Apprentice - Tool and Die Maker

Cool Gear International; Katy, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance

Short term & Long-term disability

Supplemental life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Igloo Products Corp. in Texas seeks a Tool and Die Maker Apprentice to support production by repairing and fabricating plastic molds and tooling.

You will analyze specs, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and assemble parts for dies and jigs. The role requires high school diploma or equivalent and at least five years in tool and die making for plastics, strong math and English skills, and ability to work in a high-temperature, loud manufacturing environment with PPE.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalency.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of Tool and Die Making manufacturing plastic molding experience.
• English language skills: Able to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Math skills: Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Understanding of shop mathematics.
• Knows metal properties, and can demonstrate layout, machining, and assembly procedures.

Responsibilities

• Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools.
• Fit and assemble parts to fabricate and repair metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
• Repair and fix parts and molds that come into the shop
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Machine setup

Layout

Machining

Mold repair

Education

High School diploma or equivalency

Job description

Igloo Products Corp. is an iconic, fast-growing American brand known for its exceptional and durable coolers designed to meet everyday needs. For more than 75 years, Igloo has been a leader in the housewares industry and has evolved into a high-growth lifestyle brand, inspiring outdoor experiences centered around fun, family, and friends.

Founded in 1947 as a metalworking shop that brought fresh cold water to Texas workers in the field, and later inventing the Playmate, Igloo has grown into America’s most recognizable brand of ice chests. The Igloo story spans more than 75 years of delivering coolness to the world. Today, Igloo has over 90% brand awareness, is #1 in market share in the U.S., and is a pioneer in sustainability within its category through the launch of biodegradable coolers and products made with post-consumer recycled resin and other sustainable materials. Igloo also has a growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) business, allowing us to build direct relationships with our consumers. In 2021, Igloo was acquired by Dometic Brands, creating the opportunity to globally grow both brands together.

Built on a legacy of quality and innovation, we are seeking a Tool and Die Maker Apprentice to join our team and support our continued growth.

This role will be involved in ensuring production goals are met by repairing and making plastic molds.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools.
• Fit and assemble parts to fabricate and repair metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
• Repair and fix parts and molds that come into the shop
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What do we offer?

You are offered an interesting role in a dynamic, fast paced and global environment with great opportunities to grow and take on new challenges. The growth at Dometic is continuous – which gives you great possibilities to evolve with the company.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short term & Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

A suitable background would be a solid experience within the following qualifications and experiences:

• Education: High School diploma or equivalency.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of Tool and Die Making manufacturing plastic molding experience.
• English language skills: Able to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Math skills: Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide.Understanding of shop mathematics.
• Knows metal properties, and can demonstrate layout, machining, and assembly procedures.

Physical Demands & Conditions

(Applicable to Igloo Operators, Technicians, Leaders, and Other Roles in Manufacturing)

Standing & Walking

Roles may involve extended periods (up to 12 hours) of standing and walking, including moving at a brisk pace and occasional stair climbing.

Postural Requirements

Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and working in low or awkward positions during production or maintenance tasks.

• Operator-level roles may involve lifting up to 25 lb repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Technician-level roles may involve lifting up to 50 lb multiple times per day, including overhead lifts.
• Where possible, mechanical aids (e.g., hoists, forklifts) are used.

Fine Motor Skills & Tool Use

Use of both hands is required to operate tools, perform adjustments, and handle assembly materials with precision.

Visual Requirements

Sufficient visual acuity (e.g., 20/40 with or without correction) is necessary for tasks involving inspection and safe equipment operation.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed in a production setting where seasonal temperatures may range from 100–120°F (with humidity) in summer to cooler conditions in winter.
• High noise levels are common; hearing protection is provided and required.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as ear protection, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and protective clothing may be required depending on the task.

Additional Job Considerations

These roles can be physically demanding, involving repetitive motions and long hours. Technicians may be required to handle heavy molds and materials; use of material handling equipment is provided and encouraged.

And of course – our Core Values

To thrive and succeed in this role, you understand the importance of our core values – Together We build our future, We play to win, We embrace change and We walk the talk; these values reflect the heart and soul of Dometic and they define what it takes to work here and how we do things.

Are you our next star?

Dometic is passionate about building together an inclusive and equitable working environment, that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that diversity enables us to thrive across our differences. Be yourself and join us!

Igloo offers equal opportunities for everyone. Equal opportunities mean that all employees shall be treated according to their abilities and qualifications in every employment decision, including but not limited to hiring, advancement, compensation benefits, training, lay-offs and termination. Any form of discrimination or harassment against employees due to personal factors, such as gender, ethnicity, skin color, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability and pregnancy or employees with family responsibilities is prohibited.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.

Igloo supports and respects the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights. We do not tolerate child labor or any form of modern slavery, including forced, bonded or compulsory labor, physical or psychological punishment or human trafficking.

#IPC75

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.