Manufacturing Development Technician

Love Building Things? We'll Teach You the Rest.

Newport Industries, LLC | West Branch, Iowa

Pay: $25–$28 per hour | Full-Time | Multiple Openings

Do you like figuring out how things work?

Are you the person who enjoys taking something apart just to understand how it works?

Do you like building things, fixing things, working on cars, experimenting with tools, or teaching yourself something new?

Maybe you've never worked in a manufacturing shop before.

Maybe you've worked in a shop but haven't had the opportunity to learn much beyond your assigned job.

Maybe you know you're mechanically inclined, but you haven't found a career that really challenges you.

We're looking for someone like you.

At Newport Industries, we manufacture custom metal parts and assemblies using a wide variety of equipment and technology.

We have CNC machines, fiber lasers, tube lasers, press brakes, welding equipment, robotic welding systems, laser welders, 3D printers, and more.

And we're looking for someone who wants to learn how to use them.

This isn't your typical entry-level manufacturing job.

We're not looking for someone to sweep floors all day or stand at one machine doing the same repetitive task forever.

We're looking for someone who wants to build a career in manufacturing.

Someone who gets excited about learning new things and becoming more capable.

You don't need to walk through our doors knowing how to operate a CNC machine, program a laser, or weld stainless steel.

But you do need to want to learn.

What would you be doing?

You'll start by learning our manufacturing processes and working alongside experienced team members.

Depending on your abilities and our production needs, you could learn to:

• Operate CNC tube lasers and fiber lasers.
• Read manufacturing drawings and understand part specifications.
• Measure and inspect precision parts.
• Set up and operate saws and other fabrication equipment.
• Learn CNC press brake operations.
• Develop basic welding and fabrication skills.
• Work with CNC machining equipment.
• Assist with custom fixtures and manufacturing projects.
• Troubleshoot problems and improve how things are made.

You'll start with the fundamentals, build your skills, and take on more responsibility as you demonstrate your abilities.

We're looking for a certain type of person.

Experience is helpful, but it's not the most important thing.

We're interested in how you think, how you learn, and what motivates you.

You'll probably enjoy this opportunity if:

• You're naturally curious and enjoy figuring things out.
• You like working with your hands and solving problems.
• You can listen, learn, practice, and retain new information.
• You take pride in doing things correctly.
• You're willing to ask questions when you don't understand something.
• You take initiative instead of waiting for someone to tell you every little thing.
• You can accept feedback and learn from mistakes.
• You enjoy being challenged.
• You want to become more skilled and valuable over time.

We're not expecting perfection. We're looking for effort, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What experience do you need?

You don't necessarily need formal manufacturing experience.

Maybe you've:

• Worked on cars, trucks, motorcycles, or equipment.
• Built or repaired things around the house.
• Done woodworking, welding, machining, or fabrication as a hobby.
• Used a 3D printer or designed your own projects.
• Taken technical, automotive, or manufacturing classes.
• Worked in construction, maintenance, agriculture, or another hands-on field.
• Taught yourself a skill simply because you wanted to learn it.

If you're mechanically inclined, motivated, and eager to learn, we'd like to hear from you.

Where could this lead?

We want to help the right person develop into a skilled, versatile manufacturing professional.

As you learn and demonstrate your capabilities, you can take on more complex equipment, new processes, and additional responsibilities.

Over time, that could lead to advanced technical positions, project ownership, specialized manufacturing roles, or even leadership opportunities.

We're not promising a promotion just for showing up.

We're offering an opportunity to earn your way forward.

Pay and schedule

$25–$28 per hour, based on relevant skills, experience, and demonstrated capabilities.

We offer full-time scheduling options:

• Four 10-hour shifts, Monday–Thursday.
• Five 8-hour shifts, Monday–Friday.

Initial schedules and start times will be coordinated with training and production needs. Additional flexibility may be available as you develop the skills to work independently.

How to apply

We don't want a generic cover letter.

Instead, we'd like you to answer one question:

What's something you've taught yourself to build, fix, repair, or figure out simply because you wanted to learn how?

It doesn't have to be work-related.

Tell us what it was, how you learned it, and why you wanted to do it.

We're interested in the kind of person you are, not just what's on your résumé.

If you love learning, building things, and challenging yourself, we'd like to meet you.

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person