Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

Design, make, and improve the products we use every day.

Careers in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

This sector offers lots of different career opportunities and the chance to develop a wide range of skills. It is a great place to work if you enjoy problem-solving, innovation, technology, and practical tasks. You could work as a machinist, engineering technician, design engineer, maintenance engineer, robotics engineer, or production manager. Whatever role you choose, you can make a real difference by creating, improving, and maintaining the products and technologies that people use every day.

Two people working at factory.
Image credit: This is Engineering, Pexels
Salary Information

How much can you earn working in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

This sector offers a range of entry-level jobs that can help you gain experience and build new skills. As you learn and develop, you may have the chance to move into more senior roles with greater responsibility and higher pay. Data is from August 2026.

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Entry Level roles may range from £15,000 to £26,500 a year.
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Intermediate roles may range from £30,000 to £42,000 a year.
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Advanced roles may range from £60,000 to £75,000 a year.
Careers in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

View a variety of jobs

Discover the different careers available in advanced manufacturing and engineering, from production, to digital, engineering, and leadership jobs. Click on the job profiles below to find out what each role involves, the skills you need, and the steps you can take to progress.

Entry Level
Production Worker

Salary: £22,000 to £28,000

Entry Level
Engineering Operative

Salary: £22,000 to £33,000

Entry Level
CNC Machinist

Salary: £25,000 to £42,000

Intermediate
CAD Technician

Salary: £24,000 to £42,000

Intermediate
Aerospace Engineering Technician

Salary: £27,000 to £50,000

Intermediate
Chemical Engineering Technician

Salary: £25,000 to £42,000

Advanced
Robotics Engineer

Salary: £31,000 to £60,000

Advanced
Mechanical Engineer

Salary: £28,000 to £60,000

Advanced
Physicist

Salary: £28,000 to £61,000

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A Week in the Life of a Research Scientist in Advanced Manufacturing

Emma works as a Researcher in the Science Team at an advanced manufacturing company that develops products for the clean energy sector. In this video, she shares what a typical week looks like, the research projects she works on, and how innovation and science are helping to create the technologies needed for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Local Learning Opportunities

Find Your Next Step

Check out our Skills Connect Directory for a list of opportunities and places to train in your region to help you kick start your career in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

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Image credit: This is Engineering, Pexels

Top Skills

  • Problem-solving: Finding practical solutions to technical challenges and production issues.
  • Digital Skills: Using software, digital tools and technology to support engineering work.
  • Design Skills: Developing ideas, products and processes to meet specific requirements.
  • Attention to Detail: Checking work carefully to ensure accuracy, quality and safety.
  • Project Management: Planning, coordinating and monitoring projects to meet deadlines.
  • Leadership: Supporting and guiding teams to achieve shared goals.
  • Communication: Sharing technical information clearly with colleagues and customers.
  • Teamwork: Working effectively with others across different departments and disciplines.
  • Using, Repairing and Maintaining Machinery: Operating equipment and carrying out maintenance to keep systems running efficiently.
  • Thinking and Reasoning: Analysing information and making informed technical decisions.
  • Health and Safety: Following procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Applying engineering principles to machines, systems and equipment.
  • Electrical Engineering: Working with electrical systems, components and controls.
  • Continuous Improvement: Identifying ways to improve quality, efficiency and performance.
  • Machinery Operation: Using manufacturing equipment safely and accurately.
  • CAD (Computer-aided Design): Creating and modifying technical drawings and designs.
  • Quality Control: Inspecting products and processes to meet required standards.
  • Curious: Enjoying learning about new technologies, processes and innovations.
  • Analytical: Looking at information carefully to understand problems and identify solutions.
  • Reliable: Being someone colleagues can depend on to produce high-quality work.
  • Innovative: Looking for better ways to design, manufacture and improve products.
  • Observant: Noticing risks, faults and opportunities for improvement.
  • Methodical: Working in a logical and organised way to achieve accurate results.
Green jobs

Green Manufacturing and Engineering

Many manufacturing and engineering companies are working to become more sustainable and develop more sustainable products. There are green elements featured in many roles and a rise in green jobs, including: 

Sustainable agriculture engineer holding up tray of plants.
Resources

Sector Insights Information Sheet

Use this downloadable poster to share and explore key data and insights on education, training and employment opportunities featured on this page. Designed to support informed discussions and decision-making, this summary poster can be used by students, parents, educators and careers advisers. 

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Explore More

Careers that use similar skills

If you are interested in a career in advanced manufacturing and engineering, you may also want to explore other careers that require similar skills. If you like designing and planning, hands-on work, and making a difference, you may also enjoy some of these opportunities:

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