Die Maker

About the role

Die Makers are highly skilled employees responsible for producing dies, and specialized parts and devices used on manufacturing machines in an automotive manufacturing plant. The work requires practical skill and knowledge as a Die Maker to analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and hand tools.

The work may require interpreting specifications, blueprints, manufacturers' manuals, sketches, or similar documents. The candidate must have the ability to plan the sequence of operation and materials required according to knowledge of computer technology, such as computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), to design and create instructions for the manufacture of tools.

The candidate will be required to test and inspect the dies that are created to ensure they are true to the original design and function properly. The candidate must have excellent communication skills and the ability to problem solve.

Responsibilities

• Work from blueprints, drawings, layouts, or other specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating dies or assemblies
• Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based upon specifications
• Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, CNC machines, and grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes
• File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together
• Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, gauges, and tools using machine tools and hand tools
• Perform tests with completed dies to ensure that parts meet specifications; make adjustments as necessary
• Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects
• Lift, position, and secure machine parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates
• Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, and rulers
• Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rulers, and hand tools
• Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products
• Select materials to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness and heat tolerances
• Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly
• Perform incidental tasks as required to complete the larger task

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Basic knowledge of mathematics, algebra, and physics
• A minimum of 4 years of combined experience and training similar to that required in a bona fide apprenticeship program as a Die Maker; or a U.S. Department of Labor Completion of Apprenticeship Certificate as a Die Maker; or eight (8) years of documented Die Maker experience; or five (5) years of documented Die Maker experience and three (3) years in a related trade
• Experience as a Die Maker or Tool & Die Maker in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (required)
• Knowledge of G-Suite (preferred)

Skills

• Ability to work any shift and work overtime, including daily, weekends, and holidays as required
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills