Tool and Die Maker Apprentice

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare•Richland, MI

About The Position

The Tool and Die Maker Apprentice will be a highly motivated individual who is willing to learn and apply acquired skills. During a four year program, the Apprentice will learn how to analyze specifications; lay out metal stock; set up and operate machine tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, grinders, or special purpose equipment; fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists’ hand tools according to production specifications and needs; and more.

Requirements

Excellent math and mechanical skills and ability.
Attentiveness and detail-oriented: the ability and desire to do precision work.
Ability to follow directions.
Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
Problem solving and planning skills.
Computer skills.
Excellent communication skills: written and verbal.
High school diplomas or equivalent.
Performs work under close guidance of Tool and Die Maker and Supervisor.
Handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.
Demonstrates curiosity, desire, and capability of learning the Tool and Die Maker responsibilities.
Has acquired or will acquire accreditation from a technical school or an applicable skilled trades program along with learning the trade through On the Job training.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of blueprint reading, and precision measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers preferred, preferred.
Some vocational-technical machining training, preferred.

Responsibilities

Machine Operation and Setup: Sets up and operates conventional and CNC machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses) to shape parts to precise dimensions.
Tool and Die Fabrication: Studies blueprints and models to plan, cut, shape, and trim blanks. Fits and assembles parts to create, modify, or repair dies, jigs, gauges, and tools using hand tools or welders.
Design and Development: Designs jigs, fixtures, and templates. Develops new tools and dies using computer-aided design (CAD) software, including creating/updating drawings, and Engineering Change Requests.
Quality Inspection and Testing: Verifies work conformance using calipers, micrometers, and gauges. Conducts test runs with completed tools/dies, inspecting for dimensions, smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
Material Preparation and Layout: Selects alloys based on properties. Measures, marks, and scribes stock for machining. Positions and secures parts using hoists, vises, and v-blocks.
Surface Finishing: Files, grinds, shims, and polishes surfaces to ensure proper fit and finish.
Heat Treatment: Understands hardness scales (A-2, S-7, etc.), annealing, and stress-relieving processes.
Press Operations: Sets up and operates punch presses. Welding/Fixture Support: Loads/unloads weld fixtures and monitors weld quality.
Planning and Interpretation: Reads and interprets machining instructions, blueprints, and job orders to determine sequences and tooling requirements.
Operational Precision: Selects cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cut based on metal properties.
Safety and Compliance: Enforces and adheres to all health and safety regulations, including OSHA, GMP, HACCP, and equipment-specific safety rules.
Process Improvement: Troubleshoots equipment failures, implements process improvements, and communicates with the team.
Administrative Support: Requests and processes pricing quotations and ensures production output meets organizational expectations.
Additional tasks may be assigned as needed.