CASTER/MOLD HANDLER
About The Position
Howmet Aerospace’s Wichita Falls, Texas facility is hiring a Caster/Mold Handler for night shifts. The role operates casting equipment and assists with preparing, positioning, inspecting, repairing, and processing ceramic molds. Under general supervision and the direction of a caster, the employee removes molds from preheat furnaces, positions them for casting, applies wraps, performs dewaxing and post-cast operations, and helps preheat molds and melt alloy for pouring. The position requires working a 12-hour rotating schedule: 2 days on/2 off, 3 on/2 off, and 2 on/3 off, from 6:48 p.m. to 6:48 a.m. Overtime may be required when needed. The posting states that employees may not move from the role for two years unless the move is a promotion within the department. Starting pay is $29.31 per hour, increasing to $33.88 after nine months, with a $1.00 shift differential. The work involves operating induction or vacuum induction furnaces and casting units, handling hot molds and molten alloy, and completing work according to written instructions, Product Criteria, Mold Sheets, and Activity Instructions. The employee is expected to maintain quality and safety standards, work as part of a team, use computers for information entry, and comply with site policies and procedures. The position requires almost constant standing and considerable physical effort, including lifting and transporting heavy, hot molds. The work environment includes exposure to extreme heat, casting dust and fumes, possible molten-metal sprays and metal chips, nickel, and RCF. A dust mask is required for certain procedures. Three to six months of on-the-job training is required for proficiency.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required, and visa sponsorship is unavailable.
- Must be able to lawfully obtain access to export-controlled items.
- Must be able to work 12-hour rotating night shifts from 6:48 p.m. to 6:48 a.m., following the stated rotating schedule.
- Must pass an annual Jaeger 2 vision test for depth perception when pouring alloy and setting mold position.
- Able to perform the listed physical activities, including almost constant standing; handling and transporting heavy, hot molds; lifting 25 to 50 pounds; reaching, gripping, pinching, climbing, crawling, squatting, bending, balancing, carrying, pushing, pulling, and twisting.
- Able to read and interpret Product Criteria and Activity Instructions, use computers, work as part of a team under general supervision, and maintain expected quality levels.
- Follow all applicable site policies and procedures, including EHS, Quality, Code of Conduct, and the Wichita Falls Employee Handbook.
- Complete three to six months of on-the-job training for satisfactory job proficiency.
- Training covers the training folder, molten material, combustion systems, hazardous energy sources (LTV), and electrical topics.
Nice To Haves
- Basic computer skills.
- Foundry Service or Mold Handler experience.
Responsibilities
- Assist the caster in casting molds according to established techniques, Product Criteria, Mold Sheets, and Activity Instructions.
- Handle, position, preheat, and move ceramic molds to and from furnaces, casting units, cooling stations, and work areas.
- Perform mold preparation and post-cast operations, including wrap application, dewaxing, hexamine application, mold stripping, exothermic application, vermiculite encapsulation, sealing, inspection, and repair.
- Acquire the proper alloy and check preheat temperatures; notify the caster of torn wraps, bumped or leaking molds, and other mold issues.
- Control variables affecting solidification and mold cooling, maintain proper mold positioning, and clean the lower casting chamber.
- Load ovens and preheat furnaces; periodically load ovens and operate required mobile equipment.
- Move scheduled work and trucks to the proper workstation, and keep molds, machines, and work areas clean and orderly.
- Move empty, hot furnace trays; change and clean door gaskets; prepare solutions and maintain supplies; cut kaowool and rollboard.
- Monitor equipment and temperature controls, and notify the supervisor immediately of equipment or machinery malfunctions.
- Complete required paperwork; verify mold counts and lot-traveler paperwork or serial numbers at each operation.
- Follow work instructions, Activity Instructions, safety practices, and all EHS requirements; stay current on new methods and improvements.
- Assist with minor equipment maintenance and perform other duties as required.
- As part of caster responsibilities, insert alloy charges into melting crucibles; operate casting units; monitor and record casting parameters; confirm alloy identification and mold sequence; direct mold handling; pour or initiate automatic pouring; remove and install crucibles; clean casting equipment; and assist with scheduled team work.
- Work overtime when needed.
Benefits
- Paid vacation based on length of service.
- Paid holidays.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions of up to 6% of pre-tax contributions.
- Separate employer contribution to the retirement savings plan each pay period.
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits offered upon hire.
- Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) options.
- Employee life insurance and disability coverage.
- Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
- Optional auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance coverage.
- Tuition assistance and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
