Career Paths within the Modular Construction Industry

Architect

Architects design, construct, alter, and repair modular buildings and structures. They develop ideas with clients, establish budgets, assess user needs for buildings, and consider the building’s impact within the local environment. They produce detailed workings, drawings and specifications, work closely with others in factory and on-site to ensure work is carried out following specific standards, and resolve issues during the construction process.

Entry-level architects have a beginning to working subject matter knowledge, handle basic issues and problems, refer more complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under direct supervision. Mid-level architects have a comprehensive subject matter knowledge, handle complex issues and problems, refer only the most complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under minimal supervision. They may also act as a lead or first-level supervisor and provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to staff.

Necessary competencies:

• Communication skills
• Creativity
• Mathematical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Vision

Required education:

• Entry-level architect: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, up to 2 years of experience, and may also require an internship and state licensure.
• Mid-level architect: Bachelor’s degree, 4-6 years of experience, and state licensure.

Potential salary:

• Entry-level architects in modular construction in North America can earn around $80,000, while mid-level architects who have developed some leadership experience can earn over $100,000.

For students:

• Explore more modular-specific resources for architecture students at modular.org/architects

Automation Engineer

Automation engineers use engineering techniques to design, develop, text, and manage automated machinery processes. They design, program, simulate, and test automated machinery to streamline manufacturing process and use design techniques to build automated systems like measurement functions, control function, actuators, and more. They consider automation workflow, production layout, and safety measures when designing automated machinery processes and perform audits of existing equipment and automated processes to determine failure rates. They coordinate quality control objectives and activities to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, and minimize cost. They also draft and design detailed documentation for design specifications and additional relevant documents and adhere to international and local regulatory standards for design, process, and safety considerations.

Entry-level automation engineers have a beginning to working subject matter knowledge, handle basic issues and problems, refer more complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under direct supervision. Mid-level automation engineers have a comprehensive subject matter knowledge, handle complex issues and problems, refer only the most complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under minimal supervision. They may also act as a lead or first-level supervisor and provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to staff.

Necessary competencies:

• Analytical thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Technical expertise

Required education:

• Entry-level automation engineers: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and up to 2 years of experience.
• Mid-level automation engineers: Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of experience.

Potential salary:

• Entry-level automation engineers in modular construction in North America can earn around $80,000, while mid-level automation engineers who have developed some leadership experience can earn over $100,000.

Designer

Designers prepare design and construction documents, correct and update drawings, and provide other architectural support as needed. They thoroughly document site and building conditions, prepare meeting minutes, master planning, zoning analysis and other written documentation as directed, and they are responsible for tracking, logging, retrieving, and disseminating information on these documents. They also assist with administrative tasks and other duties or projects as assigned.

Entry-level designers have a beginning to working subject matter knowledge, handle basic issues and problems, refer more complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under direct supervision. Mid-level designers have a comprehensive subject matter knowledge, handle complex issues and problems, refer only the most complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under minimal supervision. They may also act as a lead or first-level supervisor and provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to staff.

Necessary competencies:

• Ability to meet deadlines
• Creativity
• Oral and written communication skills
• Planning skills
• Technical skills
• Vision

Required education:

• Entry-level designers: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and up to 2 years of experience.
• Mid-level designers: Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of experience.

Potential salary:

Entry-level designers in modular construction in North America can earn around $60,000, while mid-level designers who have developed some leadership experience can earn over $80,000.

Estimator

Estimators prepare cost estimates for the construction, alteration, and/or repair of modular buildings and structures. They assess cost effectiveness of products and services, track actual costs as the project develops, and collaborate with staff across departments to formulate estimates and resolve issues. They also prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation.

Entry-level estimators have a beginning to working subject matter knowledge, handle basic issues and problems, refer more complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under direct supervision. Mid-level estimators have a comprehensive subject matter knowledge, handle complex issues and problems, refer only the most complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under minimal supervision. They may also act as a lead or first-level supervisor and provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to staff.

Necessary competencies:

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Analytical thinking skills
• Detail orientation
• Mathematical skills

Required education:

• Entry-level estimators: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and up to 2 years of experience.
• Mid-level estimators: Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of experience.

Potential salary:

Entry-level estimators in modular construction in North America can earn around $60,000, while mid-level estimators who have developed some leadership experience can earn over $100,000.

Field Service Technician

Field services technicians perform basic technical services on project sites and may also be involved in the setting and installation of modular buildings and structures. They install, adjust, maintain, and repair products. They maintain a parts inventory, service or maintenance records, and use a variety of tools following guidelines or instructions established by the manufacturer.

Entry-level field services technicians have a beginning to working subject matter knowledge, handle basic issues and problems, refer more complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under direct supervision. Mid-level field services technicians have a comprehensive subject matter knowledge, handle complex issues and problems, refer only the most complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under minimal supervision. They may also act as a lead or first-level supervisor and provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to staff.

Necessary competencies:

• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to understand and follow directions
• Clean driving record
• Customer service skills
• Manual dexterity
• Problem-solving skills
• Technical expertise
• Vision

Required education:

• Entry-level field services technicians: Typically requires accreditation from a technical school or applicable skilled trades program and up to 2 years of experience.
• Mid-level field services technicians: Accreditation from a technical school or applicable skilled trades program and 4-6 years of experience.

Potential salary:

• Entry-level field services technicians in modular construction in North America can earn around $50,000, while mid-level field services technicians who have developed some leadership experience can earn over $60,000.

Project Manager

Project managers manage all aspects of a modular building or structure project. They coordinate the work activities for multiple functions to ensure satisfactory delivery for the project client(s). They are responsible for all aspects of the project lifecycle (i.e., planning, scope definition, design, execution, and delivery). They track progress against milestones, budgetary guidelines, or other performance indicators, and prepare reports for senior management. They also assist with the selection, negotiation, and management of all activities regarding external consultants or vendors.

Entry-level project managers have a beginning to working subject matter knowledge, handle basic issues and problems, refer more complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under direct supervision. Mid-level project managers have a comprehensive subject matter knowledge, handle complex issues and problems, refer only the most complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under minimal supervision. They may also act as a lead or first-level supervisor and provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to staff.

Necessary competencies:

• Ability to build collaborative relationships
• Ability to identify and seek needed information/research skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Oral and written communication skills
• Project management skills
• Project scheduling skills

Required education:

• Entry-level project managers: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and up to 2 years of experience.
• Mid-level project managers: Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of experience.

Potential salary:

• Entry-level project managers in modular construction in North America can earn around $75,000, while mid-level project managers who have developed some leadership experience can earn over $100,000.

Sales Representative

Sales representatives serve customers by selling modular buildings and structures with indirect sales channels and meeting customer needs. They are responsible for selling, fielding questions, resolving customer complaints, servicing existing accounts, and establishing new accounts. They give sales presentations, submit orders, and provide reporting on activities and results to their superiors.

Entry-level sales representatives have a beginning to working subject matter knowledge, handle basic issues and problems, refer more complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under direct supervision. Mid-level sales representatives have a comprehensive subject matter knowledge, handle complex issues and problems, refer only the most complex issues to higher-level staff, and typically perform work under minimal supervision. They may also act as a lead or first-level supervisor and provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to staff.

Necessary competencies:

• Customer service skills
• Detail orientation
• Oral and written communication skills
• Persuasive communication skills

Required education:

• Entry-level sales representatives: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and up to 2 years of experience.
• Mid-level sales representatives: Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of experience.

Potential salary:

• Entry-level sales representatives in modular construction in North America can earn around $60,000, while mid-level sales representatives who have developed some leadership experience can earn over $100,000.