Despite rapid advances in AI, robotics, and automation, the U.S. manufacturing industry faces a severe talent shortage, with up to 1.9 million jobs at risk of remaining unfilled by 2033. This gap is largely driven by a perception problem: Gen Z job seekers often view manufacturing as dirty, low-tech, and outdated, unaware of its evolution into an innovative, high-tech sector.
To solve this, manufacturers need a new tool to battle the talent shortage—and it means hitting younger generations where they live: on TikTok, YouTube, and short-form video. Popular engineering influencers and vloggers are already changing public perception, showing millions of viewers a dynamic, tech-driven side of the industry and laying out a clear blueprint for companies looking to attract future talent.
Key Engineering Influencers to Watch
Jake Hall – “The Manufacturing Millennial” (125,359 LinkedIn followers)
Specializing in robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0, Jake uses short-form video and trade show content to make modern manufacturing approachable and exciting.
Shane Wighton – “Stuff Made Here” (4.76M YouTube Subscribers)
Shane designs and builds complex, humorous inventions from scratch (like a basketball hoop that won’t let you miss). His videos walk viewers through end-to-end CAD design, fabrication, 3D printing, and troubleshooting.
Titan Gilroy – “Titans of CNC” (1.16M YouTube Subscribers)
Titan showcases precision CNC machining, complex metal 3D printing, and multi-axis programming, demystifying advanced manufacturing skills for a global audience.
Jay Vogler – “Engineezy” (1.37M YouTube Subscribers)
Jay creates visually captivating mechanical builds—such as kinetic sculptures, 3D-printed devices, and marble-powered games—demonstrating core mechanical engineering concepts in action.
Additional Creators Driving Industry Engagement:
- Sisterhood of Trades (TikTok: @sisterhoodoftrades)
- Tony Gunn – “The WorldWide Machinist” (YouTube: @TheWorldWideMachinist)
- Angus Deveson – “Maker’s Muse” (YouTube: @MakersMuse)
- Jeremy Fielding (YouTube: @JeremyFieldingMade)
- James Whomsley (Instagram: @jameswhomsley)
- Chris Luecke – “Manufacturing Happy Hour” (YouTube: @ManufacturingHappyHour)
What Manufacturers Can Do: Actionable Recruitment Strategies
Employers don’t need to turn into full-time influencers to see results, but relying solely on plain text “We’re Hiring” posts is no longer enough. To capture candidate interest, manufacturers must actively show—not just tell—what modern engineering work looks like.
1. Engage & Partner with Established Creators
- Facility Tours & Behind-the-Scenes Access: Invite creators like Tony Gunn or Jake Hall into your plant for a walkthrough, an equipment demo, or an interview with your lead engineers.
- Sponsored Project Challenges: Partner with creators to sponsor a video where they solve a real-world engineering challenge using your machinery or software.
2. Embed Video Content Directly into Your Hiring Funnel
- Embed Reels in Job Postings: Instead of a long bulleted list of job duties, embed a 30-to-60-second video clip showing the actual CAD software, robotics, or equipment candidates will interact with daily.
- Feature Authentic “Day-in-the-Life” Snippets: Ask your current engineers and technicians to film brief videos sharing what they’re building, the challenges they solve, and their path for career advancement within the company.
3. Showcase Modern Tech, Real People, and Clear Growth
- Highlight High-Tech Tools: Feature your automated systems, digital twins, cobots, and additive manufacturing tools across your career pages and social channels.
- Define Career Progression: Visually map out what a 3- to 5-year growth trajectory looks like for entry-level technical roles so candidates see a long-term future in manufacturing.
By building an active, visual digital presence, manufacturers can dismantle outdated misconceptions and demonstrate why top talent should want to join their team.
Ready to attract the next generation of engineering talent? Let SoloPoint Solutions help you connect with the specialized engineers your team needs.