Careers with SMC

Since 1967, SMC is proud to be a 100% USA-made manufacturer of high-quality climbing, mountaineering, and technical rescue equipment. 
We hold true to our heritage by continuously working to develop our people, our processes, and procedures. SMC is an employee owned company and is part of Harken's safety and rescue group of brands. 

"Quality Gear for Life" is more than a statement... for us, it is a way of life.

We are looking for hard working individuals with an eye for detail, value in hard work, and are interested in hands-on learning and growth.

Many of our production positions are no experience required. We are willing train the right people! 

Some of the qualities SMC is always looking for:

  • Follows detailed instructions, processes and procedures.

  • Excellent eye/hand coordination

  • Conscientious about maintaining quality and safety standards

  • Proactive, positive attitude and strong sense of accountability and responsibility

  • Ability to Read and understand drawings, job travelers and associated paperwork

  • Problem solving skills

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Reliable

Location: Ferndale, Washington

Competitive Compensation 
Benefits: 401K, Insurance/HSA Acct, PTO, Referral Program, and pro-deals.
Hours: M-F 6:30 – 3:00 PM

 

To apply for a position with SMC, submit a resume to: jobs@harken.com

CURRENT OPENINGS

Seattle Manufacturing Corporation (SMC), is a manufacturer of mountaineering and rescue equipment for over 50 years. Located in Ferndale, Washington, SMC produces Made In America gear for outdoor enthusiasts, rescue professionals and work-at-height technicians who demand technical, high quality gear. SMC is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer. SMC offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. We have the following position available.

 

 

TITLE:                          Process Room Operator

REPORTS TO:             Plant Manager

BASED AT:                  Harken, Inc. / SMC, Ferndale, WA

STATUS:                      Full Time, 1st shift, Non-Exempt

Rate of Pay:                 $19.00 - $21.00

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manages vibratory or rotary machinery to deburr, polish, burnish and finish parts using abrasive media
  • Clean in-process and/or finished parts using parts washer
  • Load and unload steel and aluminum parts, ensuring a correct ratio/size of media to parts
  • Inspect finished parts for desired polish, removing surface imperfections
  • Maintain work area
  • Follow ISO9000 requirements
  • Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

 Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred

  • Ability to use standard office equipment
  • Manage multiple machines at a time
  • Maintain company standards, follow work instructions and recipes
  • Ability to add, sub-tract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, feel or handle objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands or arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. Must be able to walk or stand on concrete for up to 4 hours at a time.
  • Must follow safety protocol including wearing hearing protection
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception and the ability to focus

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties or skills required.

 Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday through Thursday, 10 hour days

Work Location: In person

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties or skills required.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Submit your resume via email to: jobs@harken.com

Harken is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

 

TITLE:                          CNC Machine Operator

BASED AT:                   Harken, Inc. / SMC, Ferndale, WA

STATUS:                      Non-exempt, full-time

RATE OF PAY:             $22.00 to $26.00 per hour           

 

Seattle Manufacturing Corporation (SMC), is a manufacturer of mountaineering and rescue equipment for over 50 years. Located in Ferndale, Washington, SMC produces Made In America gear for outdoor enthusiasts, rescue professionals and work-at-height technicians who demand technical, high-quality gear. SMC is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer. We love making really cool gear and knowing that people’s lives are positively changed by what we do.

What truly sets us apart is our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the unique culture of ownership it fosters. Every team member is empowered to think and act like an owner, driving a workplace culture built on drive, humility, ingenuity, integrity, and ownership. You are not just an employee—you’re a valued stakeholder in our future.

Our Core Values in Action

At Harken / SMC, our work is guided by five core values:

  • Drive – Taking initiative, setting ambitious goals, and pursuing excellence
  • Humility – Welcoming feedback, learning from others, and prioritizing team success
  • Ingenuity – Solving complex problems with practical, elegant solutions
  • Integrity – Delivering honest work and upholding the highest standards
  • Ownership – Taking pride in our products, our people, and our future
  •  

Why Join the Team:

  • Employee-owned company (ESOP)
  • Growing global organization
  • Enjoy 4-day work week with Fridays off — this results in an additional 52 days per year while maintaining a full-time career
  • Strong culture of craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement
  • Internal growth opportunities and ongoing skills development
  • 401(k) that includes a company match
  • Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account and health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off after 90 day probationary period
  • Employee referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement

 

What you’ll be doing:

Job Summary: The CNC Machine Operator sets up equipment, checks routine programs, and adjusts operations to meet close-tolerance and finish requirements. This role also follows detailed part drawings and uses adjustable, direct-reading, and fixed gauges to inspect work. The operator identifies operating issues and makes adjustments or minor repairs as needed.

