Tool and Die Maker

Valmont Industries, Inc. • Valley, NE

27d • $33 • Onsite

About The Position

The Tool and Die Maker machines parts and constructs, repairs, and troubleshoots dies, molds, gauges, jigs, fixtures, tooling, mechanical components, and plant equipment assemblies. The role also fabricates prototype parts for new product development. Work includes reading mechanical blueprints, performing advanced shop math and trigonometric calculations, using CAD software, and identifying trends in press-monitoring systems and suggesting corrections. The employee maintains a clean, orderly, and safe work area, participates in continuous improvement, and operates a forklift and other material-handling equipment. This position reports into GEMS and mentors less-skilled Tool and Die employees. Domestic travel, including overnight stays, may be required up to 1%. The position is based at 28800 Ida St, Valley, Nebraska, and is scheduled for first shift, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Compensation is $33 or more per hour.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree and at least 3 years of related work experience, or at least 7 years of related work experience.
• Successfully complete Toolmaker and Machinist tests and hands-on tests.
• At least 3 years of experience reading and interpreting blueprints or process sheets.
• Experience heat-treating ferrous material through hardening and surface hardening.
• Experience constructing and troubleshooting dies, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical components.
• Ability to demonstrate dimensional precision measurement and tolerancing using micrometers, calipers, indicators, and thread gauges.
• Experience with AutoCAD 2010 or newer.
• Ability to perform advanced shop mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to operate manual lathes, mills, drills, and grinders, and to program and operate CNC mills and lathes.
• Ability to demonstrate metal cutting and machine-tool operation.
• Work experience welding mild steel using wire feed or stick.
• Ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds frequently; stand for 90% of the shift and bend, pivot, or squat for 10% of the shift.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and computer proficiency for communicating with departments, entering time and labor, completing online training, and requesting time off.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends when required for business needs.
• Ability and willingness to communicate and interact positively with coworkers and others, with or without direct supervision.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a clean and safe working environment, with or without direct supervision.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate jib, monorail, and bridge cranes and safely operate and drive a forklift.
• Acceptable prior attendance, safety, and performance history.
• Intermediate proficiency in CNC milling and CNC lathe operation.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and communicate in English; legible penmanship.
• Ability to read mechanical blueprints and understand metal cutting, machine-tool operation, dimensional measurement, tolerancing, and the construction of dies and fixtures.
• Ability to safely handle workpieces and materials using appropriate lifting devices, including raw materials weighing from 30 pounds to several thousand pounds.
• Ability to work the entire shift in a shop environment and maintain attention while operating equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in a related field.
• One or more years of professional experience with computer-aided drafting software.
• One or more years of professional welding experience.
• One year of professional forklift-operating experience.
• Associate’s degree in Machine Tool Technology or Tool and Die.

Responsibilities

• Heat-treat ferrous materials through hardening and surface hardening.
• Design, construct, repair, and troubleshoot dies, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical components.
• Apply dimensional precision measurement and tolerancing.
• View, create, and update AutoCAD drawings and Fusion models and drawings.
• Perform advanced shop mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry.
• Operate manual lathes, mills, drills, and grinders; program and operate CNC mills and lathes.
• Perform metal cutting and machine-tool operations.
• Weld mild steel using wire-feed or stick welding.
• Use computer programs for CAD, email, labor reporting, safety, and training.
• Safely operate and drive a forklift and operate hydraulic lifts, jib cranes, and bridge cranes for material handling.
• Receive, inspect, clean, and stock steel, nonferrous metals, phenolics, plastics, and other raw materials.
• Review job instructions and prints for errors or missing information; document print changes or errors and notify the customer.
• Ensure work areas are safe and comply with company safety policies; maintain clean and orderly work areas and equipment.
• Determine required materials, machines, tools, machining methods, setup, and sequence of operations.
• Program CNC machines from print information or use CAD software to determine tool-path coordinates.
• Position guarding to protect workers from cutting tools and chips, and inspect work frequently to verify specifications.
• Keep the lead person informed of progress and issues; provide estimates of time and materials when requested.
• Use CNC machining time efficiently by preparing for subsequent steps, inspecting quality, and cleaning the area.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, customers, and other departments, including understanding customer needs and providing estimates for inquiries.
• Participate in department Safety and Lean programs and continuous improvement teams.
• Work overtime and weekends when required for business needs.
• Mentor less-skilled Tool and Die employees.

Benefits

• Healthcare benefits, including medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave.
• Work-life support.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• Voluntary programs, including tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, and mortgage services.

What This Job Offers

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