It’s a known fact that the manufacturing industry is suffering from a skills gap. With nearly 2.1 million jobs needing to be filled between now and 2030, many companies are left with a large number of open positions—many of which are due to the evolution of the manufacturing industry and technical job market. Just a few of these changes include:
- The “Internet of Things” i.e., connected equipment
- Increased automation, and enhancements in the types of automation that are available
- More reliance on artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Evolving factory maintenance practices
- A greater focus on training and employee retention as a result of the tight labor market
In order to meet these new requirements, employers are seeking a greater range of abilities in tech candidates—but are having difficulty finding the right person for the job. What are the top manufacturing skills in demand throughout the sector? To help both technical recruiters and candidates in search of a manufacturing career change, we’ve compiled a list of the most in-demand technical skills in manufacturing jobs, as well as other capabilities that have less to do with technical knowledge. First, we’ll look at 12 “hard” skills.
Top manufacturing “hard” skills
Computer-automated technologies (CAT): Connected equipment, also sometimes called the Internet of Things or Industry 4.0, forms the backbone of most of the evolution in modern manufacturing. Personnel who can set up, program, format, troubleshoot, and perform maintenance on connected machinery and components are at the forefront of today’s manufacturing processes.
Collaborative automation programming: Automation continues to evolve and change the way the modern business operates. A major development in automation in manufacturing is the increased collaboration between humans and robots, as technology has developed to make it safer for the two to work in close proximity to each other. Employees who are able to work with and manage these collaborative robots are continuing to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Traditional production skills: Tried-and-true production skills like welding, machining, fabrication, etc. are still critical, no matter the level of automation at a plant. These remain the foundation for manufacturing workers and production workers across industries.
Workforce development and training: The tight labor market and fast pace of technology evolution means that more companies are looking within their existing ranks to fill the needs listed in this article. As such, manufacturers are looking for individuals with the ability to effectively train others on new technology, support ongoing education and development, and motivate their peers.
AI and machine learning: These fields are at the core of the automation revolution, powering advances like collaborative robots as well as assisting in data analysis and process improvements. Understanding AI in production lines is no longer optional; it’s a critical manufacturing skill that drives predictive analytics and smarter decision-making.
Automation systems development: Integrating and increasing automation is a key concern of manufacturers looking to improve efficiency and productivity. As the field continues to advance, keeping up to date on automation systems becomes more complex and integral to the workforce.
Data science: The benefit of connected devices lies in the wealth of data that they record, but this knowledge is not useful without first being properly analyzed and molded into usable information. Data scientists are in high demand to turn raw data into actionable insights for manufacturing engineers, managers and technicians.
Industrial robotics programming: Collaborative robots, also known as “cobots,” are becoming a much larger part of many manufacturers’ operations. These autonomous automation systems are trained to work alongside human co-workers, learning and adjusting their behavior to provide the most effective complement to employees. This calls for some sophisticated programming expertise to deliver the full benefits, which is why programming is a technical skill in high demand.
Additive manufacturing (3D printing): Experience with additive manufacturing technology is critical in the modern manufacturing sector. Those with knowledge of materials science and proficiency with modeling software will be in high demand thanks to 3D printing applications in rapid prototyping as well as regular production.
Electrical and programmable logic controller (PLC) maintenance: Being able to diagnose and repair electrical systems along with PLCs is one of the most important in-demand technical skills because modern manufacturing technology depends on these systems to keep automation running as smoothly as possible.
Cybersecurity for industrial systems: As manufacturing equipment becomes increasingly connected through the Industrial Internet of Things, the risks of cyberattacks become more acute. This is why cybersecurity will be one of the most in-demand tech skills for technicians in the industry. Knowing how to secure systems against hackers and data thieves is critical for ensuring productivity in the current landscape.
Predictive maintenance technology: The best way to deal with equipment failures is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Fortunately, predictive maintenance tools provide manufacturers with a strategy that keeps smaller problems from growing into major ones. Powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, these systems monitor machine health and make decisions about scheduling maintenance work based on past history and deep analysis of data. Being fluent in these predictive analytics tools and generative AI skills in general are highly sought-after.
