Senior Manufacturing Engineer

The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) is building the sustainable future of the lumber industry with next-generation sawmill technology. Backed by leading investors, including Cantos, Slow Ventures, Susa Ventures, Banter, Humba Ventures, and Ravelin Capital.

The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead hands-on development and continuous improvement of next-generation sawmills. In this role, you will be responsible for shaping how production systems are developed, measured, and scaled translating engineering intent into safe, repeatable, and high-performing operations.

You will be a core member of the operations team, working directly on the factory floor to stabilize processes, improve quality and reliability, and reduce cost through advanced process design and implementation of new technologies. This role offers significant autonomy and ownership, with the opportunity to influence core manufacturing systems at a fast-growing industrial tech startup.

This role is based in the Great Tupuola Area and requires regular presence on the factory floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on process improvement efforts to improve safety, quality, throughput, delivery, and cost across manufacturing operations.

• Develop and refine manufacturing processes that deliver consistent, compliant product with high yield and low variability.

• Drive day-to-day process stability through production troubleshooting, root cause analysis of downtime and defects, line balancing, takt time optimization, and bottleneck elimination.

• Lead structured continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen events, waste reduction, cycle time reduction, and labor productivity improvements.

• Design and implement equipment, tooling, and automation solutions that enable productivity gains, reduce labor time, and improve process repeatability.

• Enable new product introduction and scaling by developing production processes, implementing DFM improvements, supporting pilot builds and ramp-ups, and planning capacity for growth.

• Optimize factory layouts and material flow to improve work center performance across log yard, kilns, production lines, and finished goods packaging, loading, and shipping.

• Build and maintain production performance metrics to prioritize improvement work and enable data-driven operational decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline from an accredited university.

• 2-5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment; internships, co-ops, or substantial hands-on extracurricular manufacturing work are considered.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience supporting production, quality, or process improvement efforts.

• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to work directly on the factory floor.

Preferred Skills

• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement, and standard work.

• Experience with statistical process control, process capability, or data-driven manufacturing approaches.

• Comfort spending significant time on the factory floor and collaborating across engineering, operations, and maintenance.

• Exposure to heavy equipment, machinery, or industrial manufacturing environments.

• Experience in wood products or forestry.

• Ability to independently own projects end-to-end in a fast-paced, startup environment.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support team and operational needs as they evolve.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits:

• 100% employer-paid health coverage for employees and dependents (medical, dental, vision)

• Life insurance and disability coverage (100% employer-paid)

• Opportunity to shape the future of an essential industry

Join our team as we modernize timber from forest to finished product.

The Lumber Manufactory is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.