Machinist (End Plant)

About the Role

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas, and non-carbonated beverages. Using state-of-the-art end-making technology, this high-speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities. We are seeking a precision-focused Tool Room Machinist to maintain, repair, and modify high-speed tooling used in our aluminum end manufacturing processes. This hands-on role requires expert knowledge of tool and die principles, precision grinding, and specialized machine shop equipment to ensure tooling meets extremely tight tolerances for continuous, high-volume production.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of complex precision tooling components, including dies, punches, cut-edge tooling, and related parts used in Shell Press and Conversion machinery.
• Utilize specialized manual Tool Room equipment, surface grinders, vertical and horizontal milling machines, lathes, and high-speed rotary tooling equipment (e.g., lapping and polishing stations).
• Maintain and adjust tooling dimensions to required specifications, working with tolerances often measured in ten-thousandths of an inch (0.0001”).
• Perform rigorous in-process and final inspections of repaired tooling using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, and optical comparators.
• Read and accurately interpret complex mechanical blueprints, technical drawings, and engineering specifications to ensure conformance to design standards.
• Document all measurements, repairs, and adjustments made to tool components in the prescribed tooling tracking system.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to diagnose tooling failures and perform immediate, effective repairs to minimize production downtime (e.g., changing tooling at the conversion press).
• Assist in analyzing quality issues (e.g., scoring, burrs, uneven metal) and provide technical input on tooling design or maintenance improvements.
• Conduct preventative maintenance checks and adhere to documented Standard Work procedures for tooling repair and assembly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment within the Tool Room, strictly adhering to all 5S and safety protocols, especially when operating grinding and cutting machinery.
• Handle and store precision tools and components properly to prevent damage and degradation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Proficient in operating manual Tool Room machinery, including surface grinders, lathes, milling machines, and specialized lapping/polishing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and technical assembly drawings.
• Experience using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers).
• Must be able to obtain a forklift operator certification (internal).
• Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to work across all shifts in a 24/7/365 operational environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours).

Qualifications

• Preferred: A Technical degree or equivalent experience (greater than 4 years in a technical manufacturing environment).
• Prior experience in metal forming, packaging, or high-volume consumer goods (FMCG).
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ideally within the aluminum can industry.
• 3+ years of practical, hands-on experience as a Tool & Die Maker, Machinist, or Precision Tooling Technician in high-speed automated machinery, preferably in metal forming, packaging, or can manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of tooling materials, heat treatments, coatings, and their applications in high-volume production.

Skills

• Understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering, scientific, and technical information.
• Experience with New Product Introduction, reworking design changes, and upgrades through to production.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, 2D drawings, P&IDs, fluid and electrical schematics, and other engineering documentation.
• Proven understanding of BOMs, manufacturability, process design, process validation, assembly methods, design reviews, and cost-reduction methodologies.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate, detailed records for periodic audits.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for relaying data verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines and identify improvement opportunities through process and system enhancements.
• Ability to train people inside and outside their work group.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, Visio), Google Workspace, Outlook/Gmail, and website software.
• Ability to learn new software systems and data management systems quickly.

Schedule

This position requires working 12-hour rotating shifts on a 4-days-on, 4-days-off schedule, including night shifts. Flexibility is required to meet operational demands, which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Work Environment

• Primarily works in a warehouse/manufacturing facility with daily contact with other departmental personnel.
• Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, and in dusty or clean environments.
• Frequently exposed to electrical and mechanical hazards.
• May require working outside or in an un-air-conditioned warehouse when handling surplus and scrap materials.
• Continuous use of vision, hearing, and speech; frequent sitting, standing, walking, and occasional bending.
• Must lift, carry, pull/push, and reach for supplies, occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Requires climbing stairs, ladders, and manual dexterity for operating power tools, machining equipment, and computer devices.
• Must wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.