Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing
What does the Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing industry do?
What’s it like to work at a Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing company?
What kinds of jobs are there in the Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing industry?
How likely is it that a person will be able to find a job in this industry in the Tech Valley Region in the next three to five years?
What does the Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing industry do?
The United States fabricated metal parts manufacturing industry includes about 55,000 companies with about $340 billion in combined annual revenue (Source: Hoovers). The metal parts these companies manufacture are used in industries such as aerospace, transportation, medical (including biomedical), industrial tools, defense, firearms, petroleum equipment, industrial equipment, nuclear, appliances, merchandising, jewelry and food packaging.Precision metal parts manufacturing can include a variety of processes, including fabrication, machining, preparation and finishing of metal parts and equipment. Fabrication includes processes such as cutting, bending, welding, soldering and stamping. Machining includes the turning, drilling and milling of material. Preparation includes using a variety of chemicals to clean and surface the metal. Finishing includes processes such as plating, polishing, coloring and coating the metal. Precision metal parts manufacturing companies often have special and customized manufacturing processes to manufacture individual parts for the industries they service.
Someone who prepares for a job in this industry would also be well prepared for the following sectors as well:
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Performance Plastics Manufacturing
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What’s it like to work at a Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing Company?
Most companies are an industrial setting that is clean, well lit and well ventilated. The work is physically demanding. Employees may be required to do moderate lifting based upon the weight and amount of raw materials and finished products. Employees also may stand for long periods of time, so working for one of these companies requires stamina.The machines are large, high-speed and powerful, so strict adherence to required safety standards is critical. Employees wear safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, ear plugs and other safety gear. They typically do not handle hazardous chemicals or materials. They use tools such as hand measuring devices, files, scrapers and other finishing tools.
Working at a precision metal parts manufacturing company may involve shift work and planned and unplanned overtime, dependent upon production demands.
Newer production techniques, such as team-oriented lean manufacturing, place an emphasis on working in teams. Employees are expected to work well with others in achieving production goals. A strong focus is placed on quality – cost – delivery.
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What kinds of jobs are there in the Nanoscale Manufacturing Industry?
Machine Operator
Minimum Education - High School Diploma or Equivalent
Starting Salary - $10-$18 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $16-$28 per hour
Maintenance Technician
Minimum Education - Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in a Technical Field
Starting Salary - $15-$23 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $25-$38 per hour
Quality Technician
Minimum Education - Associate's Degree in a Technical Field
Starting Salary - $12-$20 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $22-$28 per hour
Engineering/Development Technician
Minimum Education - Associate's Degree in a Technical Field
Starting Salary - $15-$22 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $25-$30 per hour
Production Supervisor
Minimum Education - Generally a Bachelor's Degree
Starting Salary - $15-$25 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $30-$40 per hour
Engineer
Minimum Education - Bachelor's in Engineering
Starting Salary - $50,000-$60,000 per year
Higher levels in the same title - $68,000-$75,000 per year
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How likely is it that a person will be able to find a job in this industry in the Tech Valley Region in the next three to five years?
Tech Valley Companies that are part of the Nanoscale Manufacturing sector include:
Cambridge Valley Machining
Simmons Machine Tool
Ed Levin Jewelry
For additional resources and information regarding the Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing industry, click here.
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