Advanced
Manufacturing
Revolutionize industries with cutting-edge technologies, automation, and innovation. Embrace the future of production in advanced manufacturing, where precision and efficiency drive progress.
Ready For Innovation And Cutting Edge Technologies
The Charlotte Region manufacturing cluster represents 145,000 workers at 3,600 employer firms. Manufacturing is one of Iredell’s Top Industry Sectors representing 14.5% of total employment, 11,730 workers with over 350 employer firms.
Innovating Careers in Advanced Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the process of making things and requires acquiring raw materials, engineering equipment to transform materials into a component or product, and ensuring quality control, maintenance, and manufacturing/process for the operation. The manufacturing career cluster is divided into six distinct pathways. These six pathways have over 96 different careers or occupations. Learn more about them below.
If you want to explore this career more, head over to our explore careers page. Want to learn more about what manufacturing companies are here in Iredell County? Check out Iredell County Economic Development Corporation’s Advanced Manufacturing page.
Advanced Manufacturing Pathways
CNC Machining
Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Machining performs various manufacturing tasks, all carried out by computerized devices.
Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products made from thin metal sheets, including ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.
Welder
Welder’s primary duty is joining metal parts together. They work on metal components with various building or construction industries. Examples: pipelines, bridges, power plants, or refineries.
Design Engineer
Design Engineers study, research, and develop ideas for new products and the systems used to make them. They also modify existing products or processes to increase efficiency or improve performance.
Engineering Technician
Engineering technicians help solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) principles.
Computer Maintenance Technician
Computer Maintenance Technicians oversee daily computer performance, provide technical support and install new software for users. Activities include running diagnostics, responding to inquiries, resolving issues and installing updates.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, within, and from businesses, homes, and factories.
Inspector
Quality Assurance Inspectors ensure that the products manufactured by their employers meet industry and federal standards. Individuals may work on a production line or test items in a controlled laboratory setting.
Quality Engineer
Quality Engineers ensure that engineering and manufacturing processes correctly use the right tools, materials, and processes. An important part of the job involves designing the company’s quality standards and testing processes against those criteria.
Logistician
Logisticians oversee activities that include purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing. Individuals operate software programs to manage logistical functions like procurement, inventory management, and other supply chain planning and management systems.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. Activities include improving recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.
Health and Safety Engineer
Health and Safety engineers develop procedures and design systems to protect people from illness and injury and property from damage. Individuals make sure that chemicals, machinery, software, furniture, and other products will not cause harm to people or property damage.
Career Pivot
Are you looking to change jobs? Career Pivot can help individuals pivot from low-wage jobs that are at risk of being automated to a job and career pathway with higher wages and an abundance of available jobs.
Additional Resources
Industry Employment & Trends
Advanced Manufacturing Industry Profile Charlotte Region
Automotive Industry Profile Charlotte Region
Logistics & Distribution Industry Profile Charlotte Region
Financial Services Industry Profile Charlotte Region
Innovation Economy Profile Charlotte Region
Healthcare & Life Sciences Industry Profile Charlotte Region