Careers

Job Summary:

Akkerman Inc. is currently seeking to add experienced NIGHT SHIFT MACHINISTS to its team of outstanding employees. These positions operate independently of the day shift – therefore, candidates must have either 2 years relevant experience OR a 2 year certificate in a machining program. Night Shift operates 4 nights per week from 4:00PM to 1:00AM with the overtime as needed on the 5th night. Overtime is paid on hours over 36 per week. Akkerman Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Akkerman Inc. is a third-generation family-owned business and is NOT a typical high-volume assembly line. Akkerman Inc. manufactures tunneling and pipe jacking equipment used to install a variety of underground infrastructure throughout the world. Our employees possess our core values of Teamwork, Integrity, Quality, Innovation, and Safety. It is these qualities that enable our American-made products to consistently outperform those of our foreign competitors.

An Akkerman employee will experience a variety of work that requires a high level of accuracy and quality. In addition to a generous wage and benefit package, employees can expect a clean, modern, safe, and personable working environment. The average tenure of an Akkerman employee is 14 years – people like working at Akkerman.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate & maintain lathe, milling machines, & CNC
• Familiarity with Okuma and Mazak brand machines is helpful
• Review instructions, take precise measurements & samples to ensure accurate production
• Plan proper sequence, and maintain neat & orderly workstation to produce parts timely and with 100% accuracy in all respects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school or equivalent education
• 2 years of experience, CNC Machining

Additional Information:

• 4 nights per week / 9 hours per night (Monday–Thursday)
• Pay: $33–$38 per hours (included the 18% Night Shift Rate Premium)
  • Base rate dependent on skill level and relevant experience
• Job Type: Full-time
• Working Location: In-person
• Benefits:
  • 401(k) w/ match
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Profit sharing
  • Retirement plan

Job Summary:

Akkerman Inc. is a third-generation family-owned business and is NOT a typical high-volume assembly line. Akkerman Inc. manufactures tunneling and pipe jacking equipment used to install a variety of underground infrastructure throughout the world. Our employees possess our core values of Teamwork, Integrity, Quality, Innovation, and Safety. It is these qualities that enable our American-made products to consistently outperform those of our foreign competitors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise and lead a team of 3–4 machinists and CNC operators on 2nd shift.
• Assign jobs, manage workflow, set priorities, and ensure daily production goals for quality & efficiency are met.
• Train, coach, mentor, and develop team members; conduct performance feedback and performance reviews.
• Oversee setup, operation, and troubleshooting of Okuma VTLs, Okuma CNC Mills/Lathes, and Mazak CNC Mills/Lathes.
• Utilize understanding of CNC programming (GibbsCAM, Mastercam, or similar) as a tool to make informed decisions on process improvements, cycle times, and job optimization.
• Monitor part quality, inspect work, and ensure adherence to blueprints.
• Stage workflow from initial processes (e.g., Saw Cut, Flame Cut) into the machining department, ensuring jobs are properly prepared and ready for efficient machining.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture.
• Coordinate with 1st shift leadership, programmers, and other departments for smooth handoffs and continuous improvement.
• May include some hands-on machining/setup/programming depending on team size and company needs.

Requirements:

• 3–5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience in a job shop or similar environment.
• Some prior supervisory or lead experience (formal or informal) strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of CNC programming concepts (GibbsCAM, Mastercam, or similar software) in order to utilize programming output effectively for decision-making, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
• Experience with Okuma and/or Mazak CNC equipment is a significant plus.
• Strong knowledge of CNC mills, lathes, VTLs, G-code, tool selection, fixturing, and precision measuring tools.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, GD&T, and technical drawings.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-mix, low-volume setting.
• Technical degree or machining certification required.
• Must be reliable, safety-minded, and able to work 2nd shift hours with occasional overtime.

Job Summary:

This position involves providing ideas, inputs, and analysis as an engineering team member. This position is responsible for leading and managing the development of new or improved products and/or process. This position could include supervision of engineers, designers, and technicians.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead projects and products in a manner which supports Akkerman’s company mission
• Communicate information and provide direction to engineers, technicians, sales, purchasing, manufacturing, and customers
• Perform or aid engineering analysis to support selection of parts, components, and materials
• Create and maintain project/product documentation
• Design to and ensure products are designed to applicable standards
• Establish priorities and delegate tasks
• Follow product development process as required
• Evaluate products for performance, safety, and reliability
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolve product problems in manufacturing or field
• Perform analysis of products including performance, features, cost, etc.
• Research and analyze competitive products, suggest new or improved products
• Review instruction manuals and product literature
• Provide ideas, input, and analysis of Akkerman equipment and processes
• Prepare layouts, drawings, specification and bills of material
• Other duties as required or assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering related field
• 7-plus years of technical and project management experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Self-motivated and the ability to work well with others
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to interact with all levels of personnel
• Ability to make decisions in a timely manner
• Ability to travel domestic and abroad (10-25%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Business and/or Project Management experience
• Experience with design and manufacturing of industrial and/or heavy equipment
• Experience with industrial and/or heavy equipment hydraulic and electrical systems
• Experience with CAD systems

Job Summary:

