Tool and Die Engineering Technician

Overview

Dexter, the premier manufacturer and supplier of axles, suspension, brakes, doors, venting products, trailer parts, accessories, and towing components serving the commercial trailer, RV, heavy-duty, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets has an opportunity for a Tool and Die Engineering Technician at our manufacturing facility located in San Marcos, CA.

Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter employs over 3,800 people throughout the U.S. and Canada, operates 18 manufacturing facilities, and distributes trailer parts and accessories through over 30 company-owned distribution locations.  Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved many years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service.

For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site at www.dextergroup.com.

Position Summary

The Tool and Die Engineering Technician will be responsible for designing and fabricating custom tooling, fixtures, and equipment to improve the safety and efficiency of our production processes.  This position is also responsible for designing programs for CNC machining centers to efficiently fabricate replacement tooling, and fixture components.  As needed, the Tool and Die Technician helps troubleshoot processes and equipment.  

Some key responsibilities of the Tool and Die Engineering Technician may include:

• Identifies new opportunities for safety or mechanical improvements within the manufacturing process
• Manages a project team
• Trains staff memebers where necessary – typically after implementing new processes or equipment, or making changes to existing ones
• Manages setup and programs CNC-VMC & Lathe (Master-Cam and G-code knowledge)
• Uses CAD or comparable software to design and machine customer tooling and fixtures
• Reads and interprets blueprints or works from verbal or written instructions or from the part to be copied or fitted
• Plans the setup and operation of all machine shop tools, considering types of material, tolerances, cutting tools, coolants, lubricants, and machine tool feeds and speeds
• Determines specifications for inspection of work, using precision measuring and gauging tools, performing required inspection before, during, and after machining
• Develops and maintains clear and accurate documentation of equipment and processes
• Performs hand operations in producing jigs, fixtures, tools, and dies. Uses hand tools of the trade
• Fits and assembles jigs, fixtures, tools, and dies. Sets up, runs off, and tests dies to produce a product to specifications, tracing die difficulties to their source and correcting same
• Uses a full range of precision measuring and gauging tools to perform an inspection before the start of the job
• Repairs parts if not commercially available
• Plans the setup and operates typical machine shop machine tools, Mills, Lathes, Surface Grinders, Band Saws, Etc.. Producing parts to tolerances and company specifications.  Uses typical machinist’s hand tools
• Troubleshoots processes or equipment when errors occur.  Assists in repairs as required
• Ensures compliance with all safety and environmental regulations
• Provides technical support to production team
• Performs additional duties as required by supervisor

Requirements

This position requires a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience. 3 years of related experience as a qualified tool and die machinist. Including the design and fabrication of custom parts and equipment. 

• Experience with Mastercam, CAD, or equivalent software
• Drafting and dimensioning parts
• Reverse engineering and redesign of parts
• Requires a very high degree of precision and control in work where damage could be high and where muscular control and delicate touch are required to prevent injury to self and others when operating machine tools
• Ability to produce precision work
• Ability to read blueprints and specifications
• Experienced in the use of a full line of inspection and measuring equipment
• Ability to work with other professionals as a team to expedite a project