Caster/Mold Handler

Howmet Aerospace • Wichita Falls, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Howmet Aerospace’s Wichita Falls, Texas facility is hiring Caster/Mold Handlers. The role operates casting units to melt alloy and pour it into ceramic molds using induction or vacuum induction furnaces, following written instructions and procedures. Under general supervision and the direction of a caster, the employee removes molds from preheat furnaces, positions them for casting, and performs wrapping, dewaxing, mold repair and inspection, and post-cast operations. The role also includes helping preheat molds and melt alloy for casting. The position is for night shifts on 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. Employees may not move from the position for two years unless the move is a promotion within the department. Starting pay is $29.31 per hour, with a top rate of $33.88 after nine months, plus a $1.00 shift differential. Three to six months of on-the-job training is required for satisfactory proficiency. Overtime may be needed. The job requires considerable care while operating casting equipment and compliance with site policies, including EHS, quality, conduct, and employee handbook requirements.

The caster responsibilities include preparing and melting alloy charges, operating casting equipment, monitoring and recording casting parameters, confirming alloy identification and mold sequence, coordinating mold movement, pouring charges, maintaining casting equipment, and assisting with minor maintenance. Caster duties also include leading foundry service operators and mold handlers according to the schedule supplied by the Supervisor.

The mold handler responsibilities include assisting with casting according to product criteria and work instructions; handling, positioning, inspecting, repairing, wrapping, sealing, and preparing molds; monitoring equipment and temperatures; performing post-cast operations; moving work and materials; loading molds into preheat ovens; maintaining supplies, paperwork, and work areas; and following safety practices. The work involves exposure to high temperatures, casting dust and fumes, occasional molten-metal sprays and metal chips, and nickel and RCF. A dust mask is required for certain procedures. The role requires almost constant standing and physical effort, including lifting and transporting hot molds and other heavy items. Employees must pass an annual Jaeger 2 vision test for depth perception when pouring alloy and setting mold position.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire, 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.
• Must pass an annual Jaeger 2 vision test for depth perception when pouring alloy and setting mold position.
• Must be able to perform the described physical demands, including almost constant standing, lifting and carrying 25–50 pounds, handling heavy and hot molds, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, crawling, squatting, bending, and pushing, pulling, and twisting.
• Must be able to read and interpret Product Criteria and Activity Instructions, use a computer, work as part of a team under general supervision, and maintain expected quality levels.
• Must follow safety practices and site policies and procedures, including EHS and quality requirements.
• Three to six months of on-the-job training is required for satisfactory job proficiency.

Nice To Haves

• Basic computer skills.
• Foundry Service or Mold Handler experience.

Responsibilities

• Insert alloy charges into induction melting crucibles manually or with mechanical assistance.
• Operate casting units to melt alloy, monitor the melt, and determine temperatures using a pyrometer or immersion thermocouple.
• Coordinate movement of molds from preheat furnaces to casting units and position molds for casting.
• Monitor and record casting parameters in logs and computer systems.
• Confirm alloy identification and casting sequence; notify coworkers about broken, leaking, or damaged molds and required mold materials.
• Manually pour melted charges or initiate and adjust automatic pours.
• Remove and install induction crucibles and clean casting units and melt chambers.
• Keep current with Activity Instructions and exercise care and judgment while operating casting equipment.
• Assist with minor equipment maintenance and comply with EHS rules.
• Lead foundry service operators and mold handlers according to the schedule supplied by the Supervisor.
• Read instructions and assist with casting according to Product Criteria, Mold Sheets, and Activity Instructions.
• Check preheat temperatures; handle molds before and after casting; perform post-cast operations, including hexamine, mold stripping, exothermic application, and vermiculite encapsulation.
• Position molds correctly and manage lower-chamber cleaning and variables affecting solidification and mold cooling.
• Move hot furnace trays, change and clean door gaskets, perform housekeeping, and assist with minor equipment maintenance.
• Locate scheduled work and move trucks to the proper workstation.
• Keep molds and work areas clean; notify the Supervisor promptly of equipment or machinery malfunctions.
• Seal, inspect, and repair molds; prepare solutions and maintain supplies; cut kaowool and rollboard; wrap molds according to Process Releases and Product Criteria.
• Operate required mobile equipment, monitor equipment and temperature controls, and follow Work Instructions and Activity Instructions.
• Complete paperwork and verify mold counts, lot-traveler information, and serial numbers at each operation.
• Load molds into preheat ovens and perform other duties as required.
• Work overtime when needed.

Benefits

• Paid vacation based on length of service.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match of up to 6% of pre-tax contributions.
• Employer contribution to the Retirement Savings Plan each pay period.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits offered upon hire.
• Employee life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED