The next time you’re driving down the highway or pass a business park full of what might seem like boring, rectangular buildings, take a few minutes to wonder what might be going on inside. Wisconsin is home to thousands of manufacturers that make a wide range of products, from outboard motors to chips and snacks to bathroom and kitchen products. For every one of those companies, there are also dozens or even hundreds of smaller suppliers that help make the final product.

These companies all need employees and offer a chance to build a great career. Take a look at the descriptions below to get a better idea of some local products and a glimpse at some recent job openings at these companies.

Medical Radioisotopes

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes | Beloit, Madison: NorthStar uses non-uranium processes to make the medical radioisotope molybdenum-99, which turns into an imaging agent used in diagnostic procedures for heart disease and cancer.

Jobs at NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes

Manager, Isotopes Manufacturing Engineering: A hands-on position responsible for the transfer of new isotopes production processes and systems into manufacturing, as well as ongoing production support, validation and process improvement for existing isotopes processes. Bachelor’s in engineering with five years of experience required.
Manufacturing Engineer Internship: Supports the implementation of electrotechnical instruments, devices and production equipment. Works on the development of specifications and requirements. Participates in hazard and risk management reviews and modifies equipment and designs to ensure safe operations.

Snow and Lawn Equipment

Ariens Co. | Brillion: Ariens is an outdoor power equipment manufacturer specializing in lawn, garden and snow removal equipment. The company’s products, which are branded Ariens, Gravely, Countax and Westwood, have amassed global recognition over the more than 90-year history of the company. Ariens is headquartered in Brillion where it operates multiple manufacturing plants. The company also has a distribution center in Somers as well as multiple locations internationally.

Jobs at ARIENS Co.

Summer Seasonal Support: The company hires dependable, enthusiastic summer employees to work on its manufacturing team, including for positions in assembly and parts departments. First shift jobs pay $18 per hour and second shift pay $20. Applicants must be 16 years old at start date and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Welder: This position will weld multiple material types in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions using both a manual or robotic welder. Position requires professional welding experience, ability to communicate effectively, passing an internal welding certification and having a working knowledge of blueprints and weld symbols. Pay starts at $24 per hour.

Engines

Fairbanks Morse Defense | Beloit: Fairbanks Morse makes mission-critical equipment for the military and commercial marine customers, including power systems and parts, along with aftermarket service.

Jobs at Fairbanks Morse Defense

Welding Operator Setup: This position performs assigned welding functions, including setup operations, welding in a variety of positions; cutting, trimming and grinding parts; interpreting welding drawings; and determining appropriate welds when information is not provided. Requires proven knowledge of welding, understanding of quality control, hand-eye coordination and demonstrated time management, organizational and problem-solving skills.
Piping Assembler: This position is responsible for making piping for service orders and engine assembly. Work includes some welding, selecting required materials and welds to control for expansion and shrinkage. Lifts medium weight by hand and with hoists. Operates CNC pipe benders and brazes with silver solder. Requires knowledge or experience in assembly or pipefitting, ability to read blueprints and drawings, and ability to work both independently and in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

HVAC Products

Trane Technologies | La Crosse: Trane Technologies makes heating, ventilation and air conditioning products under the Trane and Thermo King brands, including air conditioners, furnaces, humidifiers, thermostats and controls and much more.

Jobs at Trane Technologies

Automation Engineer Co-Op: Provides current college students in automation, electrical or general engineering with challenging assignments, leadership training, exposure to senior leaders and opportunities to network. Must be available full time for six to eight consecutive months with some working knowledge of automation technology and drafting software. Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Team Lead: Responsible for helping to manage the manpower needed in the department. Assists in identifying and resolving quality and safety issues, schedules all aspects of overtime, determines next individuals to train, coaches employees and demonstrates a proactive and positive attitude. Requires good communication and leadership skills, reliability and ability to work well with all levels of business. Pay starts at $22.30 per hour, plus additional pay for team lead role.

Cabinet Doors and Components

WalzCraft | La Crosse: WalzCraft is a maker of cabinet doors, drawers and other components in a variety of styles, techniques and materials. The company has more than 340,000 square feet of manufacturing space and around 270 employees.

Jobs at WalzCraft

Entry-Level Manufacturing: Follows standard work methods and practices, checks product quality, works in fast-paced environment, attaches labels and tags to products, maintains clean and safe work area. Job requires attention to detail, teamwork, time management and willingness to learn. Previous woodworking experience is helpful, but not necessary.
Customer Support Specialist: Interacts directly with customers via phone and email. Needs to develop knowledge of all company products and specifications, handles customer questions about work-in-process, shipping, product changes and new product introductions. Job requires attention to detail; organizational, time management and problem-solving skills; and familiarity with data entry and computer systems.

