A day in the life of manufacturing careers at Cummins

Manufacturing is more than just machines and assembly lines – it’s where innovation meets hard work and a strong commitment to safety. At Cummins, a global leader in engines, powertrains and sustainable energy solutions, career opportunities span from entry-level positions to advanced technical roles. Here’s a look at what a day in the life of these roles might be like, with safety as a core part of every job.

Production Worker

Your day begins on the shop floor with a safety check, making sure your personal protective equipment is on, and your workspace is clear. You assemble components, operate machinery and follow protocols to prevent accidents. At Cummins, this could mean helping build engines for trucks or battery systems for hybrid vehicles. The work is fast paced but rewarding and many production workers grow into machine operator or maintenance roles over time.

Machine Operator

Machine operators start their shift by reviewing machine safety systems and inspecting equipment for any potential hazards. Your day may involve calibrating CNC machines, monitor robotic assembly lines and make minor adjustments to ensure precision. At Cummins, you might work on advanced engine assembly or hybrid powertrain production. Experienced operators can move into supervisory or maintenance roles while always keeping safety as a top priority.

Maintenance Technician

Maintenance technicians spend their day troubleshooting and repairing equipment while following strict safety procedures. When a machine stops unexpectedly, you ensure power is shut off and lockout/tagout procedures are followed before performing repairs. At Cummins, maintenance technicians keep advanced production lines for engines, fuel cells and hybrid systems running safely and efficiently. Over time, this role can lead to engineering positions with more responsibility.

Assembler

Assemblers begin their day by checking their workstations for safety hazards and reviewing assembly instructions. You assemble engines, fuel cells or hybrid powertrains, ensuring every component fits perfectly. At Cummins, teamwork and attention to safety standards are essential, and experienced assemblers can move into supervisory or operations management roles.

Quality Control Specialist

Specialists inspect and test components, ensuring every engine, battery or hybrid system meets performance and safety standards. At Cummins, quality control specialists play a vital role in preventing defects that could cause harm. Experienced specialists can move into quality management or supervisory positions.

Welder

Welders start their day with safety gear checks and equipment inspections. At Cummins, welders join metal components for engines, hybrid systems and power generation equipment, following strict welding and safety protocols. Every weld is crucial for both product integrity and worker safety, and skilled welders can advance into engineering or supervisory positions.

Production Supervisor

Production supervisors begin the day reviewing safety procedures with their teams, inspecting workstations and ensuring compliance with safety standards. At Cummins, you coordinate production schedules, oversee teams building engines and hybrid systems, and troubleshoot workflow challenges while keeping safety front and center. This role can lead to plant management or broader operations leadership opportunities.

Logistics Coordinator

Logistics coordinators focus on safe handling and transportation of materials and finished products. Your day involves coordinating shipments, managing inventory and ensuring materials move safely throughout the site. At Cummins, this could involve tracking parts for hybrid powertrains or fuel cells. With experience, you might become a supply chain manager, optimizing operations while maintaining high safety standards.

Industrial Engineer

Industrial engineers analyze production processes with safety in mind. Your day may involve observing assembly lines, identifying inefficiencies and proposing improvements that protect both workers and equipment. At Cummins, this role combines analytical thinking with creativity and can lead to senior engineering or operations management positions.

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing engineers design and refine systems that keep Cummins running efficiently and safely. Your day might include developing processes for advanced engines or hybrid systems, collaborating with other engineers, and solving complex production challenges. Career growth often leads to leadership positions in engineering or plant operations, always with a focus on workplace safety.

From hands-on assembly to strategic planning in logistics and engineering, every job contributes to innovative products while protecting the people who make them. Working at Cummins means growing your career, making a difference and keeping safety at the heart of everything you do.