Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing

If you’re looking to build something meaningful, The Good Life is a great place to start. With nearly 2,000 engineering and advanced manufacturing companies across the state, the opportunities here are as steady as they are rewarding. From competitive salaries to long-term career growth, Nebraska’s work environment is designed to support you.

Here are a few major players you’ll want to know:

• HDR Inc. in Omaha is one of the largest engineering firms in the world and it’s 100% employee-owned. They opened a brand-new, 245,000-square-foot global HQ in Aksarben Village in 2024, and have more than 13,000 employees globally.
• Valmont Industries, also based in Omaha, is an international leader in agtech and infrastructure manufacturing. Their innovations touch everything from irrigation systems to smart utility structures.
• Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing in Lincoln produces the ATVs, utility vehicles and other power products you’ve probably seen in action. They are the third largest manufacturer in Nebraska and their Nebraska plant is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.
• Vishay Dale in Columbus manufactures electronic components that power industries around the world. They’re a staple in Nebraska’s advanced manufacturing landscape.
• Kiewit Corporation is one of North America’s largest construction and engineering firms, employing 3,600 design professionals across the U.S. and Canada. It’s also recognized as a top veteran-friendly employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine.
• Olsson has been creating engineering solutions that improve communities since the 1950s — with a regional office in Nebraska since 1990.

With manufacturing making up 12% of Nebraska’s GDP and a strong focus on engineering innovation, there’s no shortage of opportunity. From part-time and full-time to on-site and hybrid work, find the job type that works best for you in Nebraska.

In Nebraska, your pathway to rewarding engineering and advanced manufacturing jobs starts with the right training. Whether you want to design precision tools, optimize production systems or advance into machine learning and AI automated manufacturing processes, you’ll find a wide range of programs to help you get there.

Top Engineering Colleges

• University of Nebraska Engineering programs at UNL and UNO offer some of the best training in the state, with hands-on experiences and strong industry connections.
• Wayne State College: Gain the practical skills and a conceptual understanding to achieve your engineering goals with Wayne State College’s comprehensive engineering technology degree.

Pre-Engineering & Apprenticeships

• Northeast and Western Nebraska Community Colleges: Excellent pre-engineering tracks to help you build a strong foundation.
• Central Community College’s Mechatronics program explores the field of computer automation and offers students opportunities to develop real-world skills through partnerships with several regional employers.
• Gain hands-on experience with Northeast Community College’s Machining and Manufacturing Automation certificate and degree programs.
• Southeast Community College: Offers a Manufacturing Engineering Technology apprenticeship where you can gain work experience and valuable benefits such as tuition remission.

Nebraska’s mix of initiatives, internships, and hands-on apprenticeships means you don’t just study here — you start your career here.

Nebraska’s engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors are strengthened by a network of associations that connect professionals, promote industry growth, and support workforce development.

The Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance brings together partners from across the state to advance manufacturing and STEM careers over the next decade. Meanwhile, the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council helps shape the future of the industry by addressing challenges, advocating for competitiveness, and connecting job seekers with internships and employment opportunities.

Engineers across Nebraska have plenty of ways to connect, too:

• The Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers links over 350 members and hosts three signature events annually.
• The American Society of Civil Engineers – Nebraska Section boasts over 750 members statewide.
• Groups like Structural Engineers Association of Nebraska, Engineering Club of Omaha, Eastern Nebraska Society of Women Engineers, and the Emerging Leaders Program from ACEC Nebraska provide opportunities for mentoring, learning, and knowledge sharing.

Whether you’re in your early career stage or part of an experienced engineering team, Nebraska has the community to support your next step.