Along with these hard skills, a number of “soft” skills have also been in high demand for technical and manufacturing employers. These abilities can apply across a number of job functions, and support numerous facets of the evolving technical workplace.
Top manufacturing “soft” skills
Critical and creative thinking: The ability to think in new ways is a necessity as a wealth of new technology makes its way into the manufacturing industry. Advances like connected devices have, essentially, unlimited potential to transform the diverse range of facility types. Most of the time, the greatest improvements will be realized in brand new, unprecedented use cases. It’s critical to have personnel who are unafraid to try something different in order to get the most out of these investments.
Adaptability: Change is a constant in any technical field, but the pace of technology evolution in manufacturing has increased dramatically in recent years. Employees—whether new hires or existing workers—must be able to learn new manufacturing best practices quickly and manage change effectively, no matter their role.
Teamwork: With new coworkers and new positions comes the need to tactfully and effectually work with different people and personality types. Teamwork and collaboration are critical soft skills for any organization and will eventually yield the greatest benefits as colleagues learn to work together successfully in any situation.
Emotional intelligence (EQ): Teams need to be able to work together in high-stress environments, and that means an employee should know how to identify and manage emotions in themselves as well as in others. This can be critical for creating a collaborative workplace and effective project management.
Problem-solving under pressure: One of the most in-demand skills for modern workers is the ability to analyze issues quickly and develop effective solutions. Quick, evidence-based decision-making is a core problem-solving skill required in industrial engineering and operations. The speed at which business works today makes this even more important.
Digital literacy: Information technology is so important for manufacturers today, which means job candidates who know how to leverage big data and other aspects of advanced manufacturing software have an edge over others.
Leadership in cross-functional teams: It takes many hands to make light work. Being able to manage a diverse range of personalities with different expertise and skills is essential in many applications.
Continuous learning and growth mindset: The most successful manufacturing professionals stay open to learning new tools, certifications and strategies.
Emerging trends in technical skills
The list of in-demand technical skills is always growing as the manufacturing landscape evolves. For example, virtual reality and augmented reality are starting to gain ground as manufacturers discover their potential to improve employee training and manufacturing processes. Another trend shaping the industry is sustainability, where employees versed in green practices are in high demand.
New and emerging skills:
- Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR): Used for hands-free training, immersive safety exercises and guided repairs. VR and AR make onboarding more efficient and reduce the need for on-site specialists.
- Sustainability skills: Knowledge of energy-efficient equipment, waste reduction strategies and green production credentials (e.g., LEED or ISO 14001). Sustainability has become an essential focus for manufacturers meeting regulatory and market demands.
- Digital twins and simulation: The ability to use digital twins for equipment testing and process optimization strategies is becoming an increasingly valuable manufacturing skill.
- Green manufacturing credentials: Certifications in sustainability, environmental compliance and safety in manufacturing help employees and employers demonstrate leadership in manufacturing best practices.
These emerging capabilities illustrate why continuous learning and credentialing are now indispensable for manufacturing jobs.
How ATS can help
If you are in search of talent with these top manufacturing skills but continue to experience difficulty locating qualified personnel, ATS is here to help.
ATS can supplement workforce needs with skilled technicians trained in everything from robotics in manufacturing to predictive maintenance. We provide expertise in digital transformation support, helping manufacturers adopt new manufacturing technology while minimizing risk.
We also emphasize workforce development—offering training in lean manufacturing tools and Six Sigma in manufacturing. By offering ongoing education, ATS ensures your staff are always ready for the next wave of innovation.
Our predictive maintenance services and advanced automation support help manufacturers achieve reliability, efficiency and cost savings. Whether it’s filling short-term skill gaps or building long-term workforce development pipelines, ATS is a partner committed to helping manufacturers meet production demands and achieve operational excellence with a top-tier workforce.
For more information, contact us today.
