Fs Op/Mold Handler

Howmet Aerospace•Wichita Falls, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Howmet Aerospace’s Wichita Falls, Texas facility is hiring a Foundry Service Operator/Mold Handler to support investment-casting operations. Under general supervision and the direction of a caster, the employee removes molds from the preheat furnace, positions them for casting, applies wraps, performs dewaxing, repairs and inspects molds, and completes specified post-cast operations. The role requires following Product Criteria, Mold Sheets, Activity Instructions, standard operating procedures, and established safety and quality requirements. Training may take place on day shifts; the position itself is on a rotating night schedule of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., following a 2-on/2-off, 3-on/2-off, 2-on/3-off rotation. Overtime may be required. Offers are contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen. The work involves handling heavy, hot molds and molds containing molten alloy, operating area mobile equipment, maintaining work areas and supplies, completing required paperwork, and helping with minor equipment maintenance. The physical demands include frequent standing, lifting and carrying items weighing 25–50 pounds, reaching, gripping, climbing, crawling, squatting, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting. The work environment includes brief exposure to extreme heat, casting dust and fumes, occasional uncontained molten-metal sprays and metal chips, and exposure to nickel and refractory ceramic fiber (RCF). A dust mask or respirator is required during certain procedures, along with other required personal protective equipment. The employee must pass an annual Jaeger 2 vision test for depth perception when pouring alloy and positioning molds. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and legal authorization to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is unavailable, and employment is conditioned on lawful access to export-controlled items. Starting pay is $24.15 per hour, with a top rate of $28.74 after nine months, plus a $1.00 shift differential. Benefits include paid vacation based on length of service, paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with company matching up to 6% of pre-tax contributions, employer retirement-plan contributions each pay period, medical, prescription drug, dental and vision benefits upon hire, employee life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire, and visa sponsorship is not available.
Ability to lawfully obtain access to export-controlled items.
Ability to work rotating night shifts from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on the stated rotation; training may take place on days.
Ability to work overtime when needed.
Ability to read and interpret Product Criteria and Activity Instructions, work under general supervision, function as a team member, and maintain expected quality levels.
Ability to use a computer for tasks such as entering information and completing required paperwork.
Ability to operate required mobile equipment for the work area.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including frequent standing and handling heavy, hot molds; lifting and carrying 25–50 pounds; reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, crawling, squatting, bending, gripping, pinching, pushing, pulling, and twisting.
Ability to pass the annual Jaeger 2 vision test for depth perception when pouring alloy and setting mold position.
Ability to wear required PPE, including metatarsal pull-up boots, hearing protection, hard hat, flame-retardant clothing, safety glasses, gloves, and aluminized spats; dust mask or respirator is required for certain procedures.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Read available instructions and assist the caster in casting molds according to established techniques and Product Criteria, Mold Sheets, or Activity Instructions.
Acquire the proper alloy, check preheat temperatures, handle molds before and after casting, and perform specified post-cast operations, including mold hot topping, exothermic application, and vermiculite encapsulation.
Position molds correctly, clean lower chambers, and control variables that affect 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 about torn wraps, bumped molds, or leaking molds.
Load ovens and preheat ovens as required, and rotate through job duties as needed.
Locate scheduled work and move trucks to the appropriate workstation.
Keep molds clean and seal them at dewax or mold inspection using 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 the supervisor of equipment or machinery malfunctions.
Complete required paperwork and verify mold counts and paperwork on lot travelers, or serial numbers at each operation.
Follow work instructions, standard operating procedures, Activity Instructions, safety practices, and applicable EHS requirements.
Wear required personal protective equipment, report work-related illness, injuries, and safety, health, or environmental concerns, and attend EHS training.
Work overtime when needed and perform other duties as required.

Benefits

Paid vacation each year, 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 account each pay period.
Medical benefits offered upon hire.
Prescription drug benefits offered upon hire.
Dental benefits offered upon hire.
Vision benefits offered upon hire.
Employee life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.