What does a Manufacturing Associate do?

Manufacturing managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing process, either for an entire facility or for a specific department. They supervise staff, plan and approve production schedules, approve invoices, and manage budgets. They establish and enforce policies, and ensure all staff are meeting quality standards while also maintaining safe working conditions. They analyze and optimize processes to identify ways to improve efficiency and increase productivity. They may also negotiate with vendors and contractors.

Manufacturing managers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree, although an advanced degree is a plus. They often have a background in business, logistics, or a related role. They must have strong leadership skills and be able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

What responsibilities are common for Manufacturing Associate jobs?
  • Adhere to all quality and safety standards within the department.
  • Support implementation of cost, quality, and service improvement initiatives.
  • Assist in the design and build of tools and equipment.
  • Establish or adjust work procedures to meet production schedules.
  • Remove, pack, and sort raw materials or finished products.
  • Lead all on-floor daily activities as per the production schedule.
  • Participate in the selection and training of new personnel.
  • Keep work area in a clean and orderly condition.
  • Perform routine reviews on executed batch records and logbooks.
  • Write Standard Operating Procedures and complete batch production records.
  • Serve as a technical expert and coach for team members.
  • Responsible for overseeing the resolution to all debug issues.
  • Assist in the preparation of departmental budgets when required.
  • Follow standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.
  • Perform safety audits as required.
  • Work with production teams to ensure that goals are being met.
What are the typical qualifications for Manufacturing Associate jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, computer science, or engineering or equivalent experience.
  • A critical thinker who pays attention to detail.
  • Prior experience in a consulting position.
  • Use leadership skills to help with problem solving and strives for continuous improvement.
  • Training in Six Sigma/ black belt preferred.
  • Collaborate with others to ensure problem solving occurs in a timely and professional manner.
  • Familiar with enterprise resource planning, Capas, CNC, and R Language.
  • Searches for deviations and strives to improve procedures to minimize them.
  • Use business acumen to assist with all aspects of the work.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.2 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.4 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does a Manufacturing Associate make near United States?

Confident
$44,451 /yr
Total Pay
$42,056
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$2,395
 /yr

Additional Pay

$44,451

 / yr
$34K$59K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Manufacturing Associate Career Path

Learn how to become a Manufacturing Associate, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Manufacturing Associate

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
24%
2 - 4
53%
5 - 7
11%
8+
12%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Manufacturing Associate Insights

Read what Manufacturing Associate professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
AGC BiologicsAGC Biologics
Manufacturing Associate
Jan 21, 2023

“The salaried people are overworked and that doesnt make progressing in your career seem worth it.”

DISHDISH
Manufacturing Supervisor
Dec 13, 2022

“Career ladder for our hourly associates so they know and understand their personal career growth.”

INTEGRITY BIOINTEGRITY BIO
Senior Manager GMP Manufacturing
Sep 28, 2021

“Good opportunities to learn on the development (R&D) part of the company in Thousand Oaks.”

Catalent PharmaCatalent Pharma
Manufacturing Supervisor
Oct 12, 2022

“I was able to learn a lot with Catalent and I have nothing but good things to say about the company.”

Fruit of the Loom, Inc.Fruit of the Loom, Inc.
Manufacturing & Distribution
Nov 21, 2021

“great place to work and friendly”

MarkertekMarkertek
Light Manufacturing
Aug 18, 2023

“worker didn't make them the way management and I had discussed AND QC PASSED THEM!!!!”

Phillips-MedisizePhillips-Medisize
Manufacturing Associate
Sep 22, 2023

“No bonuses and hardly any raise.”

MedtronicMedtronic
Manufacturing Supervisor
May 31, 2022

“Good good good good good”

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Manufacturing Associate Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Manufacturing Associate

The most similar professions to Manufacturing Associate are:
  • Mechanical Designer
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer

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Manufacturing Associate Jobs