Pridgeon & Clay · 3 months ago
Die Technician II - 3rd Shift
Grand Rapids, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$29/hr - $37/hrPridgeon & Clay is one of the largest independent manufacturers and suppliers of automotive stamped and fine-blanked components in the United States. The Die Technician II works with die build or production teams to maintain and optimize dies according to company quality policies, ensuring efficient production processes.
AutomotiveEnergyLogisticsManufacturingRenewable Energy
Responsibilities
Complete necessary paperwork for die books, tool biographies, (and EAM, if applicable), and complete and ensure stock replenishments
Optimize and communicate knowledge base (including documenting die build and tool tryout issues, and ensuring CAD data and die books are updated) to enhance future die designs
Maintain proper inventory in, and organization of, the die sensor tool chest
Maintain inventory and organization of all die detail components and sensors within defined inventory locations; receive, relocate, and issue components from defined inventory locations
Document hours and work activity daily in record-keeping system-Electronic Asset Management (EAM)-using proper repair codes
Prioritize and organize die repairs, work orders, components, tracking, parts, and tooling information in data systems (Kanban, EAM, Jasper). Complete and submit Maintenance/Repair/Operations (MROs) to set up stock replenishments in EAM
Create die changeover instructions, die repairs, and end of run issues, ensuring CAD data and die books are updated, and Managers are notified of any issues. Ensure all instructions and documentation are saved electronically in the correct location
Use stock lists generated by the die design team to ensure all die components are present, and if they are not, notify Manager or a lead Die Technician
Visually compare die components with CAD data to ensure accuracy, including heat treating process (if necessary). Notify Manager or lead Die Technician of any heat treating and altering of any inaccurate die components
Drill, set, and attach the necessary parallels
Assemble, set, and dowel necessary die component details, drilling and mounting the blocks in the proper locations, ensuring trim steels, punches, and embosses are properly placed and meet tolerances
Assemble all remaining die component details from stock lists and notify Manager or lead Die Technician to verify that the timing is correct
Load dies with die springs and nitrogen cylinders
Perform die tryouts, including setting dies, clamping die bolsters, loading coils, and feeding coil stock. Ensure dies are built accurately (t-slots, cone locators), and shut heights and feed heights are correct. Create smart pac cams for feed rate, sprayer timing, sensor timing, shut height, and overloads. Alter servo transfer systems to set fingers or fine blanking presses, as needed. Notify a lead Die Technician of any component changes, including such items as ejector pins, screws, dowels, and stripper pads
Operate a variety of machine tools to spot, grind, and finish hardened mill blocks to verify specific dimensions, as well as build, assemble, install and adjust fingers in presses per design or instruction
Perform the duties needed to prepare to install sensors into dies and fingers, such as verify replacement is needed, retrieving and reviewing designs and diagrams to determine optimal placement and accessibility, and organizing and labeling wires, ensuring proper channels lead to sensors
Identify, select, install and replace sensors, guarding and valves based on function, application, and information from diagrams. Ensure that sensors, wires, boxes on rails, valves, cylinders, and hoses are protected. Document items needed for installation, including sensor and pin location and work performed, via pictures, EAM and sensor installation sheets
Wire, verify, and adjust sensors, valves, and cams (using tools such as SmartPac and sensor cart) for proper clearances and timing to ensure optimal performance (including die clearance and timing)
Install, plumb, and secure sprayers and sprayer components in dies properly, as well as chutes, keeping clear of all moving parts (fingers, pads, incoming material, etc.)
