Early Career Technical Support & Logistics Specialist

Project MFG; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Project MFG is expanding its team to inspire the next generation of skilled trades. The Early Career Technical Support & Logistics Specialist will help prepare, transport, maintain, and operate machining, welding, and fabrication equipment used at competitions, demonstrations, and outreach events nationwide.

The role is ideal for someone starting in manufacturing or technical operations who enjoys hands-on work, solving problems, and traveling to support events that inspire students and

Qualifications

• Entry-level position in manufacturing or technical operations.
• Basic knowledge of machining, welding, fabrication, or manufacturing processes.
• Willingness to travel 30–50% during the event season.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in shop, warehouse, and event environments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business productivity tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting of shop equipment.
• Support CNC machines, manual tools, welding equipment, and fabrication resources.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and inspections.
• Read basic drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Inspect parts and track materials, tooling, and equipment.
• Prepare equipment and materials for shipment to events and partner locations.
• Coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments with vendors and carriers.

Skills

Machining knowledge

Welding knowledge

Manufacturing processes

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical school / associate degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management

Office software

Job description

America is running out of skilled tradespeople. Open jobs are going unfilled by the hundreds of thousands, and the gap is widening fast, putting our way of life and our national security at risk. The things that keep our country running and safe don't get built without the people who know how to build them.

Project MFG is a mission-driven organization on a bold quest to inspire the next generation to discover the trades and reframe them as what they really are: aspirational, high-impact careers that futures are built on. We do it through hands-on competitions, discovery events, networking, scholarships, and more that connect community, education, and industry around one shared goal: growing America's skilled trades pipeline.

As the need for skilled tradespeople grows more urgent, we're expanding our team to increase our reach and help close the gap.

The Early Career Technical Support & Logistics Specialist plays an important role in bringing Project MFG Experiences to life by supporting the equipment, logistics, and technical operations that make our events possible. Working alongside experienced operations professionals, you'll help prepare, transport, maintain, and operate the machining, welding, and fabrication equipment used at competitions, demonstrations, and outreach events across the country.

This role is ideal for someone beginning a career in manufacturing, skilled trades, or technical operations who enjoys hands-on work, solving problems, learning new skills, and traveling to support exciting events that inspire the next generation of makers.

This position reports to the Vice President of Operations. Travel of approximately 30–50% is required throughout the event season.

What You'll Do

Technical Operations

• Assist with the setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting of machining, welding, and fabrication equipment.
• Support CNC machines, manual machine tools, welding equipment, fabrication tools, and related technical resources.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and inspections under the guidance of senior staff.
• Read basic drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Inspect parts using precision measuring equipment.
• Maintain safe, organized, and efficient workspaces.
• Support prototype builds, fixtures, and fabrication projects as needed.
• Receive, inspect, organize, and track materials, tooling, consumables, and equipment.
• Prepare equipment and supplies for shipment to events and partner locations.
• Coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments with vendors and carriers.
• Maintain inventory records and assist with asset tracking.
• Support inventory counts while ensuring proper storage and handling procedures.

Event Support

• Travel to Project MFG Experiences, competitions, demonstrations, and outreach events across the country.
• Assist with transporting, setting up, operating, and tearing down equipment and workspaces.
• Provide technical support to participants, educators, customers, and staff during events.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues to help keep events operating smoothly.
• Represent Project MFG professionally while interacting with students, educators, manufacturers, sponsors, and community partners.
• Work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, during event operations.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical school or associate degree preferred.
• Basic knowledge of machining, welding, fabrication, or manufacturing processes.
• Mechanical aptitude and enthusiasm for learning new technical skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business productivity tools.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and work in shop, warehouse, and event environments.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively during the event season.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and varying schedules when supporting events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to CNC machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.
• Familiarity with MIG, TIG, and stick welding processes.
• Experience using hand tools and precision measuring equipment.
• Basic blueprint reading and understanding of GD&T.
• Experience with inventory management or ERP systems.
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Additional Requirements

• Entry-level position with approximately 0–2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30–50% throughout the year, including overnight and weekend assignments.
• Comfortable working in manufacturing shops, warehouses, office environments, and event venues.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, and work safely around machinery and equipment.
• Commitment to Project MFG's mission of promoting, elevating, and accelerating the skilled trades.