Location: South Pittsburg, TN
Pay Range: $23.03 - $32.24 per hour, plus $1.00 shift differential
We got our start over 125 years ago when Joseph Lodge founded the Blacklock Foundry in South Pittsburg, TN. His scrappy, hardworking spirit continues to lead us today. As a team, we believe cast iron is for everyone. We’re dedicated to manufacturing American-made cookware that we’re proud to use in our very own homes and excited to bring to kitchens, backyards, and campfires around the world. Day in and day out, we work together to stay safe, have fun, and be better than we were the day before.
By now, you may have caught on to the fact that we’re serious about spreading the joys of cast iron. And while we’re always on the lookout for ways to innovate, we believe in the adage: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s why we stand by a simple recipe of just iron and oil (no forever chemicals, since forever!). It’s also why we’re passionate about keeping our campus in our hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, providing great jobs to our community. As we bring our cookware to the next generation of cast iron chefs, we’re looking for people to help us stay true to our roots every step of the way. Does that sound like something you can get behind?
As a Value-Add Lead Technician, you will coordinate daily operations within the Value-Add area while actively supporting production through CNC machining, seasoning, packaging, and final quality verification. In this hands-on leadership role, you will help ensure safety, quality, productivity, and customer requirements are achieved while providing training, technical support, and guidance to team members throughout the shift.
- Coordinate daily workflow and production activities within the Value-Add area.
- Review production schedules and customer priorities to support operational goals.
- Monitor workflow and communicate staffing, material, equipment, or quality concerns.
- Conduct shift handoffs and communicate priorities to incoming teams.
- Assist with training, onboarding, and cross-training of team members.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Operate CNC lathes and mills used in Value-Add processing.
- Load and manage CNC machine programs.
- Perform machine setups, changeovers, offset adjustments, and tooling corrections.
- Monitor machine performance and quality output.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance activities and troubleshoot machining issues.
- Track tooling usage and replacement requirements.
- Assist in the oil application and oven-curing process used to season cast iron cookware.
- Ensure consistent finish and product quality throughout production.
- Monitor oven timing, surface coverage, and safe material handling practices.
- Pack finished goods according to customer and retail specifications, including sleeves, cartons, and labels.
- Conduct final quality inspections for surface finish, completeness, and branding requirements.
- Follow labeling, stacking, palletizing, and shipment preparation procedures.
- Work independently and support team problem-solving efforts.
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety in assigned work areas.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Working knowledge of Windows-based computer systems and file management.
- Ability to load CNC files and make machine adjustments, including offsets and file selection.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical work in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and self-directed work ethic.
- Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate daily production activities.
- Ability to train and support team members in a manufacturing environment.
- Competitive Pay
- Generous PTO and Sick Pay
- Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life, and Short-Term Disability)
- On-Site Clinic and Fitness Center
- 401K Match and Deferred Profit Sharing Program
- Quarterly Profit Sharing
- Employee Assistance Program
- Scholarship Opportunity and Tuition Reimbursement
- $150 Boot Allowance
- Employee Discount at Lodge Factory Store and Big Bad Breakfast
- Safety, Holiday, and Celebration Dinners
- Benefits may vary by role and eligibility
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Lodge Manufacturing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation
