Career paths in manufacturing: how to grow your career

Manufacturing is a vital industry that drives the economy, and within this sector, there are numerous career paths at Cummins available for individuals at all skill levels. Whether you are looking for an entry-level job in a factory or seeking to advance in a skilled trade, the opportunities are vast. This article will explore common career paths within the manufacturing sector with a special look at how Cummins, a global leader in manufacturing, plays a key role in these career development paths.

In addition to this article, you can also explore how to find local manufacturing job opportunities near you. 

1. Production Worker

Starting Point: Entry-level position. A production worker is often the first step for many people entering the manufacturing world. Production workers handle tasks like assembly, packaging, and operating machinery. These positions are vital for maintaining daily operations on the factory floor.

Cummins' Role: At Cummins, production workers contribute to the manufacturing of engines, powertrains, fuel cells, battery-electric systems, hybrid powertrains, natural gas engines, and power generators. These products are integral to powering commercial vehicles, industrial machinery, and energy systems globally.

Career Path: From here, you could progress to a more specialized position such as a machine operator or maintenance technician.

2. Machine Operator

Starting Point: Entry-level role requiring training or certification. Machine operators are responsible for managing heavy machinery used in the manufacturing process, such as CNC machines or assembly line robots.

Cummins' Role: Cummins operates a range of automated equipment to assemble and test engines, hybrid powertrains, and other cutting-edge technologies, ensuring quality and precision in the production of products for trucks, buses, and energy solutions.

Career Path: With experience, you can advance to roles such as machine maintenance technician or manufacturing supervisor.

3. Maintenance Technician

Starting Point: Requires technical skills or apprenticeship. Maintenance technicians are responsible for troubleshooting and repairing factory equipment. This role requires solid mechanical and electrical knowledge to ensure the factory’s equipment stays operational.

Cummins' Role: Maintenance technicians at Cummins play a crucial role in maintaining the company’s advanced manufacturing lines, including those for natural gas engines, battery-electric systems, fuel cells, and power generation equipment.

Career Path: This role often leads to positions in engineering, such as a maintenance engineer or plant engineer.

4. Assembler

Starting Point: Entry-level, with the possibility to train on the job. Assemblers put together parts and components to create finished products. This is a critical role in ensuring that the final product meets quality standards and operates correctly.

Cummins' Role: At Cummins, assemblers work on complex engine systems, fuel cells, and hybrid powertrains, contributing to the production of vehicles and industrial equipment that are crucial for transportation and clean energy solutions.

Career Path: With experience, you can move into leadership roles, such as assembly line supervisor or operations manager.

5. Quality Control Specialist

Starting Point: Requires specialized training. Quality control specialists inspect and test products during the manufacturing process to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.

Cummins' Role: At Cummins, quality control specialists are vital in ensuring that each engine, powertrain, fuel cell, or battery-electric system meets the company's rigorous standards before it reaches customers.

Career Path: Experienced quality control specialists can advance to quality manager positions or other managerial roles within manufacturing.

6. Welders

Starting Point: Skilled trade position. Welders are responsible for joining metal components in the manufacturing process. This position requires specialized training in welding techniques and safety protocols.

Cummins' Role: Cummins employs welders in the production of advanced powertrains, natural gas engines, hybrid systems, and power generation equipment, ensuring that these critical components are constructed to the highest standards.

Career Path: Skilled welders at Cummins may move into roles like welding supervisor, welding engineer, or maintenance supervisor.

7. Production Supervisor

Starting Point: Requires leadership skills and experience. A production supervisor oversees the factory floor, ensuring that workers perform their jobs efficiently and that production goals are met.

Cummins' Role: Production supervisors at Cummins lead teams that manufacture cutting-edge technologies, from engines and hybrid powertrains to fuel cells and battery-electric systems, all while ensuring product quality and efficient operations.

Career Path: From this role, you could move up into a plant manager position or higher leadership roles in operations management.

8. Logistics Coordinator

Starting Point: Requires organization and supply chain knowledge. Logistics coordinators are responsible for ensuring materials and finished products are properly moved throughout the manufacturing process and distributed on time.

Cummins' Role: At Cummins, logistics coordinators manage the movement of critical parts and components needed for engine production, fuel cells, hybrid systems, and power generators.

Career Path: After gaining experience, you could move into roles such as supply chain manager or operations planner.

9. Industrial Engineer

Starting Point: Requires a degree in industrial engineering or related field. Industrial engineers work to improve manufacturing processes by analyzing systems, reducing waste, and improving efficiency.

Cummins' Role: Industrial engineers at Cummins are focused on streamlining processes for advanced engine production, hybrid powertrain manufacturing, and the development of sustainable energy technologies like fuel cells and battery systems.

Career Path: Experienced industrial engineers can transition to senior engineering roles or managerial positions such as operations manager.

10. Manufacturing Engineer

Starting Point: Requires a degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, etc.) Manufacturing engineers design, implement, and improve manufacturing processes and systems. This role is essential for optimizing operations and product quality.

Cummins' Role: At Cummins, manufacturing engineers are involved in designing processes for creating advanced engines, powertrains, fuel cells, and hybrid systems used in commercial mobility and power generation industries.

Career Path: Manufacturing engineers at Cummins often move into higher technical roles or leadership positions within the engineering or operations departments.

Explore Career Opportunities at Cummins

Interested in exploring different types of manufacturing jobs like these and building your career within manufacturing? Cummins offers a wide variety of career opportunities that span across different types of manufacturing jobs. Whether you're starting in an entry-level role or looking to progress within a skilled trade, there’s potential for growth at Cummins. Learn about current job openings and career paths.