The Senior Field Technician is responsible to service and support all equipment sold by the company, off-site from the company location. Understanding Akkerman Inc. equipment will help support customer needs along with the ability to access important reference material relevant to the product. This is a full-time travel position with training in the main facility. The Senior Field Technician position should be able to perform the responsibilities and meet
qualifications of the position(s) below their current position.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides technical assistance on equipment start-ups, installations, and repairs of Akkerman Inc. equipment including hands-on work to assure equipment operates to customer’s requirements.
• Fully independent in the field with the ability to access appropriate reference material.
• Diagnose and repair all systems contained on equipment represented. Provide field service in a timely and courteous manner as directed by Service Manager, including weekend and after-hours service calls. Communicate directly with equipment owners, operators, and management and provide expert field service.
• Conduct training to customers for operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Install all parts and supplies required for equipment repairs. Use hand, power, and pneumatic tools properly.
• Complete and submit all required service-related documents in a timely manner. Use and maintain all manuals, schematics, and electronic media provided by company. Read and interpret hydraulic and electrical schematics and apply this knowledge to aid in the timely repair of all products represented.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and provide feedback on products when needed.
• Participate in project management groups when requested.
• Function day to day within company mandated safety guidelines. Follow all safety rules and regulations while performing work assignments and adhere to all traffic laws and follow proper travel etiquette when representing Akkerman.
• Basic computer skills, including the use of a laptop as it pertains to receiving correspondence, as well as proficiency using Microsoft Office products and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Travel to customer site to perform, diagnose, and repair emergency maintenance on equipment.
• Complete required documentation timely and accurately, using the company computer system(s) and properly assess & report urgency of all needed repairs.
• Interact with customer in a professional and courteous manner.

Basic Qualifications:

• Associates degree in Industrial Maintenance or equivalent and 5-7 years of troubleshooting industrial or commercial mechanical systems.
• Able to read schematics and diagrams for all equipment.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with customers and co-workers.
• This position requires working in diverse conditions including but not limited to confined spaces with exposure to noisy operating equipment, exposure to all weather conditions.
• Sound mechanical aptitude is a must.
• This position is highly physical and requires regular use of hands, fingers, walking, stooping, and kneeling. It requires employees to regularly lift and or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and or move up to 50 lbs and occasionally lift and or move more than 50 lbs.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• This is a travel position and will require domestic and international travel.
• Available to work alternative schedules including weekends, nights, and on-call hours is required.

Location: Southeast Minnesota
Company Type: Mid-sized OEM Manufacturer
Reports To: President

Job Summary

Akkerman is a well-established, 50+ year-old OEM manufacturer with a strong reputation and a
people-first culture. As we continue to grow, we are creating our first dedicated Human
Resources role to better support our employees, strengthen our organization, and allow our
leadership team to focus on core operational responsibilities.

Today, HR-related responsibilities are shared across leadership—particularly within Finance
and departmental managers. While effective, this approach is not scalable and pulls key
contributors away from their primary roles.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on HR professional to build and lead our HR function.
This individual will focus on recruiting, employee development, culture, and manager
support—helping Akkerman continue to grow while preserving and enhancing what makes it a
great place to work.

This is a high-impact role for someone who wants to build, improve, and take ownership of
people operations within a stable, growing manufacturing company.

Key Responsibilities:

HR Leadership & Strategy

• Establish and lead the HR function, aligning HR strategy with company goals
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on organizational development, workforce planning, and employee engagement
• Build scalable HR policies, procedures, and best practices

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Development

• Develop and manage recruiting strategies for hourly and salaried roles
• Improve on-boarding processes to enhance new employee experience
• Identify training and development opportunities across the organization
• Support leadership in succession planning and workforce development

Employee Relations & Culture

• Champion and enhance the company’s strong, values-driven culture
• Serve as the primary resource for employee relations, conflict resolution, and coaching
• Promote employee engagement, retention, and communication initiatives

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Maintain employee records and HR documentation
• Oversee workplace policies, safety collaboration, and investigations as needed

Compensation & Benefits

• Partner with CFO/Controller to support benefits administration (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.)
• Monitor wage trends and provide insight to ensure competitive and fair compensation practices
• Assist with payroll coordination and Human Resource Information System (HRIS) improvements as needed

HR Systems & Process Development

• Evaluate, implement, and optimize HR systems (HRIS, performance management tools, etc.)
• Develop metrics and reporting to support data-driven decisions
• Streamline HR processes for efficiency and scalability

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments
• Experience building or significantly improving HR processes and systems for both hourly (production) and salaried workforces
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with leadership teams
• Hands-on, self-starter mindset with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR)
• Experience in small-to-mid-sized or family-owned businesses

Why This Role Matters

This position is designed to:

• Free up managers and leadership to focus on core operations
• Improve hiring, on-boarding, and employee development
• Strengthen consistency in how employees are supported and managed
• Enhance and scale Akkerman’s strong culture
• Position the company for future growth

We expect the right candidate to quickly become a key contributor—helping us build a more structured, proactive, and people-focused organization.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This role is ideal for an HR professional who:

• Wants ownership and autonomy to build something meaningful
• Thrives in a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves environment
• Values culture, people, and long-term organizational health
• Is equally comfortable setting strategy and executing day-to-day HR responsibilities

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, retirement, PTO, etc.)
• Opportunities for professional growth and development