Early Career Engineer – Manufacturing Supervisor Track

AJM Packaging Corporation; Taylor (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cafeteria Benefits Plan

Flexible Spending Arrangement

401 K Retirement Plan (with Safe Harb​

Tuition Assistance

Professional Development Program (AJM 

Job summary

AJM Packaging Corporation, in the Metropolitan Detroit Area, seeks engineering graduates for its Manufacturing Leadership Development Program. The role accelerates your career from an entry level Manufacturing Supervisor into plant leadership, combining technical insight with people leadership in a fast-paced packaging environment.

You will lead production teams on the shop floor, drive safety, quality and delivery, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives while developing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical, or related field).
• 1–3 years of relevant experience (internships and co‑ops included).
• Willingness to work in a hands‑on, production environment and multi‑shift setting.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a hands on training program to gain experience and knowledge of operations.
• Support and eventually lead daily production activities in a fast-paced multi‑shift packaging environment
• Lead and coordinate daily production operations to meet safety, quality, and delivery targets, ensuring efficient workflow with minimal downtime
• Learn supervisory techniques and strengthen leadership skills. Designate work assignments; review work; establish deadlines; provide instruction; train employees; conduct performance appraisals; address and resolve personnel issues as well as interview/select job candidates
• Ensure that staff strictly adheres to all safety and quality rules, guidelines and procedures
• Provide continuing oversight and training of staff in order to increase their levels of knowledge, skills and abilities
• Contribute to facility continuous improvement, technology transfer and ongoing maintenance
• Act as a first-line problem solver for routine to complex production issues by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions in a way that drives improvements in productivity, uptime, and machine reliability
• Aid in the establishment and creation of standard operation procedures (SOP), and visual aids for key equipment and processes
• Ensure consistent application of Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, visual management, error proofing, autonomous maintenance and setup up activities
• Support quality assurance efforts by ensuring adherence to specifications, conducting audits, and addressing non‑conformance issues
• Assist in workforce planning, including staffing, training coordination, and cross‑training initiatives to improve flexibility
• Complete all other duties the Supervisor deems necessary

Skills

Engineering Degree

Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Job description

AJM Packaging Corporation

Metropolitan Detroit Area

Position Overview

Are you an engineering graduate who doesn’t just want to design processes but lead them?

Become part of our Manufacturing Leadership Development Program. We’re looking for driven, high‑potential engineers who are ready to step onto the plant floor and fast‑track their careers beginning with an early entry role as a Manufacturing Supervisor. This role is ideal for individuals who want to combine technical expertise with people leadership in a dynamic, high‑speed packaging environment. Learn the key manufacturing essentials of driving our business forward, ‘where the rubber meets the road’ that will set you up for long‑term success as you continue to grow your manufacturing career.

You won’t be sitting behind a desk, you’ll be at the heart of operations, leading and motivating teams, driving production output and delivering results.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Participate in a hands on training program to gain experience and knowledge of operations.
• Support and eventually lead daily production activities in a fast-paced multi-shift packaging environment
• Lead and coordinate daily production operations to meet safety, quality, and delivery targets, ensuring efficient workflow with minimal downtime
• Learn supervisory techniques and strengthen leadership skills. Designate work assignments; review work; establish deadlines; provide instruction; train employees; conduct performance appraisals; address and resolve personnel issues as well as interview/select job candidates
• Ensure that staff strictly adheres to all safety and quality rules, guidelines and procedures
• Provide continuing oversight and training of staff in order to increase their levels of knowledge, skills and abilities
• Contribute to facility continuous improvement, technology transfer and ongoing maintenance
• Act as a first-line problem solver for routine to complex production issues by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions in a way that drives improvements in productivity, uptime, and machine reliability
• Aid in the establishment and creation of standard operation procedures (SOP), and visual aids for key equipment and processes
• Ensure consistent application of Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, visual management, error proofing, autonomous maintenance and setup up activities
• Support quality assurance efforts by ensuring adherence to specifications, conducting audits, and addressing non‑conformance issues
• Assist in workforce planning, including staffing, training coordination, and cross‑training initiatives to improve flexibility
• Complete all other duties the Supervisor deems necessary

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical, or related field)
• 1–3 years of relevant experience (internships and co‑ops included)
• Strong desire to pursue a career in manufacturing leadership
• Willingness to work in a hands‑on, production environment
• Ability to work flexible schedules (including off shifts as needed)
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Must be flexible for all shift patterns

Benefits

At AJM, our comprehensive “Cafeteria Benefits Plan” and “Flexible Spending Arrangement” (FSA), truly sets us apart from the competition. Under the cafeteria plan you’ll receive a comprehensive package of company paid medical, dental, optical, life and disability insurance coverage.

Summary Of Benefits

• Medical Insurance (BCBS)
• Dental Insurance
• Optical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Cafeteria Benefits Plan
• Flexible Spending Agreement
• Health Savings Account
• Child & Dependent Care Savings Account
• 401 K Retirement Plan (with Safe Harbor Company Match)
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance/Wellness Program
• Paid Vacations
• Paid Holiday
• Paid Sick & Personal Time
• Professional Development Program (AJM University)

About Us

AJM was originally founded as a distributor of commercial paper, plastic and foil packaging products and related cleaning, janitorial and order processing supplies and equipment by three (3) Detroit area brothers operating out of a small warehouse in Detroit’s Eastern Market. In 1957 they built and moved into slightly larger quarters on Detroit’s southwest side, where, for the very first time, they began manufacturing their own products. Over the ensuing decades, AJM gradually evolved from its broadline distributor beginnings into a major paper products manufacturer, today employing nearly 3,000 people and operating eight (8) manufacturing and five (5) warehouse/distribution facilities strategically located throughout the United States.

Some things have undoubtedly changed since AJM was founded, but the company’s commitment to its customers and employees, alike, has not wavered and is deeply embedded in its DNA. So, too, is the founding brothers’ entrepreneurial spirit, “can do” attitude and singular focus on the value proposition that has fueled the company’s success from the very beginning. We’re still family owned and operated, still manufacturing our products in the good old USA and still providing our customers with the same reliable service and quality products they’ve come to expect from AJM for more than 75 years now.

Career Development

At AJM, we realize we will only go as far as our employees can take us and, for that reason, we invest millions of dollars every year on both classroom and on‑the‑job training to develop our employees’ skills and promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement. There are no barriers to impede your progress here and no ceilings to halt your advance. You’ll control your own destiny, and we will help you reach your full potential with both in‑house development programs and tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate level college studies. Join our team and see where your AJM journey takes you!

For More Information

Visit our website at www.ajmpack.com

AJM Packaging Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin or other legally protected status.