Engineering and Operations Leadership Development Program

Gemini, Inc.; Decorah (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$0 Health Insurance Premium

4% Retirement Match with Profit Sharing

Generous Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Job summary

Gemini, Inc. is seeking Engineering & Operations Development Associates for their program in Decorah, IA and Taylor, TX. This three-year rotational program equips participants with hands-on experience in engineering and operations, culminating in leadership positions. Successful candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree with a strong interest in engineering, and will gain diverse experience in production, leadership, and business operations. The role offers a competitive salary between $55,000 and $75,000 per year with a 4% retirement match and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in engineering and operations leadership.
• 0–3 years of professional experience in engineering or operations roles.
• Leadership experience in teams, projects or student organizations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 9-12 month assignment in engineering roles.
• Lead a team as part of the Operations Leadership phase.
• Manage production and operational performance across multiple areas.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, mechanical or industrial engineering, or related field

Job description

Gemini is looking for eager Engineering & Operations Development Associates to join the team at our location in Taylor, TX and Decorah, IA! Gemini’s Engineering & Operations Leadership Development Program is a structured three-year rotational program designed to build future leaders in engineering and operations. This program provides hands‑on experience across key business functions, beginning with a 9–12-month initial assignment directly supporting Engineering. From there participants will complete two 9–12-month rotations supporting project‑based assignments and leadership development. Participants will develop a deep understanding of Gemini products, customer needs, leadership development, and business operations while gaining exposure to engineering and production planning best practices. Come be a part of a positive, people‑first culture that is focused on leveraging each team members’ strengths to help bring our customers’ unique signage products to life.

Compensation

Wage Range: USD $55,000 - $75,000 per Year

The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for other benefits.

Location

Location: Taylor, TX and Decorah, IA

Job Type

Type: Full Time – On-site

Schedule

Schedule: 5/8 hour days (Monday through Friday)

Travel

Travel: Up to 15%

Program Overview

The general Engineering and Operations Development Program includes:

Phase One: Engineering Foundations

The Engineering Foundations rotation will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of functional engineering work in a manufacturing organization, production exposure, review of key performance metrics in a production plant, and how the role directly impacts business success. The primary focus of this phase is to develop technical expertise, understand core manufacturing processes, and build cross‑functional business acumen.

• Perform work in an engineering capacity at a Gemini production plant location (Continuous Improvement, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering type role)
• Gain a deep understanding of production flow, bottlenecks and labor utilization
• Support daily production by identifying process inefficiencies and implementing improvement initiatives
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment and process issues with the production team
• Work closely with operations leaders to understand shop floor realities and engineering’s role
• Apply lean manufacturing techniques and time/motion studies in real‑world settings to drive efficiencies
• Gain exposure to cross‑functional teams (Supply Chain, Maintenance, Customer Experience)
• Contribute to capital project planning and execution to support Gemini’s operations, team members and customer base
• Reduce costs (VAVE – Value Analysis/Value Engineering) by identifying opportunities without affecting overall quality and performance

Phase Two: Early Leadership

After completing the Engineering Foundation Rotation, participants will transition into Phase 2, where they take on a specialized assignment in Operations Leadership. This phase allows them to build deeper knowledge, contribute to business growth, and prepare for leadership opportunities. The primary focus is to transition from technical contributor to frontline leader.

• Perform work in a production leadership capacity (Production Supervisor or similar)
• Directly lead a team of hourly team members across one or more production plants
• Share responsibility for SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) with the Plant Manager
• Lead daily shift meetings and role model problem solving on the plant floor
• Coordinate capacity planning and scheduling
• Start influencing capital equipment and layout decisions
• Drive safety culture by conducting audits, incident reviews and training
• Lead Continuous Improvement Kaizen events and cross‑functional improvement initiatives to drive productivity and efficiency gains

Phase Three: Operations Leadership

The final stage of the Engineering & Operations Development Program. Participants are ready to transition into a higher‑level leadership role or take on another strategic assignment that aligns with their career goals. The primary focus is to develop plant or departmental oversight, participate in strategic planning, and prepare for transition into a higher‑level plant leadership role.

• Perform work in a higher‑level production leadership capacity (Associate Plant Manager or similar)
• Manage performance across multiple production lines, departments or functional areas
• Develop and execute plans to improve plant performance across KPIs
• Lead plant‑wide initiatives in cost reduction, process optimization, safety and/or talent development
• Coach and develop supervisors, team leads and production team members
• Participate in long‑range planning, capital budgeting and labor utilization
• P&L management in partnership with existing leadership
• Greater exposure to Gemini’s customers and cross‑functional partners to drive cross‑functional alignment
• Champion a LEAN/Continuous Improvement culture

Program Completion

By the end of Phase 3, participants will have undergone an intensive development process that prepares them for leadership positions or highly specialized roles within the company. The program focuses on both functional expertise and leadership capabilities, ensuring that participants are prepared to drive business results and innovation.

Final Phase: Long-Term Role Selection

In the Final Phase of the Engineering & Operations Development Program, the goal is to ensure that each participant transitions smoothly into a long‑term leadership position that not only aligns with their individual career aspirations but also supports the strategic objectives and growth needs of the company.

Skills and Abilities

• Competitive, passionate and driven
• Self‑starter with the ability to set and juggle priorities
• Highly collaborative, with ability to effectively work with people across the organization
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset, high level of technical aptitude
• Maintains high personal standards of conduct and interpersonal relationship integrity, consistently does what they say they will do
• Consistently produces results that meet goals, has high work standards, and understands the business environment and processes
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills through active listening, presentation abilities and effective verbal and written skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with high academic performance in business administration, mechanical or industrial engineering, or related field
• Internship/Co‑op experience in engineering or operations is highly valued
• Strong interest in engineering and operations leadership
• 0–3 years of professional experience in engineering, operations or related roles
• Leadership experience: experience in leading teams, projects or student organizations

Work Environment

• The role will require travel to meet with clients and vendors, attend trade shows and visit Gemini sales and operations facilities
• The position requires the ability to travel up to 15% of the time
• The position requires the ability to work different shift schedules and relocate to other Gemini facilities throughout the program

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

How We Show We Care

• $0 Health Insurance Premium for Employee-Only Coverage (plus low‑cost premiums for other coverage levels)
• 4% Retirement Match with Profit Sharing
• Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Holiday, Parental, Volunteer, Sick)
• Dental, Vision, Disability and Life Insurance
• Use of Company Owned Resort in Hayward, WI
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

About Us

As a leader in the signage manufacturing industry, Gemini, Inc. has been providing stability to our employees since 1963. We strive to make sure our employees feel valued. We have grown substantially and are looking to grow our team further with like‑minded individuals that share in our company values: Customer Commitment, Teamwork, Respect, Diversity, Stability, Stewardship. At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful vision: Successful Partners. Engaged People. Thriving Communities. This vision guides how we show up every day for our customers, for one another, and for the communities we call home.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. Gemini will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. For additional assistance send an email to [e-mail] or call (507) 263‑3957 and ask for the Human Resources Representative assigned to the location of interest.