Mechanical Engineer

Company intro: Hood Equipment, Inc. is a long-established manufacturer of forestry and material-handling equipment based in Iron River, Wisconsin. Founded in 1965 by John Hood, the company specializes in rugged machinery designed for logging, biomass handling, storm cleanup, waste management, and other heavy-duty industrial applications.

Job description:

Responsibilities may include designing and analyzing mechanical components and systems using CAD software and engineering principles related to motion, energy, and force. The role involves developing, building, and testing prototypes to ensure products operate safely, efficiently, and meet performance standards. The Mechanical Engineer oversees manufacturing processes to maintain quality, productivity, and cost efficiency while collaborating with production teams to resolve technical issues. Additional duties include troubleshooting equipment and system failures, identifying root causes, and recommending design or process improvements to enhance reliability and performance.

Top benefits or rewards:

Benefits of working at Hood include a four-day work week with only 34 hours, giving employees more time for work-life balance while still enjoying full-time opportunities. Health insurance is available, and paid time off (PTO) begins accruing immediately upon employment. Employees also enjoy extended holiday time off, including the week of July 4th and Thanksgiving week. In addition, Hood offers a competitive 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions to help employees plan for their future.

Compensation:

Compensation at Hood is based on experience, skills, and qualifications, with wages starting at a minimum of $55 per hour. Employees benefit from a reduced 34-hour work week while maintaining a strong work-life balance and competitive earning potential. Hood values experienced professionals and offers pay that reflects technical ability, industry knowledge, and contributions to the team.

Location:

Iron River, Wisconsin offers an affordable, high-quality lifestyle that is especially attractive to manufacturing employees and their families. Lower housing and living costs, short commutes, and access to larger properties help create a lower-stress environment and better work-life balance. The area's small-town atmosphere, strong community values, and safe neighborhoods also support long-term workforce stability and employee retention. Located in Wisconsin's Northwoods region near Lake Superior, the Brule River, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Iron River provides year-round outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking, and skiing. This combination of affordability, outdoor access, and peaceful living makes the community an appealing place for skilled trades professionals, manufacturing workers, and families seeking both career opportunities and quality of life.

Contact/application information:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes to joyce@hoodloaders.com for consideration. Applications are also accepted in person at 68925 Range Line Road, Iron River, WI or by mail at PO Box 307, Iron River, WI 54847 .

• Degree in mechanical engineering or drafting. Total years of experience would be considered without a degree.
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T) basics.
• AutoCAD 2D creating and updating electronic drawing files. Other drafting manufacture software experience is required.
• Microsoft Word and Excel programs
• ProNest experience - nesting software for burn table
• Corresponding answering and replying company emails
• Answering and responding to customer phone calls or phone messages
• Assisting shop personal gathering new drawings information and recording as built changes.
• Attention to detail
• Self-starter and ability to follow through with projects.
• Documentation of R&D projects.
• Website Maintenance
• G-coding and M-Coding for

CNC Pay:

$50.00 - $60.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person