Optimization Technician

Hampton Lumber • Fairfax, SC

4h • Onsite

About The Position

The Optimization Technician is responsible for maximizing fiber recovery, throughput, and product value by ensuring all scanning, optimization, and control systems operate at peak performance. This role partners closely with operations, maintenance, and leadership to continuously improve mill efficiency, accuracy, and consistency—supporting a world-class startup and ramp-up.

Requirements

• Experience with sawmill optimization systems (scanners, trimmers, log breakdown, etc.).
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret production and performance data.
• Familiarity with optimization software platforms.
• Understanding of lumber manufacturing processes, particularly in high-volume mills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical systems (mechanical, electrical, and software integration).
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence operators and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and adjust optimization systems (log scanning, breakdown, edging, trimming) to maximize recovery and value.
• Analyze daily production data to identify improvement opportunities in yield, throughput, and grade recovery.
• Calibrate and validate scanners, sensors, and measurement systems for accuracy and consistency.
• Continuously refine cutting solutions based on log mix, product mix, and market conditions.
• Drive real-time problem solving on optimization-related issues impacting production.
• Partner with operations teams to ensure proper execution of optimized solutions on the floor.
• Lead and support improvement initiatives focused on recovery, uptime, and process stability.
• Develop and maintain standard work for optimization processes.
• Maintain and troubleshoot optimization software, scanning systems, and interfaces.
• Work with OEMs (e.g., Comact) and internal teams to implement updates, upgrades, and enhancements.
• Ensure data integrity across systems used for reporting, decision-making, and optimization.
• Train operators and supervisors on optimization best practices and system use.
• Build operator understanding of how decisions impact recovery and value.
• Support development of a high-performance, data-driven culture on the production floor.
• Play a key role in commissioning, testing, and tuning optimization systems during startup.
• Establish baseline performance metrics and continuously improve against them.
• Support ramp-up plans to achieve target production, recovery, and quality goals.

Benefits

• Substantial company-paid assistance for Medical and Dental insurance premiums; mental health coverage; cost effective co-pays and deductibles
• 401(k) with 5% annual company contribution and generous company matching contributions vested over three years
• Paid time off, including eight paid holidays
• Participation in the employee bonus program
• Employee wellness program that includes free counseling sessions, financial and legal guidance, and more
• Opportunities for paid training to support career advancement and personal development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees