HPDC Die Repair Technician

Key Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, repairs, and rebuilds on HPDC dies, trim dies, and associated tooling.
• Disassemble, inspect, troubleshoot, and reassemble die cast tooling components.
• Diagnose tooling failures and determine corrective actions to restore production readiness.
• Repair worn, damaged, or cracked die components using welding, machining, polishing, grinding, and fitting techniques.
• Perform bench work including spotting, fitting, lapping, and polishing of die surfaces.
• Maintain cooling lines, vent systems, ejector systems, and moving die components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, die designs, blueprints, and tooling specifications.
• Conduct dimensional inspections using precision measuring instruments.
• Absorb and assist in die tryouts and production startups following repairs or modifications.
• Document maintenance activities, repair history, and tooling performance data.
• Recommend tooling improvements to enhance die life, casting quality, and productivity.
• Work with engineering teams on die modifications and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Support emergency tooling repairs to minimize production downtime.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Technical training, apprenticeship, or certification in Tool & Die, Machining, or a related field preferred.
• Experience repairing and maintaining HPDC dies and tooling.
• Proficiency with hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and tool room equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and CAD-generated prints.
• Knowledge of die casting processes, die construction, and tooling materials.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in high-pressure die casting tooling repair.
• Experience with aluminum die casting operations.
• TIG welding, laser welding, or tool steel repair experience.
• Knowledge of CNC machining, EDM, surface grinding, and milling operations.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience using maintenance management systems (Work Instructions or visual aids).

Technical Skills

• Die disassembly and assembly
• Tool steel repair techniques
• Die spotting and fitting
• Welding and polishing
• Precision measurement tools
• Blueprint reading
• Hydraulic and mechanical systems
• Root cause analysis
• Preventive maintenance practices
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting

Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing and tool room environment.
• Exposure to heat, noise, oils, lubricants, and metalworking equipment.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed footwear.

Performance Metrics

• Support cross-functional team
• Tooling downtime reduction
• Die repair turnaround time
• Die life improvement
• First-pass casting quality
• Preventive maintenance completion rate
• Scrap reduction related to tooling issues
• Safety and quality compliance