Manufacturing Careers

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Read time: 6 minutes

Discover key manufacturing jobs


Connecticut is home to world-famous manufacturers and suppliers. They are leaders in fabrication, innovation, and precision. These firms provide parts for medical devices, jet engines, helicopters, nuclear submarines, and much more. You may know the names of some, including Bic, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Kaman, Otis Elevator, Sikorsky, Stanley Black & Decker, and Xerox.


These organizations provide valuable training and education programs and resources:

Explore details about typical jobs in the manufacturing industry:


Manufacturing Technician

The job: Set up, run, and maintain manufacturing equipment and assembly processes to make products. Monitor and check product quality to make sure it meets the requirements and description.


Common job titles: Production Technician, Production Associate, Manufacturing Associate, Manufacturing Operator, Manufacturing Team Member, Manufacturing Operative, Production Operative, Production Team Member


Training and education: These jobs usually require a high school diploma or GED with vocational-technical classwork or training. Some require a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.


Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders

The job: Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.


Common job titles: Bore Mill Operator, CNC Drilling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator), CNC Machinist, Drill Operator, Drill Press Operator, Drill Setup Operator, Machine Operator, Punch Operator, Radial Drill Operator, Setup Mill Operator


Education:


Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

The job: Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.


Common job titles: Engineering Laboratory Technician, Engineering Technical Analyst, Engineering Technician, Engineering Technologist, Manufacturing Engineering Technician, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Technician, Process Engineering Technician, Process Technician, Research and Development (R&D) Technician


Education: These jobs usually require a certificate or associate degree.

Training Programs

  • CareerConneCT: You can get started with free short-term training.

Quality Control Analyst

The job: People in this role usually check or test machines, tools, materials, in-process products, or finished products to make sure they meet quality or safety standards.


Common job titles: Analyst, auditor, tester, quality coordinator, quality analyst, quality engineer, and quality control technician.


Education: These jobs usually require a technology certificate, associate degree, or related work experience.

Training Programs

  • CareerConneCT: You can get started with free short-term training.

CAD Designer or Mechanical Drafter

The job: Create design plans for buildings and machinery. Create 2D or 3D technical drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) systems, such as AutoCAD and Revit. These technical drawings are used for manufacturing parts and equipment.


Common job titles: AutoCAD Designer, AutoCAD Operator, CAD Designer, CAD Technician, Computer-Aided Designer, Design Drafter, Drafter, Drafting Technician, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Drafter, Product Designer, Project Designer


Education: Employers usually require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree. You can learn more with these programs at the Connecticut State Community College system:

Careers and Training