The manufacturing industry remains foundational to the economy. In Q1 2025, manufacturing contributed 9.7% of U.S. GDP, about $2.9 trillion and supported 13 million jobs, with 415,000 job openings, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). This trend, bolstered by investment and technology, offers meaningful long-term career pathways.
From engineering and R&D to quality control, operations and sustainability, there are plenty of careers in the manufacturing industry that offer growth, purpose and the opportunity to create a meaningful impact.
Different Career Paths Available at Every Stage
Whether you’re a student exploring your next step, a recent graduate eager to put your skills to work or an experienced professional looking for a new challenge, manufacturing offers career opportunities to help shape products and solutions that improve everyday life.
1. Opportunities for High School Students
High school students now have more avenues to explore the exciting possibilities of manufacturing. Programs like Saint-Gobain’s Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities (SFRC) open the door to modern, innovative environments and a fresh perspective on the different rewarding careers available in the manufacturing industry.
Through plant tours, classroom activities and engaging career talks, students experience firsthand what engineers, technicians and operations leaders do every day. This early exposure sparks curiosity, inspires big dreams and highlights the potential paths, including entry-level jobs in manufacturing, that can lead to a bright future in the industry.
2. Structured Programs Early-Career Professionals and New Paths
If you’ve just earned a degree or are looking to pivot into a new field, applying your skills in the right environment makes all the difference. In manufacturing careers, structured development programs help both recent graduates and those pivoting into new paths grow into technical or leadership roles while exploring long-term manufacturing career pathways.
These programs are especially valuable for those with backgrounds in:
- Engineering – with exposure to production systems, process improvement, product development and cross-functional collaboration
- Sales – for those who want to combine technical knowledge with relationship-building and strategic thinking
- Finance – supporting operations, forecasting and data-driven decision-making within a manufacturing context
Careers with training programs give new professionals the chance to build confidence, gain real-world experience and take on meaningful responsibilities right from the start, with professional guidance every step of the way.
3. A Place for Established Professionals, Trades and Career-Changers
The manufacturing industry welcomes fresh perspectives and values practical thinking, leadership and problem-solving skills that professionals often bring from other fields.
If you’re transitioning from logistics, construction, a corporate role or entering through a skilled trade or apprenticeship, you’ll find that a career in the manufacturing industry offers exciting opportunities in a variety of roles, including:
- Process engineering
- Quality and compliance
- Plant management
- Plant maintenance
- Operations
Today’s manufacturers foster inclusive, team-focused environments where collaboration sparks creativity and growth. New hires are supported through onboarding, training and clear growth pathways. This makes it easier to build a rewarding new chapter and pursue exciting careers in the manufacturing industry.
Why the Manufacturing Industry Continues to Grow
As technology transforms how goods are designed, produced and delivered, the industry is creating even more opportunities for people with various skills, from design and development to data analysis and team leadership, supported by ongoing manufacturing workforce development initiatives that inspire growth.
- Engineers solve meaningful problems that impact everyday life.
- Teams work together to improve efficiency, sustainability and quality.
- Innovation and career development are at the heart of the industry.
For anyone exploring careers in the manufacturing industry, this is a field that offers purpose, growth and the chance to influence change.
How Saint-Gobain Supports Career Growth
As a global leader in manufacturing and materials science, Saint-Gobain is committed to nurturing talent at every stage of the journey.
- Provide high school students with an early look at exciting careers in manufacturing industry settings with Saint-Gobain’s Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities program.
- Present formal training and specialized engineering development programs through the Essentials of Manufacturing for those starting out or looking to grow their career in new directions.
- Offer team members career mobility, skill-building opportunities and meaningful work that shapes industries from construction to healthcare.
With an inclusive workplace and a focus on long-term development, Saint-Gobain helps people grow, thrive and build lasting manufacturing careers and jobs that truly support its mission - Making The World A Better Home.
Build a Career That Evolves With You in the Manufacturing Industry
No matter where you begin, a career in the manufacturing industry can be rewarding, innovative and full of possibilities. The industry embraces fresh ideas, encourages growth and values people who are ready to shape the future.
If you’re ready for the next step, companies like Saint-Gobain North America, ranked among the best manufacturing companies to work for, provide the support, training and opportunities you need to build a potential career you’ll love for years to come.
With manufacturing opportunities in the USA and Canada, your next chapter could start today. Explore opportunities with Saint-Gobain and see where your future can take you.