Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer is pivotal in developing manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and sustainability in veneer and plywood production. The Manufacturing Engineer must be an innovative, problem-solving leader who exemplifies the company’s core values of collaboration, responsibility, and growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: ● Process Design and Improvement: Develop, implement, and refine manufacturing processes utilizing LEAN to optimize production efficiency and product quality as well as reduce costs. ● Equipment Management: Oversee the selection, installation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment, ensuring operational reliability and adherence to safety standards.

• WORKPLACE: Petoskey, Michigan
• SALARY:
• Starting wage is $30 an hour
• OVERTIME: pay is $45 an hour for any hours over 40 hours a week; average of 5 a week
• WORKWEEK:
• Monday - Friday, 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm;
• TYPE: Full-time/Non-exempt/Permanent
• SHIFT: 2nd shift
• SUPERVISING:
• Not required to supervise other workers at this time
• PAY DAY: Paid weekly on Thursdays via Direct Deposit
• BREAKS: 20 minutes paid lunch and (2) 10 minute paid breaks
• Start date: will begin after receiving TN Visa

Qualifications

Attributes

• Strong attention to detail while using feedback to improve processes and procedures
• Accurate, thorough, and always striving to improve
• Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude
• Possesses problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments
• Enjoys operating equipment and machinery
• Never cuts corners regarding safety; uses and maintains equipment properly and immediately rectifies any unsafe conditions
• Communicates clearly and proficiently

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field
• Proven experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the wood products industry
• LEAN manufacturing experience preferred
• Well-versed in relevant software (ie, CAD, MS Office, Google Suite)
• Commitment to health and safety standards and environmental regulations
• Familiarity with manufacturing equipment and quality assurance techniques
• Have a strong working knowledge of machinery, equipment, and processes and be able to troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic problems and make corrections
• Forklift certification per OSHA standards; ability to complete in house license certification

Work Environment

• Regularly exposed to moving or mechanical parts.

• Occasionally exposed to flames, fumes or airborne particles.

• Occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock and vibration.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• EXPERIENCE: Experience working in a production/manufacturing environment is required. Looking for a hands-on engineer (not one who designs and sits behind desks all day) with mechanical and electrical experience.

• CRIMINAL CHECK: Yes, selected applicant must provide a Carta de No Antecedentes Penales from the Mexican government

• DRUG TEST: Yes, before arriving. This position does NOT allow for the individual to consume cannabis. He or she is in a safety sensitive position around a lathe, debarker, knife grinder, excavator, vats filled with high temperature water, and plywood press machines.

• ENGLISH PROFICIENCY: Highly proficient in speaking English and in reading it. Will be required to communicate with management in English who do not speak Spanish.

• SAFETY: training on the job required

• DRIVERS LICENSE: required - yes, employees must provide a clean driving record or equivalent documentation from Mexico that has been translated into English. Will need to apply right away to obtain a Michigan drivers license.

• ACADEMICAL DEGREE: Bachelor’s degree in either Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or the equivalent or related field

Additional Information

JOB BENEFITS

• WORKER COMPENSATION INSURANCE: Yes
• 401K: Yes, eligible to participate in the company’s 401k plan the first month following 60 days. An annual discretionary match provided by the Company of up to 3% of 6% total employee gross contributions. You will be automatically enrolled at 6% with a company match of #5 but can change upon eligibility. You are fully vested at 3 years and 50% vested at 2 years.
• LIFE INSURANCE: The Company pays the premium for a life insurance policy, valued at ten thousand dollars ($10,000) the first of the month following 30 days.
• Healthcare insurance: The TN Visa employee is eligible to participate in the company’s health insurance coverage first of the month following 30 days. GeoBlue includes Medical, Dental and Vision insurance. It is not free. The employee pays $13.08 a week, employee plus spouse is $37.22, employee plus children is $35.80, and the whole family is $62.74 per week. . Enrollment year is August 1st – July 31st with health insurance and employee contribution rates may change at this time.
• ADDITIONAL INSURANCES. Additional insurances like voluntary life, voluntary short-term disability, voluntary accident, and voluntary critical illness are offered with employee contribution. See attached weekly Employee Contribution worksheet for current rates. Rates and offerings are subject to change at Open Enrollment in October 2025. These are optional insurances that the employee may purchase if wanted.
• PAID HOLIDAYS: Immediately eligible for paid holidays. Paid holidays are New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, ½ day Christmas Eve plus one Floating Holiday after 90 days employed.
• PAID TIME OFF: A two-week annualized accrual assignment of Paid Time Off (PTO) per our normal company accrual and usage policy.
• JOB PROMOTION POSSIBILITY: Annual performance review given in Quarter 1 of each year and a wage review given in Quarter 2 of each year.
• TECHNOLOGY. Company will provide an-email account and needed technology equipment. Company will provide a company cell phone with a $55 monthly pay deduction.

TRANSPORTATION TO PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT

• PAID FLIGHT TO BUSINESS LOCATION: Once the TN Visa is approved and the offer of employment is accepted, we will pay upfront the cost of the airplane ticket to Traverse City, Michigan. If driving, the employer may arrange and pay for hotel accommodations. These expenses will be then deducted from one’s pay spread over the first 8 pay checks.
• AIRPORT ARRIVAL: Traverse City, Michigan
• NO PAID FLIGHT HOME: as this is a permanent position

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM WORKSITE

• The employeer will make transportation arrangements to work for 3 months. Employee will pay shared gas expenses. The responsibility of the employee to make long term arrangements. Needs a valid driver’s license as well as a clean driving record and should apply for a Michigan drivers license right away.

HOUSING HOUSING OPTION:

• Three months of housing provided. Housing is a room in a house with shared common areas with three other workers. *** Assignment of temporary housing will be upon availability. *** It is the responsibility of the employee to secure permanent housing. Some administrative help may be available in securing long-term housing options.
• RENT PER PERSON: Free to the employee for the first 3 months. Employer pays the rent due. The individual should look for permanent housing and if time is needed beyond 3 months, then the employee will pay market rate rent of $150 - $175 per week for the room at the house, after the 3 months.
• UTILITIES INCLUDED: Water, Gas, Garbage, Electricity, and Wi-Fi. FURNISHING: Bed, dresser, and fully equipped kitchen. Laundry facilities on site.
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• LAUNDRY: Yes
• COIN OPERATED: No
• DISTANCE HOUSING TO WORKPLACE: House location is 1.5 miles from workplace.