Die Technician 2

Pridgeon & Clay Inc • Grand Rapids, MI

2d • $31 - $37 • Onsite

About The Position

The Die Technician 2 works with die build or production teams to follow company designated processes to build, tryout, upkeep and maintain dies in an exemplary manner according to the company quality policies. This role involves completing necessary paperwork for die books, tool biographies, and EAM, and ensuring stock replenishments. It also includes optimizing and communicating knowledge base to enhance future die designs, and maintaining proper inventory and organization of the die sensor tool chest. The position requires maintaining inventory and organization of all die detail components and sensors, documenting hours and work activity daily in the Electronic Asset Management (EAM) system, and prioritizing and organizing die repairs, work orders, components, tracking, parts, and tooling information in data systems (Kanban, EAM, Jasper). The role also involves creating die changeover instructions, die repairs, and end of run issues, ensuring CAD data and die books are updated, and notifying managers of any issues. Additionally, the Die Technician 2 uses stock lists to ensure die components are present, visually compares die components with CAD data for accuracy, drills, sets, and attaches necessary parallels, and assembles die component details. The role performs die tryouts, operates machine tools, prepares and installs sensors into dies and fingers, wires, verifies, and adjusts sensors, valves, and cams, and installs and plumbs sprayers and sprayer components. The Die Technician 2 works with press technicians and process engineers to verify die accuracy and timing, and performs die repairs. The role also programs transfer systems, builds and repairs fabricated components using a MIG welder, troubleshoots tooling and set-ups, uses data to problem-solve die changes, and modifies Smartpac and press controls for optimal operation. The position involves validating process parameters, altering or adjusting die components, and combining problem-solving methods with data to determine necessary die changes. Continuous improvement concepts are applied to dies and the changeover process, identifying and eliminating waste, and suggesting and implementing ideas to increase efficiency. The role participates in problem-solving teams and events, makes sample parts for the metrology lab, uses and maintains quality tools, verifies tooling components for accuracy, examines forms for thinning and hard mark areas, and uses quality data to verify parts meet standards. Safety and 5S standards are adhered to, including safe use of hi-lo and cranes, following safety procedures, and organizing and maintaining the work area. Effective communication with co-workers and management is essential, along with providing feedback, training, and mentoring new and existing employees. The Die Technician 2 knows tooling and capability run dates, exhibits appropriate attendance habits, accepts instructions positively, treats co-workers with dignity and respect, and assists in maintaining company values.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of an Associate's Degree in Tooling & Manufacturing (or similar program) or completion of a college-based or apprenticeship-based Tool & Die or Technician program or certificate
• Ability to train, teach, and assess other Die Technician trainees in the Career Path program, working well and leading and mentoring in a team environment
• Experience in the prototype or tool & die trade, specifically making, repairing, setting up, trouble-shooting and running dies
• Proven ability to work with progressive, transfer, compound, hand-feed or feinblank dies.
• Skilled in machine shop and machining operations, including welding
• Proven ability to assist with managing projects and resources effectively, including detailed documentation on tooling issues and component prints
• Excellent problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills
• Ability to pass written and practical tests to obtain company hi-lo and crane license
• Proven mechanical inclination, general math and manufacturing knowledge, and trouble-shooting skills through standardized assessments
• Computer literacy
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Must not wear tinted safety glasses, or have a need for tinted safety glasses
• An excellent work record, including attendance

Responsibilities

• Works with die build or production teams to follow company designated processes to build, tryout, upkeep and maintain dies.
• Completes necessary paperwork for die books, tool biographies, and EAM, and ensures stock replenishments.
• Optimizes and communicates knowledge base to enhance future die designs.
• Maintains proper inventory and organization of the die sensor tool chest.
• Maintains inventory and organization of all die detail components and sensors.
• Documents hours and work activity daily in the Electronic Asset Management (EAM) system.
• Prioritizes and organizes die repairs, work orders, components, tracking, parts, and tooling information in data systems (Kanban, EAM, Jasper).
• Creates die changeover instructions, die repairs, and end of run issues.
• Uses stock lists to ensure all die components are present.
• Visually compares die components with CAD data to ensure accuracy.
• Drills, sets, and attaches necessary parallels.
• Assembles die component details.
• Performs die tryouts.
• Operates machine tools to spot, grind, and finish hardened mill blocks.
• Prepares and installs sensors into dies and fingers.
• Wires, verifies, and adjusts sensors, valves, and cams.
• Installs, plumbs, and secures sprayers and sprayer components.
• Works with press technicians and process engineers to verify die accuracy and timing.
• Performs die repairs, including cleaning components, changing out tooling, sharpening and shimming, welding, grinding, and cutting hardened components.
• Programs transfer systems to optimally transfer parts from station to station.
• Builds and repairs fabricated components using the MIG welder.
• Troubleshoots automatic and hand-feed tooling and set-ups in-press.
• Uses data to problem-solve needed die changes.
• Modifies Smartpac and press controls to ensure presses operate optimally.
• Validates process parameters and notifies the proper operations group to enter system deviations when applicable.
• Alters or adjusts die components to ensure die operations produce optimal parts.
• Applies continuous improvement concepts to dies and the changeover process.
• Identifies and attempts to eliminate areas of waste for better efficiency and overall production needs.
• Anticipates die and operation problems and works to eliminate them before they happen.
• Participates in and supports lean initiatives such as continuous improvement events and problem solving events.
• Suggests and implements ideas to increase personal and departmental efficiency.
• Communicates potential cost savings to other Technicians and Manager.
• Participates in 8D and 5-Why problem solving teams, Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) events, die improvement reviews, and die reviews.
• Makes necessary sample parts and submits them to the metrology lab for layout.
• Uses and maintains quality tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gages, solid squares, pin gages, dial indicators, Joe blocks, 1-2-3 blocks, machine parallels, angle plates, sine plates, V-blocks, precision vices, protractors, feeler gages, radius gages, and telescoping gages.
• Verifies tooling components for accuracy before use.
• Verifies that parts produced are manufactured according to requirements.
• Examines forms for thinning and hard mark areas, implementing tooling changes as needed.
• Uses available quality data to verify that parts meet quality standards.
• Consistently adheres to, and supports, company policies and procedures, including ISO, TS 16949 and safety regulations.
• Safely uses hi-lo and cranes, maintaining licenses, maintenance schedules, and inspection sheets.
• Follows all safety procedures, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), controls, safety devices, lock-out/tag-out, use of coolants, and die block procedures.
• Identifies potential safety issues and takes appropriate action.
• Organizes and maintains personal work area and tool room per 5S standards.
• Effectively communicates with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.
• Provides necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management.
• Trains new and existing employees on all aspects of Tool & Die build and repair.
• Mentors new and existing employees in areas of needed skill development.
• Knows tooling and capability run dates, and communicates any information that would prevent those dates from being met.
• Consistently exhibits appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job.
• Accepts instructions and duties in a positive manner, while treating all co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Seeks clarification for complete understanding, and processes information for job independence and elimination of waste.
• Assists in maintaining company values daily, through thoughts and actions.

Benefits

• Premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree