Unlock Your Future in Manufacturing: Thrilling Academic Careers Await!
Discover manufacturing faculty jobs shaping the future of industry through education and research. From advanced automation to sustainable production, manufacturing academia blends business strategy with engineering prowess. Ideal for job seekers eyeing professor jobs, students pondering degrees, and parents guiding career choices, this field booms with reshoring trends and Industry 4.0 demands. In 2023, U.S. manufacturing output hit $2.3 trillion, fueling demand for faculty experts. Check top opportunities on AcademicJobs.com higher ed jobs board, where faculty positions in manufacturing management and operations abound. Rate inspiring educators via Rate My Professor for manufacturing courses. Whether pursuing a PhD or tenured role, manufacturing offers prestige and impact. Explore higher ed career advice and land your spot today.
What to Study for Manufacturing Careers
Students targeting manufacturing academia should focus on bachelor's in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain management, followed by master's or PhD in operations research. Top programs include Purdue University's manufacturing engineering track, known for its hands-on labs simulating factory floors, and Georgia Tech's H. Milton Stewart School, emphasizing smart manufacturing. Fringe quirk: Youngstown State University's Reshoring Institute trains faculty on bringing jobs back from overseas, a niche born from Rust Belt revival. Enroll in courses covering additive manufacturing (3D printing) and robotics. Use scholarships for funding and check Rate My Professor reviews for manufacturing faculty at Indiana or Michigan schools.
- Industrial Engineering (ABET-accredited)
- Operations Management MBA
- Advanced Manufacturing Certificate
- Sustainable Manufacturing PhD
Career Paths for Manufacturing Graduates
Industry to Academia Transitions
Grads launch into roles at Ford or Boeing before pivoting to lecturer jobs. Unique anecdote: A former Tesla engineer became a manufacturing professor at MIT, bridging EV production gaps. Paths include adjunct teaching via adjunct professor jobs, research at national labs, or consulting. Parents note stable paths amid 400,000 annual manufacturing openings projected through 2032 by BLS.
Prestige and Impact
Prestigious roles at Ivy League like Ivy League schools focus on policy. Rate peers on Rate My Professor manufacturing.
Faculty Opportunities in Manufacturing
Search research jobs and postdoc positions in advanced manufacturing. Hotspots: Ohio for aerospace, Texas for energy. NSF funded $1B+ in manufacturing research in 2022. Community colleges seek adjuncts for workforce training—fringe case: Rural North Carolina programs partner with Siemens for wind turbine expertise.
Browse Manufacturing Faculty JobsSalaries and Earnings in Manufacturing Academia
Expected earnings vary by role: Assistant professors average $135,000, associates $165,000, full professors $210,000 per 2023 Chronicle data, higher in California. Link to detailed breakdowns on professor salaries and university salaries. Operations-focused manufacturing roles command premiums due to industry ties. Get free resume template for applications. Rate high-earners on Rate My Professor.
| Role | Average Salary (USD) | Top Location |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $135,000 | Michigan |
| Associate Professor | $165,000 | Georgia |
| Full Professor | $210,000 | California |
Trends and Future Outlook
Reshoring post-2020 added 800,000 jobs; academia responds with AI-integrated curricula. Quirk: Alaska's manufacturing faculty teach remote oil rig automation. Follow university rankings for top programs. Prep with career advice.
Associations for Manufacturing
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing manufacturing technology and developing a skilled workforce through education and networking.
Association for Manufacturing Technology
A trade association representing builders and distributors of machine tools and manufacturing technology in North America.
The International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP)
An international organization promoting scientific research in advanced manufacturing and production engineering worldwide.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
A professional engineering institution focused on mechanical engineering disciplines, including manufacturing and design.
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Canada's largest trade and industry association advocating for manufacturers and exporters to enhance competitiveness.
Australian Industry Group
A peak industry association representing manufacturers and other sectors in Australia, providing advocacy and support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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