Contact Us

F.R. Drake Company is currently taking resumes/applications for the following open positions at our Waynesboro, VA facility. 

• Machinist – First and Second Shift
• Development Engineer
• Manufacturing Supervisor

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Machinist (1st or 2nd Shift) – Must have a minimum of two years of manufacturing experience in a machine shop environment. Applicant must have good math skills, be capable of reading precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers, must be proficient with the use of linear and angular measuring tools, and must be proficient at reading blueprints. CNC machining a plus. If you are contacted for a Machinist interview, you will first be required to complete a written Machinist test and a written measurement test on-site.

First shift production runs Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm (10-hour days) or Tuesday through Friday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm (10-hour days) depending on your team assignment.

Second shift production runs Monday through Friday, 4:30 pm to 1:00 am (8-hour days). A 10% shift differential is paid for this shift.

For the Machinist, position, please complete an application and return it in the application box at the front entrance. F.R. Drake Company is located at 1410 Genicom Drive, Waynesboro, VA 22980. You may also email a resume to humanresources@drakeloader.com.

If you are contacted for a Machinist interview, you will first be required to complete a written Machinist test and a written measurement test on-site.

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Development Engineer - The Drake Company is searching for a Development Engineer to design our state-of-the-art food loading equipment.

Position Summary: The primary responsibility of this position is to design new products, improve existing products, troubleshoot problems, and provide guidance and product instructions to engineering, manufacturing, and service personnel.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare SolidWorks CAD layouts and design models for Hot Dog Loaders, Hamburger Loaders, Vienna Sausage Canning Machines, and semi-custom food process machinery
• Develop new products and process concepts based on original ideas
• Create detail part drawings from SolidWorks models
• Work closely with manufacturing to eliminate manufacturing and assembly problems and to achieve manufacturing and assembly efficiencies and cost savings
• Troubleshoot mechanical design and process problems in Drake’s factory and in Drake customer facilities
• Create structured bills of material identifying all parts for purchasing, manufacturing, and manufacturing assembly
• Analyze and define remedies for field problems related to Drake products

Job Duties:

• Communicate directly with Drake customers and vendors to answer questions, provide assistance, and solve problems
• Provide training and assistance for new employees and less experienced engineers
• Provide assistance to the engineering staff as directed by the VP of Engineering or designate

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills and Performance:

• BSME with 2 years design experience or Associates Degree in mechanical technology and 5 years design experience
• CAD proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks or other CAD system

General:

• Must have good written and oral communication skills
• Some travel (domestic and international) is required with travel usually being three days or less but may extend up to two weeks. Requirements may include work between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am in a wet cold (food packaging/plant), high noise levels environment. Weekend travel may be required.
• Must maintain a valid passport and current driver’s license.
• This position is eligible for the Alternative Remote Work policy.

Please email resume to humanresources@drakeloader.com.

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Manufacturing Supervisor  - The Drake Company is seeking a Manufacturing Supervisor to oversee the production of our state-of-the-art food loading equipment.                    

Position Summary: The primary responsibility of this position is to supervise the production team and organize the team members and the flow of work to deliver quality parts and assemblies to meet the production schedule.

Job Responsibilities:

• Communicate with the Plant Manager regarding the status of the work in production
• Immediately communicates shortfalls in meeting due dates to the Plant Manager with recommended suggestions for meeting the production schedule
• Assist team members in setting operator priorities to meet the production schedule and to maximize production
• Manages work center capacity constraints/bottlenecks and moves employees to alleviate bottlenecks in production
• Elevate to management appropriate operational and personnel issues
• Conduct annual reviews for all direct reports
• Responsible for preventative maintenance schedule and maintenance personnel

Job Duties:

• Train new and experienced operators in job responsibilities by documenting standard work methods and using standards as the basis of training

• Engage employees by encouraging participation in problem solving and process improvement teams
• Participate in daily huddle with Team Leaders and Plant Manager to communicate the priorities
• Communicate and enforce company policies and procedures in a fair and impartial manner
• Coach direct reports concerning performance and behavioral expectations, to include verbal and written warnings, and termination recommendations when necessary
• Promote and enforce all safety rules

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills and Performance:

• Must have a minimum of high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a minimum of eight years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Must have strong team-building skills
• Must have very good verbal and written communication skills
• Must have basic computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Must have very good print reading skills

Please email resume to humanresources@drakeloader.com.

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