Work with press technicians and process engineers to verify that newly built dies are built accurately (t-slots, cone locators, trim steels, punches, and embosses are properly placed and meet tolerances), that shut heights and feed heights are correct, and that the dies are timed out properly. Notify designer of any component changes, including such items as ejector pins, screws, dowels, and stripper pads
Perform the tasks needed to repair dies, including clean components, change out cracked or damaged tooling, sharpen and shim, weld, grind, cut hardened components, inspect and sharpen trims, punch, and die steels, polish forms, prep backup and changeover tooling before it goes to the crib, and check parts on the fixture, and spot the detail back into a part or model of what the block shape should be
As necessary, program transfer systems to optimally transfer parts from station to station
Build, assemble, install and adjust fingers on die horses and in presses
Build and repair fabricated components using the MIG welder
Troubleshoot automatic and hand-feed tooling and set-ups in-press
Use data (EAM, operator observation, visual inspection, measurement, etc.) to problem solve needed die changes
Use Smartpac and press controls modifications to ensure presses operate optimally
Validate process parameters and notify the proper operations group to enter system deviations when applicable
Alter or adjust die components to ensure die operations the produces optimal parts
Combine problem solving methods with data (EAM if applicable), information from technicians/operators, information from part strip, elongated pilot holes, mismatched cuts, and burrs) to determine the specific changes needed for each die
Apply continuous improvement concepts to dies and the changeover process via preventive maintenance and corrective actions, making adjustments to better the quality of the part and life of the tool, cost savings, fixing overlooked areas (such as stone the die sets, clean the dies, remake worn steels and die components), simplify the dies, and identify potential cost savings for pitch and width reductions, and ensure back up tooling is correct and present
Identify and attempt to eliminate areas of waste for better efficiency and overall production needs
Anticipate die and operation problems and work to eliminate them before they happen
Participate in, and support lean initiatives such as continuous improvement events and problem solving events, identifying and eliminating all types of waste
Suggest and implement ideas to increase personal and departmental efficiency. Communicate potential cost savings to other Technicians and Manager
Participate in 8D and 5-Why problem solving teams, Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) events, die improvement reviews, and die reviews
Make the necessary sample parts and submit them to the metrology lab for layout
Use and maintain quality tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gages, solid squares, pin gages, dial indicators, Joe blocks, 1-2-3 blocks, machine parallels, angle plates, sine plates, V-blocks, precision vices, protractors, feeler gages, radius gages, and telescoping gages
Verify tooling components for accuracy before use, including using the layout on tooling detail prints to verify tooling accuracy. Verify that parts produced are manufactured according to requirements; document as needed per control plan
Examine forms for thinning and hard mark areas, implementing tooling changes as needed
Use available quality data (Statistical Process Control, Coordinate Measuring Machine checks, control plans, visual inspections) to verify that parts meet quality standards
Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, TS 16949 and safety regulations
Safely use hi-lo and cranes, maintaining licenses, maintenance schedules, and inspection sheets. Use overhead crane to dry run dies, checking for interference between upper and lower die shoes. If interference is found, notify a Die Tech I of the inaccuracy immediately so the interference can be adjusted accordingly
Follow all safety procedures, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), controls, safety devices, lock-out/tag-out, use of coolants, and die block procedures. Identify potential safety issues and take appropriate action. Ensure environment is free of avoidable risks, and report concerns immediately, taking appropriate action to immediately rectify and resolve
Organize and maintain personal work area and tool room per 5S standards. Notify Team Leader if repair or replacement of machinery or equipment is needed
Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives. Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management, including training and validating/appraising work of other Die Technicians at lower levels
Train new and existing employees on all aspects of Tool & Die build and repair, using Training Checklists as a guideline. Mentor new and existing employees in areas of needed skill development as appropriate to job duties and requirements
Know tooling and capability run dates, and communicate any information that would prevent those dates from being met
Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job, and being at the work station on time at beginning of shift and after breaks, working until end of shift
Accept instructions and duties in a positive manner, while treating all co-workers with dignity and respect. Seek clarification for complete understanding, and process information for job independence and elimination of waste
Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Ownership, We Can If....Safety) daily, through thoughts and actions
Qualification
Required
High school diploma or GED
Completion of an Associate's Degree in Tooling & Manufacturing (or similar program) or completion of a college-based or apprenticeship-based Tool & Die or Technician program or certificate
Ability to train, teach, and assess other Die Technician trainees in the Career Path program, working well and leading and mentoring in a team environment
Experience in the prototype or tool & die trade, specifically making, repairing, setting up, trouble-shooting and running dies
Proven ability to work with progressive, transfer, compound, hand-feed or feinblank dies
Skilled in machine shop and machining operations, including welding
Proven ability to assist with managing projects and resources effectively, including detailed documentation on tooling issues and component prints
Excellent problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills
Ability to pass written and practical tests to obtain company hi-lo and crane license
Proven mechanical inclination, general math and manufacturing knowledge, and trouble-shooting skills through standardized assessments
Computer literacy
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Must not wear tinted safety glasses, or have a need for tinted safety glasses
An excellent work record, including attendance (Minimum requirements are updated annually to meet the demands of various positions; employees hired prior to the latest revision update may not meet all current requirements)
Benefits
Premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage
Dental
Vision
401(k) with company match
Tuition reimbursement
Company
Pridgeon & Clay
Pridgeon & Clay is an automotive company that manufactures automotive, heavy truck, and alternative energy solutions.
Founded in 1948
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Pridgeon & Clay has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2022 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
R. Kevin Clay
President and CEO
David Norris, CMA, CIA
CFO & Board Member
Recent News
Inside INdiana Business
2024-10-24
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