday repairs.
- Typical training: 3–12 months on the job
Automotive Service Technician
Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.
- Typical training: 6–24 months
Skills these careers use
- Precision measurement
- Production scheduling
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Electrical and motor controls
- PLC basics and ladder logic
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what industrial maintenance technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: mechanical troubleshooting, electrical and motor controls, and PLC basics and ladder logic
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Manufacturing and Industrial Careers
A self-paced online course on what CNC machinists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: blueprint reading and GD&T, CNC setup and operation, and precision measurement
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Manufacturing and Industrial Careers
A self-paced online course on what production supervisors do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and KPI tracking (OEE, scrap, downtime)
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Manufacturing and Industrial Careers
A self-paced online course on what quality control inspectors do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: precision measurement, blueprint and GD&T reading, and sampling plans
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Manufacturing and Industrial Careers
Manufacturing and Industrial Careers: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in manufacturing and industrial careers?
Careers connected to manufacturing and industrial careers include industrial maintenance technician, CNC machinist, production supervisor, quality control inspector, mechatronics technician, production assembler, millwright, and building maintenance technician.
What should I major in if I am interested in manufacturing and industrial careers?
Majors connected to manufacturing and industrial careers include Industrial Technology, Mechatronics and Robotics, Precision Machining and CNC, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What manufacturing and industrial careers careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include industrial maintenance technician, CNC machinist, production supervisor, quality control inspector, mechatronics technician, and production assembler. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which manufacturing and industrial careers careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include industrial engineer and industrial production manager. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in manufacturing and industrial careers?
Skills that come up often in these careers include precision measurement, production scheduling, electrical troubleshooting, mechanical troubleshooting, electrical and motor controls, and PLC basics and ladder logic, along with communication and problem solving.
How do I start a career in manufacturing and industrial careers?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore manufacturing and industrial careers careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in manufacturing and industrial careers involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to manufacturing and industrial careers?
Yes. Related online trainings include Industrial Maintenance Technician Training, CNC Machinist Training, Production Supervisor Training, and Quality Control Inspector Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to manufacturing and industrial careers?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.