Manufacturing Process Technician

Location: New York

# 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…