Modern manufacturing is undergoing a significant transformation. As technology advances, automated systems are taking on many of the tasks once performed solely by human hands. Robotics can inspect products, monitor quality, and even perform repetitive assembly operations—processes that were once labor-intensive. While these changes might raise concerns about job displacement, many companies are, in fact, repositioning workers into new, specialized roles rather than eliminating them altogether. This shift highlights the importance of developing a skill set suited to the demands of automated environments.
Below are several crucial skills and considerations for professionals aiming to thrive in an increasingly automated manufacturing landscape.
1. Embracing the Trend of Automation
Automation has gone from a mere buzzword to a practical reality. In many modern facilities, quality inspection is becoming almost fully automated. Far from ending employment for those formerly responsible for doing quality control, organizations have leveraged their expertise in other roles where human judgment and adaptability are put to better use.
This underscores a broader industry trend. Companies are seeking to optimize production lines with robotics and advanced sensors. By doing so, they reduce manual workloads and focus human talent where it can deliver the greatest impact—such as continuous improvement initiatives, strategic decision-making, and specialized problem-solving.
Professionals who stay current on emerging technologies, such as industrial robotics, automation software, and data analytics platforms, will be better prepared for newly created positions that support these advanced systems.
2. The Shifting Job Market
The job market within manufacturing has fluctuated over the past few years. At the onset of global disruptions, it was very much a candidate-driven market, with employers more inclined to hire rapidly and invest in training lesser-qualified talent. Today, the pendulum has begun to swing back toward a market where employers are being more selective.
This rebalancing means that manufacturers are increasingly specific about the skill sets they seek. Workers with specialized knowledge—especially in emerging technologies and methodologies—often have an edge. To remain competitive, it is important for professionals to understand where they stand among peers. Job seekers who can concisely articulate the value they bring to an automated environment position themselves more strongly in the eyes of employers.
3. Bilingual Abilities in Targeted Regions
Many manufacturing facilities, particularly those located in regions with large Spanish-speaking demographics, have noted a growing need for bilingual personnel. When a facility’s workforce is predominantly Spanish-speaking, supervisors, quality controllers, and managers with Spanish fluency can bridge communication gaps and foster smoother day-to-day operations.
Bilingual skills are no longer just an added bonus—they can be a core requirement for leadership positions in certain plants. Professionals who invest in language skills may find access to a wider range of roles and a higher level of job security, as they become indispensable for effective team coordination.
4. Lean Six Sigma and Process Improvement
As automation streamlines production, manufacturers are looking for ways to optimize processes further. Lean methodologies—coupled with Six Sigma principles—offer a structured approach to reducing waste, improving efficiency, and driving continuous improvement. Certifications such as Green Belt or Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma are increasingly appealing to employers.
These credentials demonstrate a candidate’s ability to identify inefficiencies, design solutions, and implement data-driven improvements. In many cases, companies will either look for these skills in new hires or encourage existing employees to obtain the certification. Some organizations even reimburse the certification fees or offer a salary increase once the credential is achieved.
Knowledge in Lean Six Sigma ties in closely with ongoing initiatives like Kaizen events, during which plants may temporarily halt production to thoroughly evaluate and streamline operations.
5. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Expertise
For higher-level roles, particularly in maintenance management, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is becoming a prominent skill set. TPM focuses on proactive and preventative maintenance to improve production reliability and efficiency. Employers prioritize candidates who understand how to reduce downtime and enhance equipment longevity.
Maintenance managers, in particular, are expected to coordinate maintenance schedules, oversee repairs, and ensure that machines are operating with minimal disruption. In many facilities running 24/7 production, these managers must be on call for emergency issues. Flexibility is a must, as unplanned equipment failures can occur at any time. While it may not always be a role requirement that is seen as a perk, the reality is that some organizations compensate such positions very competitively in recognition of these demands.
6. Specialized Food Safety Knowledge (HACCP)
In food manufacturing, additional safety standards come into play. One of the most prominent is HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point). Supervisors, quality controllers, and higher-level management roles often require familiarity with HACCP principles. This is true not just in food production but also in certain chemical or biotech processes, though HACCP is largely a food-industry standard.
With stringent guidelines in place, understanding how to apply HACCP protocols can be a differentiating factor for candidates seeking opportunities in food-related manufacturing. Whether for entry-level or supervisory roles, certifications and experience related to HACCP can strongly impact hiring decisions.
7. Staying Flexible and Future-Focused
Adaptability is vital in this evolving sector. As automation expands, some tasks will become obsolete, but new responsibilities around system oversight, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement will emerge. Professionals who remain open to new challenges, whether it involves learning a new certification program or taking on flexible scheduling demands, position themselves ahead of peers reluctant to adapt.
Strong communication skills also remain paramount. Modern manufacturing is team-based, often cross-functional, and increasingly global. The ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with diverse colleagues—both in-person and digitally—will remain critical even as automated processes become more prevalent.
Thriving in the Age of Automation
Automation is reshaping the face of manufacturing. Robotics and AI can handle repetitive, labor-intensive tasks with remarkable precision, freeing workers for higher-level problem-solving and strategic functions. Companies are keen to hire individuals who combine foundational mechanical know-how with forward-thinking skills, such as Lean Six Sigma, TPM expertise, bilingual communication, and specialized safety certifications like HACCP.
By proactively developing the technical and soft skills most in demand, professionals can secure rewarding positions and contribute meaningfully to their companies’ growth in this rapidly evolving environment. Embracing automation is not about losing human value; rather, it is an opportunity to elevate a career through enhanced capabilities and specialized expertise.
Looking to make your next move in manufacturing and not sure where to start? Contact Planet Forward today, or take a look at our open jobs. We’ll help you find your next great role!
by Raiq Hussain, Business Development Manager
Image credit: Canva