Mechanical Engineering Career Trends for Manufacturing
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Whether you’re a newly graduated mechanical engineer or a seasoned professional, keeping up with industry trends is essential. One foundational trend that MEs can continue to rely on is healthy job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while the average rate of growth across all occupations is 4 percent, for MEs the projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033 is 11 percent and “much faster than average.”
Among the factors contributing to the demand for MEs, projected to reach nearly 20,000 opening each year over the same decade, is their ability to deliver innovative solutions in varying industries. When working for automotive and aerospace manufacturers, for example, MEs are those who promote advances in design and production such as automation, 3D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Manufacturing is expected to remain the largest employer of MEs continuing into 2025, accounting for a substantial 45.4 percent of the profession. Among the top manufacturers employing engineers, according to Forbes are companies that include Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and Caterpillar. Such projection is understandable as smart manufacturing looks toward systems to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) and big data to deliver critical efficiencies and data-driven production.
Among the factors contributing to the demand for MEs, projected to reach nearly 20,000 opening each year over the same decade, is their ability to deliver innovative solutions in varying industries. When working for automotive and aerospace manufacturers, for example, MEs are those who promote advances in design and production such as automation, 3D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Manufacturing is expected to remain the largest employer of MEs continuing into 2025, accounting for a substantial 45.4 percent of the profession. Among the top manufacturers employing engineers, according to Forbes are companies that include Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and Caterpillar. Such projection is understandable as smart manufacturing looks toward systems to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) and big data to deliver critical efficiencies and data-driven production.