Careers

Interested in joining our team?


Having reached our 47 year milestone in the boat building industry, Van Dam Custom Boats combines a commitment to legacy craftsmanship and a passion to be the best boat builder in the world with an unmatched, lifetime guarantee*. We are seeking like-minded individuals willing to help us raise the bar of excellence.

Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on

our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard.

If you feel you have what it takes to work with the best of the best, we would love to hear from you. Explore the positions below for more detailed information. Tell us a bit about yourself by submitting a cover letter of interest as well as a resume of your experiences and work history.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

A premium health and wellness insurance plan, including medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance is provided at no cost to employees.

401k

A 3% Safe Harbor contribution is provided for each employee, regardless of plan participation.

Paid Time Off

Paid time off begins accruing immediately with employment.

Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability

Company provided life insurance policy in the amount of $5000 and long-term disability coverage is available for employee purchase at low group rates.

Open Book Management & Profit Sharing Program

The entire team is provided relevant company financial information leading to direct involvement in driving company efficiencies and successes. We promote a team focused, results driven culture and share the benefits this brings to our financial bottom line.

Continuing Education

We take great pride in being on the leading edge of construction techniques; we look for opportunities to support continuing education for everyone on our team. Consideration will be given to fund any continuing education or training that aligns with/furthers team goals.

Casual Attire

Workwear is supplied and an annual stipend for Van Dam branded clothing is provided.

Competitive Living Wages

Commensurate with experience and willingness to learn and contribute.

After Hours Use of Shop & Company Tools

Personal projects are fulfilling and can also expand skill sets – we are excited to support both

Tool Allowance

An annual stipend toward personal tools is provided so employees are building up their own tool sets.

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Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Be aware of your words and actions when interacting with customers, co-workers, friends and family.

View all of our
cultural fundamentals

One-Of-A-Kind
Culture

To be the best, there must be a commitment to a common purpose; a team that puts the good of the whole at the forefront of every action. Learn more about the culture behind the craft.

Current Openings

THE POSITION—VAN DAM is seeking a skilled and driven team member to manage projects and serve as the Production Manager. As a Project Manager, you will oversee customer projects, ensuring they are running on time and budget and facilitating proactive communication with the customer. As the Production Manager, you are at the center of the overall shop schedule, managing the full pipeline of work, and assigning it to the Project Managers to implement in partnership with the Department Managers. This pivotal role and Executive Team member ensures production goals are met with a focus on quality, safety, and efficiency.

Candidates must have mid-level experience in production management, with the ability to manage six weeks of production independently and plan six months ahead. Expertise in the marine industry and boatbuilding is essential, along with strong attention to detail, leadership skills, and a commitment to high quality work.

Daily, the Production Manager ensures that staffing, materials, and tools align with production needs so that the customer’s projects are on time and on budget. Weekly, the Production Manager plans for the next five weeks of the sales pipeline, prioritizing work and scheduling each department’s workload. Monthly, this role is analyzing the season’s sales pipeline to make sure the shop’s capacity aligns with sold work, ensuring high billing efficiency, a seamless workflow, and sufficient allocation of resources.

We are looking for someone who is thirsty for a rewarding and challenging career at our world-renowned, small family business. We aim to be the best in the industry; this is a dynamic opportunity for a passionate professional to contribute to VAN DAM’s tradition of excellence in craftsmanship.

TIMELINE: Applications due 12/27/24; Stage 1 screening calls will take place 12/30/24-1/3/25; Stage 2 working interviews will take place 1/6-1/17/25; Desired start date is 2/3/25.

THE COMPANY—Van Dam Custom Boats, located in Boyne City, Michigan, has been building custom, high-performance wood composite boats since 1977. Known for our exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, we blend traditional techniques with modern engineering and technology. Joining our team means becoming part of a legacy of excellence in boatbuilding, where you’ll work on some of the most exciting projects in the industry. Our crew, consisting of highly skilled craftspeople and apprentices, is dedicated to perfection. With an expansive shop equipped with state-of-the-art tools, you’ll thrive in our dynamic and collaborative environment. Whether you’re an experienced boat builder or starting your career, Van Dam offers a unique opportunity to be part of something truly special. We have a backlog stretching into 2026, and growth opportunities abound, with training available in project leadership, build management, and technical skills. Join us in our quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world. 

BENEFITS:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
  • Profit Sharing Bonus
  • Open Book Management
  • Company Paid Training and Education—Industry Certifications
  • After hours use of shop and company tools
  • $200 Crew gear allowance
  • Annual Tool Allowance
  • $1,500 Employee Referral Program
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Company sponsored events
  • Reliable schedule with very few weekends