Beef Jerky

Jack Link’s | Minong, New Glarus: A family-owned company started in 1986, Jack Link’s makes a variety of snacks, including jerky, sticks and sausages from beef, pork and turkey in flavors including teriyaki, peppered, sweet, mild and spicy.

Jobs at Jack Link’s

Smokehouse Operator: Operates and monitors smokehouse to ensure product is cooked safely and efficiently. Needs understanding of how product thickness changes cooking procedures, monitors oven cycles, test products for PH, fat and moisture levels, completes documentation, and sprays products with applications per specifications. High school diploma or GED required; one to two years of experience preferred.
Production Operator: This role is responsible for setting up and operating production machinery as well as performing change-over procedures. Works with maintenance to minimize downtime, continually works to maximize productivity and efficiency while limiting waste. High school degree not required; two to 12 months of experience or training preferred. Requires problem solving, multi-tasking, accuracy, time management, organization, reliability and honesty, and integrity.

Bathroom, Kitchen, Lighting and Power Products

Kohler Co. | Sheboygan County: Kohler Co. has a number of business lines, including bathtubs, toilets, sinks, faucets, light fixtures, generators and engines. The company has locations in Sheboygan County and all over the world. It also has a hospitality business.

Jobs at Kohler Co.

Electrician: Performs installations and repairs on electrical systems in assigned department, builds and installs control panels, performs repairs and maintenance on switchgear up to 13,200 volts, stand-by generators, machinery, card access, security and fire alarm systems, and CNC and robotic equipment. Starting salary $82,827 with $3,000 sign-on bonus.
Welder: Performs setup and all positions on a diversified line of weldments and structures. Needs proficiency with a variety of welding equipment and ability to work from drawings, job layouts and sketches. Items welded include frames, bases, hoppers, covers, hoods, pipes, production service equipment and machinery. Starting salary is $26 per hour with $3,000 sign-on bonus.

Beverages

Krier Foods/Jolly Good | Random Lake: Krier Foods provides blending, mixing, canning and fulfillment services for the beverage industry, including for alcoholic and non-alcoholic sodas, sparkling waters, energy drinks and coffee and tea drinks. The company also owns and makes the Jolly Good soda brand.

Jobs at Krier Foods/Jolly Good

Maintenance Technician: Responsible for preventative maintenance and unscheduled repairs of equipment on the production line, including conveyor systems, hydraulics and programmable controllers. Requires working knowledge of mechanical systems and ability to troubleshoot. High school diploma and five years of previous maintenance experience required. Food and beverage experience and journeyman certification preferred. Job includes $3,000 sign-on bonus and a $3 premium for second shift.
Machine Operator: Responsible for operating equipment based on production schedule needs. Rotation training program includes opportunity to learn all equipment, including de-palletizer, filler, packager and more. Makes sure proper product is produced in correct amount with the right graphics, wrap and coding. Also monitors for equipment jams. Forklift experience a plus. High school diploma and six months of previous manufacturing experience preferred.

Outboard Motors

Mercury Marine | Fond du Lac, Oshkosh: Fond du Lac-based Mercury Marine makes a number of marine products, including outboard motors. Its motors run from 2.5 to 600 horsepower. Its Fond du Lac campus is more than 2.5 million square feet.

Jobs at Mercury Marine

Investment Casting Technician: Performs daily tasks essential to the production of propellers, including helping with the pouring of molten metal into shell molds and grinding surface defects off of casted propellers. Some manufacturing experience preferred. Must perform manual labor in a non-air-conditioned environment.
Tool and Cutter Grinder Apprentice: This role grinds and conditions tools for machine operators. Needs to be able to read and interpret blueprints and measuring instruments, understand grinding setup and operation, and work with engineers to recommend adjustments to cutting tools and holders. Prior technical education in tool and die or CNC machining preferred. Attention to detail and ability to evaluate your own work while holding to tight tolerances required.

Ships

Fincantieri Marine Group | Sturgeon Bay, Marinette, Green Bay: Part of Ficantieri, an Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and Fincantieri Marinette Marine trace their history back to 1918 and 1942, respectively. Bay Shipbuilding operates from a 63-acre facility and makes barges, cruise ships, ferries and other vessels. Marinette Marine’s facilities have been expanding and the company makes a variety of ships for the U.S. Navy, including frigates and littoral combat ships.

Jobs at Fincantieri Marine Group

Painter: Performs tasks revolving around carrying and being responsible for paint equipment, machinery, interior and exterior ship designs, and the ability to remove and replace old paint and surfaces. High school diploma required and three years of experience preferred.
Industrial Shipbuilding Apprentice: Spends most of the day working under the direction of a journeyman worker who guides on-the-job learning in manufacturing work processes and related tasks. Apprentices finish their training having completed courses in industrial math, industrial communications, manufacturing technology systems and processes, industrial blueprint reading and safety. High school diploma, ability to use hand tools and minimum scores on applicant testing required. Previous production experience preferred.