When you think “manufacturing,” legacy industries like steel might be the first thing that comes to mind. But today’s advanced manufacturing industry is much more diverse than that. Its products are used in everything from aerospace to household products, pharmaceuticals, and robotics. About 200 companies in Westchester County are part of this space, and they’re looking for job candidates with the skills to operate and maintain precision machinery, among many other things.
Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 Important Jobs
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2020 and 2030 in the Hudson Valley (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1. Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Tool Operators
What do they do? Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.
- Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Projected growth: 12.9%
- Entry-level salary: $42,973
- Median salary: $50,442
2. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
What do they do? Industrial machinery mechanics, also called maintenance machinists, keep machines in working order by detecting and correcting errors before the machine or the products it produces are damaged.
- Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Projected growth: 39.4%
- Entry-level salary: $50,755
- Median salary: $67,002
3. Tool and Die Makers
What do they do? Tool and die makers construct precision tools or metal forms, called dies, that are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials. They produce jigs and fixtures—devices that hold metal while it is bored, stamped, or drilled—and gauges and other measuring devices.
- Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award
- Projected growth: 18.2%
- Entry-level salary: $47,079
- Median salary: $71,239
Q&A: Harold King, President, Council of Industry
Which jobs are seeing the fastest growth and highest demand for new talent?
There’s a wide range of jobs in advanced manufacturing in Westchester, but many early career positions have “technician” in the job title. So for example, an electronics technician may install new electronic equipment at a company or a maintenance technician may ensure that machinery is in good working order. With the Hudson Valley having a large presence of biotech companies, there are also laboratory technician and animal care technician positions available. These technicians can help with quality assurance of medications or assisting PhDs on preclinical trials of new vaccines. As the population ages, with much of the workforce retiring, many of these jobs will be available and offer excellent growth opportunities.
What do employees do in those jobs?
Job duties can vary, but troubleshooting is often a large component of a technician’s workday. If a machine isn’t working, a technician will fix it or, as parts are being produced, monitor the process and see if efficiencies can be improved. In Westchester, there are companies producing high volumes of goods at 1,000 feet of goods per minute, or smaller companies producing or testing smaller batches of goods. For example, PTI is a company that builds specific package inspection equipment for the pharmaceutical, medical device, food, and container industries. They have entry-level technicians who might install leak detection and seal inspection equipment to ensure that a food product is safe.
What kind of training does it take to do these jobs, and where can people go to get it?
Some of these jobs only require a high school diploma or associate’s degree. Many community colleges offer certificate programs. For example, SUNY Westchester Community College has a credentialing program with the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, which can prepare you for a job as a technician. There are also courses available with online providers via Google, Tooling U, and Coursera. Now entry-level workers often get hired by showing an aptitude or interest and then asked by their employer to obtain the credentials.
What kind of person does it take to succeed in the advanced manufacturing field?
I think curiosity, a desire to learn and acquire new skills and to do things more efficiently, is key. And you can’t forget about the real fundamentals: showing up to work on time and working together on a team.
Links and Resources
Council of Industry
On the Council of Industry jobs board, view job listings in advanced manufacturing at every skill level, get information about skills training (including the Council’s manufacturing apprenticeship program), and watch videos about locals who work in the industry.
SUNY Westchester Community College
Learn more about Certified Production Technician 4.0, an industry-led program that prepares and certifies individuals for career pathways in advanced manufacturing nationwide.
Westchester Catalyst
Learn more about the advanced manufacturing sector in Westchester, including key employers and training programs.
Related: Yonkers Industrial Development Agency Continues to Shatter Records