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Production and Resource Coordination: Oversee the shop schedule, align project timelines with shop capacity, and ensure staffing, materials, and tools are prepared for production. Ensure production goals align with sales pipeline and business needs, and forecast future capacity and ability to sell additional work. Adjust schedules as needed to meet objectives.
  • Project Management Support: Manage customer projects as a Project Manager, and collaborate with and provide guidance to Project Managers to ensure project timelines, budgets, customer expectations are met.
  • Team Leadership: Supervise and develop a team of up to 20 manufacturing staff and facilitate weekly production meetings with Project Managers and Department Managers to ensure production goals are met.
  • Process Improvement: Drive efficiency through lean manufacturing principles, monitor workflows, and implement small-scale continuous improvement projects in collaboration with department managers.
  • Production Tracking and Cost Management: Track production metrics, generate reports on project progress, manage resource allocations, and plan adjustments based on data. 
  • Drive Culture and Team Collaboration: Promote a positive, productive culture of teamwork, energy, and purpose within the shop. 
  • Apprenticeship Program Oversight: Support the team of Apprentices by providing mentorship and tracking their progress through the program.
  • Safety and Compliance: Maintain a safe and clean shop environment, lead safety training, address compliance issues, and implement corrective actions when necessary.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Proven ability to manage shop schedules, coordinate cross-functional teams, monitor multiple projects, and work collaboratively across departments. 
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented with exceptional communication skills.
  • Highly skilled in Microsoft software package, specifically Excel, MS Project, and Word.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Excellent customer service skills, with a focus on building lasting relationships.
  • Good understanding of ABYC standards (Certifications Desired)
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field required
  • 5 or more years of experience in a production management or service management role with a focus on scheduling and resource coordination. 
  • Physical Demands: Ability to consistently lift 50 pounds, climb stairs and ladders etc.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is offered as full-time, year-round employment. We offer a comprehensive benefit package and generous compensation for proven experience.  And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals everyday – you can review them HERE.  We are on a mission! Come join us! Please submit your letter of interest, resume, and references below.

THE COMPANY

The crew at Van Dam consists of some of the most highly skilled wooden boat builders in the industry as well as young, keen people working through the company’s own apprenticeship program.  We are a creative, hardworking, and dedicated team on a quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world. With a constant pursuit for perfection and the highest standards, Van Dam is renowned for the beautiful artwork of its boat building.

By joining our team, you will be working on some of the most exciting and finest wooden boat building projects in the world with a small, dedicated team that has built a larger variety of wooden boats than anyone in North America.  It is a place where your contribution matters!  We have an expansive shop with state-of-the-art equipment and a culture that supports the people and the mission.  Our backlog stretches into 2026 with people around the world waiting for their chance to build their dream boat with this team.  Growth potential and training in the areas of project leadership, build management and technical knowledge is available, and it is expected that you will want to participate and take an active role in your growth.

THE POSITION

Van Dam Custom Boats, one of the world’s premier wooden boat builders, is seeking a talented, energetic, and motivated addition to the team.  As an experienced member of our team, you will be expected to be fluent in all aspects of cold molded construction, from building frames and stringers, to laminating hull skins and exterior planking, to the different types of joinery commonly used in boat building to fairing surfaces without the need to add filler.  A thorough understanding of the structural challenges and concerns when working with wood and an attention to detail are expected.  Furthermore, the ability to shift from hull construction into interior construction and detailed woodworking for both painted and varnished surfaces will be expected.  Experience with electrical systems installation, mechanical systems installation and engine and drivetrain installation is desired.  Basic experience with composites is also desired.  In this role you will most typically be a part of an entire build project working on everything from the hull construction through interior construction, helping in the metal and paint departments, and doing the final assembly.  Day to day, you will report directly to one of the project managers, but you will also have oversight and consistent direct involvement with the president of the company.  You will be expected to bring good energy, enthusiasm, and tenacity every day.  Active participation in everything from developing solutions for day-to-day challenges to the financials of the business and our monthly meetings is important and expected.  Compensation is $25-$35 per hour.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Live our Fundamentals
  • Consistently perform high quality work in areas including but not limited to:
    • Hull and deck structural components
    • Laminating skins
    • Hull planking for bright finished hullsides and decks
    • Fairing surfaces
    • Cabinetry
    • Fine woodworking
    • Occasional restoration work on traditionally built boats and modern boats
  • Meet timelines set forth by the Project Manager or bring up issues early if not able to meet the timeline
  • Learn our way first, then bring the benefit of your experience
  • Execute on tasks with little or no guidance, (after proper instruction)
  • Be your own quality control and bring issues to the Project Manager when you see them
  • Bring energy and enthusiasm
  • Be a contributing member of the team, able to take on multiple aspects of projects
  • Constantly improve your abilities
  • Take responsibility for your experience here
  • Willingness to work regular overtime, (at 1.5x hourly wage)

Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Minimum 4 years’ experience building wooden boats
  • Significant experience and comfort with cold molding
  • ABYC familiarity, (certifications desired)
  • Electrical and mechanical experience desired

THE LOCATION

Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard. We have great schools, fabulous restaurants, a vibrant farm market, plus much more for people that value community and nature.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is offered as full-time, year-round employment. Applicants must have at least four years of cold molded boat building and woodworking experience. Any experience with related trades such as metalworking, finishing and mechanical systems are a plus.  We offer a comprehensive benefit package and generous compensation for proven experience.  And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals everyday – you can review them HERE.  We are on a mission! Come join us! Please submit your letter of interest, portfolio of experiences, and references below.

Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard will have up to one student per year who receives a scholarship to attend one year at the Great Lakes Boat Building School.  The student will receive up to $15,000 toward tuition costs and up to $4,000 in a scholarship award to help with school expenses. The recipient will be chosen by our team and will be expected to work for one of Van Dam’s companies following graduation. If you would like to be considered for this student scholarship, please submit your interest.

Apply

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  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 5 MB.
  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 5 MB.

A remarkable
History

“What started off as a dream to sail around the world in a boat we built ourselves, gradually changed into a vision to ensure the future of craftsmanship. Van Dam Custom Boats was born.” – Steve Van Dam

A Brand New
Facility

In keeping with the Cultural Fundamentals of the company, importance is placed on the efficient, effective and orderly flow of the work day. Continuous improvement includes our surroundings.

Van Dam building exterior photo.
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