Essential Duties:

  • Set up and operate Vertical CNC and Swiss Lathe Machines
  • Run routine programs and perform machining operations to meet close tolerance and finish specifications
  • Recognize proper tooling and fixture applications and follow proven program formats
  • Read and interpret detailed part drawings, blueprints, and specifications
  • Monitor machine performance and report any variations from specifications
  • Assist in proving out new programs or critical program variations under supervision
  • Recommend tooling arrangements, fixtures, and operation sequences to improve efficiency and quality
  • Use a variety of precision measuring instruments to inspect and verify parts
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
  • Follow all company safety procedures and quality standards
  • Other duties and projects as assigned

 

Qualifications we are looking for:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 2 years of CNC mill setup experience in a manufacturing environment
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous work experience with machine shop practices and machining techniques
  • Experience using precision measuring instruments
  • Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings

 

Knowledge, Skills and abilities:

  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Commitment to quality
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as work independently as needed

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Submit your resume via email to: jobs@harken.com      

Harken / SMC is an equal opportunity employer.

 

 

 

 

 

To apply for a position with SMC, submit a resume to: jobs@harken.com

TITLE:                          Lead - CNC Setup and Operator

REPORTS TO:             Plant Manager

BASED AT:                  Harken, Inc. / SMC, Ferndale, WA

STATUS:                      Full Time, 1st shift, Non-Exempt

SALARY:                      $28 - $32 per hour

 

Job Description:

Seattle Manufacturing Corporation (SMC), is a manufacturer of mountaineering and rescue equipment for over 50 years. Located in Ferndale, Washington, SMC produces Made In America gear for outdoor enthusiasts, rescue professionals and work-at-height technicians who demand technical, high-quality gear. SMC is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer. We love making really cool gear and knowing that people’s lives are positively changed by what we do.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Coordinate and support production of the CNC / Swiss Lathe Department
  • Setup and operate Vertical CNC and Swiss Lathe Machines
  • Work with employees to solve technical problems
  • Work with the Planner to schedule and execute jobs
  • Prepare and maintain job boards
  • Work with Engineering to lead process and machining improvements
  • Develop and maintain work instructions to ISO standards
  • Other duties as assigned

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required
  • 3 to 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Proficient with inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, height gates, optical comparators and variety of gages/pins)
  • Ability to read blueprints
  • Ability to use standard office equipment
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs, i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Publisher
  • Ability to add, sub-tract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, feel or handle objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands or arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. Must be able to walk or stand on concrete
  • for up to 4 hours at a time
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception and the ability to focus

 

 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties or skills required.

 

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday through Thursday, 10 hour days

Work Location: In person

 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties or skills required.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Submit your resume via email to: jobs@harken.com

Harken is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

 

 

 

SMC, a manufacturer of Mountaineering and Technical Work and Rescue Equipment is currently looking for an experienced production manager to plan, execute and drive production and process improvement in a cost effective and efficient manner. The ideal candidate should love a challenge, be energetic, be a team builder and strive for excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

The creative design engineer will be part of a team that takes products through the design process from user research through concept, design, engineering and prototyping phases. The ideal candidate has between two to three years of experience. They will be eager to be mentored and learn new skills that go far beyond typical mechanical engineering. These new capabilities will create an opportunity for the candidate to grow into a position with more responsibility and a big impact, both at SMC and in the rest of the outdoor industry.

Basic Duties include:
• Manage and direct workforce to ensure all production requirements and objectives are met
• Generate production schedules to meet sales needs on a timely basis
• Learn, understand and be able to communicate the technical aspects of operations to production personnel
• Ensure compliance to safety, environmental, and product quality standards
• Provide frontline support to resolve production issues
• Actively contribute to cost reduction and continuous improvements
• Hold crew and safety meetings
• Train, coach and develop production personnel
• Maintain good housekeeping practices
• Ensure equipment and supplies are available to complete tasks assigned
• Manage and coordinate maintenance personnel
• Manage material control to ensure timely shipping and material handling
• Effective member of the management team

Essential Skills include:
• Demonstrated project management, organization and leadership skills
• Ability to interact constructively with peers and support groups, and to effectively communicate ideas through verbal and written forms
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes
• Ability to effectively lead a team
• Organized and results oriented
• Familiarity with ISO 9001

Location: Ferndale, Washington
Compensation: D.O.E.
Benefits: 401K, Insurance/HSA Acct, PTO and pro-deals.
Hours: M-F 6:30 – 3:00PM
Previous Experience: Minimum 5 Years

Candidates can send their resume to customerservice@smcgear.com with the subject “Production Manager”.