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Adam Rossi on America's Manufacturing "Missing Middle" Crisis

Source: @rossiadam
Date: July 25, 2025
Topic: The critical shortage of associate engineers throttling America's manufacturing revival

Key Insight: The Stark Numbers Gap​

"China graduates 700,000 associate engineers annually who earn around $20-25K each. America? We produce 50,000. And pay them $80K."

This 14:1 ratio represents what Rossi calls the "missing middle" throttling our manufacturing revival.

The Critical Role of Associate Engineers​

"Associate engineers (folks with 2-year technical degrees) keep factories running. They program the computers controlling production lines. Read technical drawings. Troubleshoot equipment. They're the critical link between engineers who design and workers who assemble."

The Manufacturing Crisis by the Numbers​

  • US manufacturing needs: 2.4 million more skilled workers by 2028 (Deloitte)
  • Economic risk: $2.5 trillion hit over a decade if gap isn't filled
  • Current shortage: Already behind on training needs

The Brutal Reality for CEOs​

"Every CEO trying to build anything physical knows this. You can have all the capital, technology, and customer orders you want. Without these technical workers, nothing runs."

"This is a major reason 'reshoring' is harder than politicians admit."

The Solution Framework​

Educational Path Available​

"The solution exists: Community colleges teaching mechatronics, industrial maintenance, automation technology. Two years, $12K total cost, $60-80K starting salaries."

Policy Proposals​

"We need a massive incentive package to facilitate student loans for associate engineers going to community colleges. Let's put together a federal guaranteed scholarship for any student that pursues this path. Let's advertise the hell out of it. Let's give tax breaks to employers who hire associate engineers."

The Core Problem​

"But we're producing just a fraction of the number we need."

"The 4 year bachelors degree has dominated the higher education path for decades. That is a mistake we must correct if we are really serious about restoring American manufacturing 🇺🇸."

Mathematical Reality​

"Until we fix this educational blindspot, American manufacturing faces a mathematical reality. You can't run factories without good people who know how to run factories!"

About Adam Rossi​

Tech entrepreneur, engineer, and investor who built and sold a successful cybersecurity software company that worked with U.S. federal agencies, including the CIA. Currently focuses on acquiring, investing in, and mentoring American companies in technology, manufacturing, and real estate. Based near Washington, D.C., Rossi brings both technical expertise and business acumen to manufacturing discussions.

Key Takeaway: America's manufacturing revival isn't primarily constrained by capital or technology—it's constrained by a massive shortage of skilled technical workers that can only be solved through systematic education reform and incentive restructuring.