FS OP/MOLD HANDLER

Howmet Aerospace • Wichita Falls, TX

5d • $24 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

Howmet Aerospace is hiring a Foundry Service Operator/Mold Handler at its Wichita Falls, Texas facility. Working under general supervision and the direction of a caster, the employee removes molds from preheat furnaces, positions them for casting, applies wraps, performs dewaxing, repairs and inspects molds, and completes specified post-cast operations. The role involves following Product Criteria, Mold Sheets, activity instructions, work instructions, and standard operating procedures while maintaining quality and safety standards. The position works rotating 12-hour night shifts from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on a 2-on/2-off, 3-on/2-off, 2-on/3-off schedule. Training may take place on days, and overtime may be required. Starting pay is $24.15 per hour, with pay topping out at $28.74 after nine months, plus a $1.00 shift differential. Offers are contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, legal authorization to work in the United States, and lawful eligibility to access export-controlled items. Visa sponsorship is not available. The work involves handling hot molds and molten alloy, significant standing and physical activity, and exposure to high temperatures, dust, fumes, metal sprays, metal chips, nickel, and RCF. Required protective equipment includes metatarsal boots, hearing protection, hard hats, flame-retardant clothing, safety glasses, gloves, and aluminized spats; a dust mask or respirator is required for certain procedures.

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 rotating 12-hour night shifts, 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; training may take place on days.
• Must be able to work overtime when needed.
• Must be able to read and interpret Product Criteria and Activity Instructions, function as a team member under general supervision, and maintain expected quality levels.
• Must be able to operate required mobile equipment for the area.
• Must pass an annual Jaeger 2 vision test for depth perception when pouring alloy and setting mold position.
• Must meet physical demands including considerable effort when loading alloy, frequent standing, handling and transporting heavy hot molds, lifting 25–50 pounds, reaching, gripping, carrying, climbing, crawling, squatting, bending, pushing, pulling, twisting, and tolerating hand/arm vibration.
• Must comply with safety and EHS requirements and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Basic computer skills.
• Foundry Service Operator/Mold Handler experience.

Responsibilities

• Read instructions and assist the caster with casting molds according to established techniques and Product Criteria, Mold Sheets, or Activity Instructions.
• Assist with alloy acquisition, check preheat temperatures, handle molds before and after casting, and complete post-cast operations such as hot topping, exothermic application, and vermiculite encapsulation.
• Position molds properly, clean the lower chamber, and control variables affecting solidification and mold cooling.
• Move empty hot furnace trays; change and clean floor gaskets; perform departmental housekeeping; and assist with minor equipment maintenance.
• Notify the caster of torn wraps, bumped molds, or leaking molds.
• Load ovens and preheat furnaces as required.
• Keep updated on new methods and improvements.
• Follow safety practices, procedures, work instructions, SOPs, Activity Instructions, EHS rules, and other applicable policies.
• Rotate through job duties as required.
• Locate scheduled work and move trucks to the proper work station.
• Keep molds clean in each area and seal molds at dewax or mold inspection with a ceramic disk or rubber cap.
• Monitor equipment operation and temperature controls.
• Inspect and repair molds.
• Prepare solutions and maintain supplies.
• Cut required kaowool and roll board, and wrap molds according to process releases and Product Criteria.
• Operate required mobile equipment for the area.
• Keep machines and the work area clean and orderly, and promptly notify a supervisor of equipment or machinery malfunctions.
• Complete required paperwork and verify mold counts and paperwork on lot travelers or serial numbers at each operation.
• Perform other duties as required and work overtime when needed.
• Use computers to enter information and complete related tasks.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, report work-related illnesses, injuries, and safety, health, or environmental concerns, and attend EHS training.

Benefits

• Paid vacation based on length of service and paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plans with employer matching, including matching up to 6% of pre-tax contributions, and a separate employer retirement contribution.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits offered upon hire; FSA and HSA account options are also available.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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