Engineering and Operations Leadership Development Program
Location: Decorah, IA
Job Type: full-time
Company: Gemini, Inc
Salary: 55000.00 To 75000.00 (USD) Annually
Category: Business
Job Description Apply Now
Gemini is looking for eager Engineering & Operations Development Associates to join the team at our location in Taylor, TX and Decorah, IA! Gemini’s Engineering & Operations Leadership Development Program is a structured three-year rotational program designed to build future leaders in engineering and operations. This program provides hands-on experience across key business functions, beginning with a 9–12-month initial assignment directly supporting Engineering. From there participants will complete two 9–12-month rotations supporting project-based assignments and leadership development. Participants will develop a deep understanding of Gemini products, customer needs, leadership development, and business operations while gaining exposure to engineering and production planning best practices. Come be a part of a positive, people-first culture that is focused on leveraging each team members’ strengths to help bring our customers’ unique signage products to life.
Wage Range: USD $55,000 - $75,000 per Year
Location: Taylor, TX and Decorah, IA
Type: Full Time – On-site
Schedule: 5/8 hour days (Monday through Friday)
Travel: Up to15%
The general Engineering and Operations Development Program includes:
Phase One: Engineering Foundations
The Engineering Foundations rotation will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of functional engineering work in a manufacturing organization, production exposure, review of key performance metrics in a production plant, and how the role directly impacts business success. The primary focus of this phase is to develop technical expertise, understand core manufacturing processes, and build cross-functional business acumen.
- Perform work in an engineering capacity at a Gemini production plant location (Continuous Improvement, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering type role)
- Gain a deep understanding of production flow, bottlenecks, and labor utilization
- Support daily production by identifying process inefficiencies and implementing improvement initiative
- Assist in troubleshooting equipment and process issues with the production team
- Work closely with operations leaders to understand shop floor realities and engineering’s role
- Apply lean manufacturing techniques and time/motion studies in real-world settings to drive efficiencies
- Gain exposure to cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Maintenance, Customer Experience) Contribute to capital project planning and execution to support Gemini’s operations, team members, and customer base.
- Reduce costs (VAVE – Value Analysis/Value Engineering) by identifying opportunities without affecting the overall quality and performance.
Phase Two: Early Leadership
After completing the Engineering Foundation Rotation, participants will transition into Phase 2, where they take on a specialized assignment in Operations Leadership. This phase allows them to build deeper knowledge, contribute to business growth, and prepare for leadership opportunities. The primary focus of this phase is to transition from technical contributor to frontline leader. Building leadership, decision-making, and team management skills are key.
- Perform work in a production leadership capacity (Production Supervisor or similar)
- Directly lead a team of hourly team members across one or more production plants
- Share responsibility for SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) with the Plant Manager
- Lead daily shift meetings and role model problem solving on the plant floor
- Coordinate capacity planning and scheduling
- Start influencing capital equipment and layout decisions
- Drive safety culture by conducting audits, incident reviews, and training
- Lead Continuous improvement Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement initiatives to drive productivity and efficiency gains
Phase 3: Operations Leadership
The final stage of the Engineering & Operations Development Program, where participants are ready to transition into a higher-level leadership role or take on another strategic assignment that aligns with their career goals. This phase is designed to refine leadership abilities, strengthen functional expertise, and provide participants with the tools needed for long-term career growth in future roles. The primary focus of this phase is to develop plant or departmental oversight, participate in strategic planning, and prepare for transition into a higher-level plant leadership role.
- Perform work in a higher-level production leadership capacity (Associate Plant Manager or similar)
- Manage performance across multiple production lines, departments, or functional areas
- Develop and execute plans to improve plant performance across KPIs
- Lead plant-wide initiatives in cost reduction, process optimization, safety, and/or talent development
- Coach and develop supervisors and team leads, as well as production team members
- Participate in long-range planning, capital budgeting, and labor utilization
- P&L management in partnership with existing leadership
- Greater exposure to Gemini’s customers and cross-functional partners to drive cross-functional alignment
- Champion a LEAN/Continuous Improvement culture
By the end of Phase 3, participants will have undergone an intensive development process that prepares them for leadership positions or highly specialized roles within the company. The program focuses on both functional expertise and leadership capabilities, ensuring that participants are prepared to drive business results and innovation.
Final Phase: Long-term Role Selection
In the Final Phase of the Engineering & Operations Development Program, the goal is to ensure that each participant transitions smoothly into a long-term leadership position that not only aligns with their individual career aspirations but also supports the strategic objectives and growth needs of the company. This process ensures that both the participant’s development and the organization’s goals are met effectively.
Skills and Abilities
- Competitive, Passionate and Driven,
- Self-starter with the ability to set and juggle priorities,
- Highly collaborative, with ability to effectively work with people across the organization.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset. High level of technical aptitude.
- Maintains high personal standards of conduct, has high interpersonal relationship integrity, and consistently does what they say they are going to do, when they say they are going to do it.
- Consistently produces results that meet goals, have high work standards, and understands the business environment and processes,
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills through active listening, presentation abilities and effective verbal and written skills,
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree with high academic performance in business administration, mechanical or industrial engineering, or related field.
- Internship/Co-op Experience in engineering or operations is highly valued.
- Strong Interest in Engineering and Operations Leadership.
- 0-3 years of professional experience in engineering, operations, or related roles.
- Leadership Experience: Experience in leading teams, projects, or student organizations.
Work Environment
- The role will require travel to meet with clients and vendors, attend trade shows, and visit Gemini sales and operations facilities.
- The position requires the ability to travel up to 15% of the time.
- This position requires the ability to work different shift schedules and relocate to other Gemini facilities throughout the program to support business needs.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
The actual title and individual compensation packages are dependent upon various factors unique to each candidate including skillset, training, transferable skills, work experience, qualifications, business needs, market demands, and other job-related reasons. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for other benefits.
How we show we care
- $0 Health Insurance Premium for Employee-Only Coverage (Plus low-cost premiums for other coverage levels!)
- 4% Retirement Match with Profit Sharing
- Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Holiday, Parental, Volunteer, and Sick)
- Dental, Vision, Disability and Life Insurance
- Use of Company Owned Resort in Hayward, WI
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
About Us
As a leader in the signage manufacturing industry, Gemini, Inc. has been providing stability to our employees since 1963. We know what it means to be human, and we strive to make sure our employees feel valued. Due to our incredible family of employees, we have grown substantially and are looking to grow our team further with like-minded individuals that share in our company values: Customer Commitment, Teamwork, Respect, Diversity, Stability, Stewardship. At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful vision: Successful Partners. Engaged People. Thriving Communities. This vision guides how we show up every day for our customers, for one another, and for the communities we call home.
- We are an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
- Gemini will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. For additional assistance email; or call (507) 263-3957 and ask for the Human Resources Representative assigned to the location of interest.
- Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.
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