Manufacturing Process Technician

Commholdings; New York (NY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Helmer Wood Products in Dolgeville, NY is seeking a Manufacturing / Process Technician to join our on-site team. You will work with industrial molding equipment, automated rough mill systems, and modern production technology to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.

The role requires hands-on experience, problem-solving skills, and a continuous improvement mindset. You will set up equipment, troubleshoot, monitor performance, and support maintenance and production teams to reduce downtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years in manufacturing or equipment setup preferred.
• Experience with molding equipment or automated systems preferred.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read technical drawings and equipment manuals.
• Basic understanding of PLC/HMI systems.

Responsibilities

• Set up and optimize industrial wood molding equipment.
• Perform machine changeovers and setup verification.
• Monitor automated rough mill systems and production flow.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues.
• Collaborate with maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Maintain safety and quality standards.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

PLC/HMI knowledge

Reading specs

Quality awareness

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

PLC programming basics

Job description

# Manufacturing / Process Technician**Helmer Wood Products | Dolgeville, NY****Job Type:** Full-Time | Hourly | Non-Exempt **Pay Range:** $32.00–$38.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications **Location:** Dolgeville, NY | On-Site## Build Your Career with Helmer Wood Products!Are you mechanically inclined, technically skilled, and passionate about improving manufacturing processes? Do you enjoy troubleshooting equipment, solving problems, and finding ways to make production operations safer, faster, and more efficient?**Helmer Wood Products is looking for a Manufacturing / Process Technician to join our team in Dolgeville, NY!**This is an opportunity to play a key role in our wood products manufacturing operations, working with industrial molding equipment, highly automated rough mill systems, and advanced production technology.We're looking for someone who brings hands-on manufacturing experience, strong troubleshooting abilities, and a continuous improvement mindset. If you enjoy working with machinery, optimizing processes, and making a measurable impact on production performance, we'd love to hear from you!## What You'll Do**Molder Setup & Equipment Optimization*** Set up, adjust, operate, and troubleshoot industrial wood molding equipment.* Perform machine changeovers, tooling adjustments, and setup verification.* Optimize machine settings, cutting parameters, and feed rates to improve efficiency, product quality, and lumber yield.* Identify and correct common machining defects, including dimensional issues, tear-out, chatter, and surface finish inconsistencies.**Automated Manufacturing & Troubleshooting*** Support the operation and optimization of highly automated rough mill equipment and production systems.* Monitor equipment performance, production flow, and automated processes.* Utilize PLC/HMI interfaces to monitor equipment status, interpret alarms, and perform basic troubleshooting.* Assist with diagnosing mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automation-related equipment issues.* Partner with maintenance and production teams to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.**Process Improvement & Quality*** Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve lumber recovery, and increase production efficiency.* Analyze production performance, downtime, scrap rates, and material utilization.* Inspect lumber, components, and finished products to ensure quality standards and customer specifications are met.* Use precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges.* Recommend improvements to equipment settings, operating procedures, and manufacturing processes.**Teamwork, Maintenance & Safety*** Support preventive maintenance, equipment inspections, and minor adjustments within established training and authorization.* Assist with equipment installations, upgrades, and implementation of new manufacturing technologies.* Provide technical guidance and support to machine operators.* Collaborate with production supervisors and maintenance personnel to resolve operational challenges.* Follow all workplace safety requirements, including machine guarding, PPE, and lockout/tagout procedures.## Qualifications## What We're Looking For**Qualifications*** High school diploma or GED required.* Three or more years of manufacturing, industrial production, wood machining, or equipment setup experience preferred.* Experience with industrial molding equipment, rough mill systems, or automated manufacturing equipment strongly preferred.* Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting experience.* Basic understanding of PLC-controlled equipment and HMI operation.* Ability to read technical specifications, work orders, and equipment manuals.* Experience using precision measuring instruments.* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.* Commitment to quality, teamwork, workplace safety, and continuous improvement.**Additional Experience That Will Set You Apart*** Background in wood products manufacturing, lumber processing, or precision wood machining.* Experience optimizing machine settings to improve material yield and reduce waste.* Familiarity with automated conveyors, scanners, sensors, and material-handling systems.* Technical education, vocational training, an apprenticeship, or an associate degree in manufacturing technology, industrial maintenance, or automation.* Experience training machine operators or supporting manufacturing process improvements.## Compensation & Schedule* **Competitive Pay:** $32.00–$38.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.* **Employment:** Full-Time, Hourly.* **Work Location:** On-site in Dolgeville, New York.* **Schedule:** Based on operational and production needs; overtime may be required.## Work EnvironmentThis position is based in an industrial wood products manufacturing facility and involves working around production machinery, automated equipment, wood dust, and varying noise levels.The role requires extended periods of standing and walking, frequent bending and reaching, and the ability to safely handle tools and materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.## Ready to Make an Impact?If you're a hands-on manufacturing professional who enjoys solving technical challenges, improving processes, and working with advanced production equipment, we encourage you to apply!**Join Helmer Wood Products and help us drive manufacturing excellence through innovation, quality, and teamwork.***Helmer Wood Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application process.*