Tool Room 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. This high-speed manufacturing environment seeks a precision-focused Tool Room Machinist to maintain, repair, and modify high-speed tooling for aluminum end production. Reporting to the Tool Room Coordinator, this role requires expert knowledge of tool and die principles, precision grinding, and specialized machine shop equipment to ensure tooling meets 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 for Shell Press and Conversion machinery.
• Operate specialized manual Tool Room equipment, including 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 measured in ten-thousandths of an inch (0.0001”).
• Perform rigorous in-process and final inspections of repaired tooling using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, and optical comparators.
• Read and interpret complex mechanical blueprints, technical drawings, and engineering specifications to ensure conformance to design standards.
• Document all measurements, repairs, and adjustments in the prescribed tooling tracking system.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to diagnose tooling failures and perform immediate repairs to minimize production downtime.
• 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 Tool Room environment, strictly adhering to 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 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: Technical degree or equivalent experience (4+ years in a technical manufacturing environment).
• Prior experience in metal forming, packaging, or high-volume consumer goods (FMCG).
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ideally within the aluminum can industry.
• 3+ years of 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, with preference for data collection and analysis experience in high-volume automated environments.
• 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.
• Innovative leadership to identify opportunities and influence organizations using data and persuasion.
• Ability to develop manufacturing documentation and identify critical process parameters.
• 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 manage multiple projects with tight deadlines and execute improvement opportunities.
• Pragmatic decision-making, high integrity, and ability to train others inside and outside the work group.

Software/Computer Skills

• 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.
• Proficient keyboarding and typing skills.

Environmental & Physical Factors

• Works primarily 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 dusty or clean environments.
• Frequently exposed to electrical and mechanical hazards.
• May work outside or in unconditioned warehouses when handling surplus and scrap materials.
• Continuous use of vision, hearing, and speech; frequent sitting, standing, walking, and occasional bending.
• Lifts, carries, pulls/pushes, and reaches for supplies, occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Climbs stairs, ladders, and requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices, power tools, and machining equipment.
• Wears safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.

Schedule

• 12-hour rotating shifts: 4 days on, 4 days off.
• Rotating shifts include night shifts.
• Schedule may vary based on plant operational needs, including long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.