Careers

Interested in joining our team?


Having reached our 49 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

Premium health and wellness insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision.

401k

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

Paid Time Off

Generous Paid Time Off policy that begins accruing immediately with employment.

Life, Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance

Company-provided life insurance coverage of $5,000 is included. Employees also have the option to purchase additional life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability coverage, all offered at competitive 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.

2

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

VAN DAM CUSTOM BOATS
WORK FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S PREMIER WOOD COMPOSITE BOAT BUILDERS

As we celebrate over 48 years in the industry, we invite passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team and help us set new standards of excellence. Are you awesome? So are we, and we would love to hear from you! By 2035, we plan to add 10-15 extraordinary people to our current team of 20+. We’re searching for exceptional talent in woodworking, metalworking, finishing, marine design, engineering, technical systems, and more.

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 principles. 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
• Generous paid time off policy
• 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
• $150 Annual Crew Gear Allowance
• $400 Annual Tool Allowance
• $1,500 Employee Referral Program
• Opportunities for advancement
• Company-sponsored events
• Reliable schedule with very few weekends

HOW TO APPLY:
Van Dam offers full-time, year-round employment with a comprehensive benefits package and generous compensation for proven experience. And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals every day—you can review them HERE. We are on a mission! Come join us! Please submit your resume, letter of interest, and portfolio of experiences below.

Apply

  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 32 MB.
  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 32 MB.
  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 32 MB.
  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 32 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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