Die Technician

Support Toolroom and Production personnel within the plant by improving extrusion tooling through replacement and/or modification to achieve company quality standards.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Makes detailed line adjustments and modifications to new and existing extrusion tooling, fixtures, and guides, as necessary.
• Analyzes tooling and profiles to investigate extrusion issues and balance dies as required.
• Setup and operate extrusion equipment for test runs, production runs and raw material evaluations.
• Must be able to see fine details and perform detailed handwork to extrusion tooling.
• Uses blue prints, specifications and related CAD data to determine design flaws.
• Participates in product-related meetings and production design reviews by providing feedback regarding tool and product design.
• Provides ongoing technical support and training to support production operations.
• Partners with supervisors and operators to set up operator specifications and procedures and assists with the introduction of new products.
• Works with Machinists, Engineers and Designers to develop new fixtures and methods.
• Troubleshoots extruders, auxiliary equipment and other parts of the extrusion process by gathering and recording specifications per the SOPs, and offers feedback to continuously improve the process.
• Maintain proper housekeeping and safety standards, making proper use of PPE, as required.
• Maintain adequate attendance levels, be prompt, and a “can do” attitude.
• Actively participate in Toolroom department team meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Must demonstrate a high degree of hand-eye coordination and a steady hand to perform ultra-fine work on tools under stereomicroscope, using files, carbide burrs, cratex, etc.
• Thorough understanding of the equipment and materials used in the extrusion process.
• Must have proven ability to troubleshoot and solve difficult and challenging production problems with minimal guidance and direction.
• Must understand and apply mathematical concepts, including fractions, ratios and proportions, as well as the fundamentals of geometry, trigonometry and tolerances.
• Ability to read and comprehend operating instructions, blueprints, design specifications and engineering drawings.
• Must be proficient in utilizing precision measuring equipment, including calipers.
• Must have strong time management, organizational, and record keeping skills.
• Must be able to use a computer and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications / Prior Experience

• GED or High School education preferred.
• Minimum of (5) years of extrusion operator and/or injection molding experience.
• Requires a strong mechanical and analytical background.
• CAD experience is preferred, but not required.

Work Environment / Other Requirements

• The performance of this position normally requires exposure to a typical manufacturing areas were under certain conditions that require the use of personal protective equipment. Primary environment: Temperature of work area may be moderate and affected by outside temperatures and machining. Industrial lighting provided.
• With minimal supervision, demonstrate the ability to solve practical problems, interpret, resolving problems and issues using a variety of instructions or guides furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Demonstrated ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, metric and standard, use of a calculator as required
• Standing, sitting, stooping and squatting can be expected along with lifting or with other means transfer of tooling, parts, containers and raw materials.
• Specific vision abilities required for detail work may include close vision, distance vision, peripheral and depth perception and ability to focus.
• Ability to lift up to 25-50 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Be able to work your scheduled shift and be “on-call” when needed for weekends.