Die Technician II

Pridgeon & Clay Inc • Grand Rapids, MI

5d • $31 - $37

About The Position

The Die Technician II works with die build or production teams to build, try out, upkeep, and maintain dies according to company processes and quality policies. The role includes die assembly and repair, troubleshooting tooling and press setups, maintaining tooling records and inventories, supporting quality and safety practices, and contributing to continuous improvement. The technician also trains and mentors other employees and supports teamwork and dependable production operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate degree in Tooling & Manufacturing or a similar program, or completion of a college-based or apprenticeship-based Tool & Die or Technician program or certificate.
• Ability to train, teach, and assess Die Technician trainees and to lead and mentor in a team environment.
• Experience in the prototype or tool and die trade, including making, repairing, setting up, troubleshooting, and running dies.
• Ability to work with progressive, transfer, compound, hand-feed, or fine-blank dies.
• Machine shop and machining skills, including welding.
• Ability to assist with managing projects and resources and to document tooling issues and component prints in detail.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to pass written and practical tests to obtain company forklift and crane licenses.
• Mechanical aptitude, general math and manufacturing knowledge, and troubleshooting skills demonstrated through standardized assessments.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Must not wear, or need to wear, tinted safety glasses.
• Excellent work record, including attendance.
• Ability to consistently follow safety procedures and use required protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Complete die book, tool biography, EAM, and stock replenishment paperwork; maintain and update tooling documentation, CAD data, and die books.
• Maintain inventory and organization of die components, sensors, and the die sensor tool chest; receive, relocate, and issue components and record daily work in EAM.
• Organize and track die repairs, work orders, components, tooling information, and replenishments in systems including Kanban, EAM, and Jasper.
• Create die changeover instructions and document repairs and end-of-run issues, saving records electronically and notifying managers of issues.
• Build and assemble dies using stock lists; verify components against CAD data, assemble and set details, load springs and nitrogen cylinders, and perform die tryouts.
• Set dies in presses, clamp bolsters, load and feed coil stock, check die and press setup dimensions, and configure SmartPac cams and transfer systems as needed.
• Operate machine tools to spot, grind, and finish hardened mill blocks; build, assemble, install, and adjust fingers in presses and on die horses.
• Prepare for, install, wire, verify, and adjust die sensors, valves, cams, sprayers, and related components; document installations and protect wiring and equipment.
• Work with press technicians and process engineers to verify die accuracy, dimensions, timing, and performance; communicate component changes to designers or leads.
• Repair dies by cleaning components, replacing damaged tooling, sharpening, shimming, welding, grinding, cutting hardened components, inspecting trims and steels, polishing forms, and checking parts against fixtures or models.
• Troubleshoot automatic and hand-feed tooling and in-press setups; use production data, inspections, measurements, SmartPac, and press controls to determine and implement die changes.
• Apply continuous improvement and lean practices through preventive maintenance, corrective actions, waste reduction, cost-saving ideas, and participation in improvement and problem-solving events.
• Produce sample parts for metrology layout; use and maintain quality measurement tools; verify tooling and part accuracy and use quality data to confirm standards are met.
• Follow company policies, quality standards, safety regulations, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout, and die-block procedures; safely operate forklifts and cranes and maintain required licenses and records.
• Maintain a safe, organized work area and tool room according to 5S standards and report equipment or safety concerns.
• Communicate accurately and promptly with coworkers and management, train and mentor employees, provide feedback, and help meet tooling and production run dates.
• Maintain dependable attendance, arrive on time, work through the end of the shift, and perform duties respectfully and in support of company values.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation and comprehensive benefits plan.
• Medical and prescription coverage for employee coverage starting at $5.00 per week.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Safe, team-oriented work environment.
• Opportunity to participate in continuous improvement and problem-solving events.
• Positive work/life balance.
• Opportunity for career growth and promotion from within.

What This Job Offers

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