Die Cast Operator

Orion Castings; Town of Grafton (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Castings in Wisconsin seeks a Die Cast Operator to run HPDC machines, monitor cycle times, and perform in-process quality checks. You will follow process sheets, assist with die changes, and keep safety rules around molten metal and heavy equipment.

The role requires reading measurements, bending to lift up to 50 lbs, and standing for long shifts in a hot, noisy environment. Reliable attendance and the ability to work overtime are essential for production flow.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• Ability to read a tape measure and use basic measuring tools, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work instructions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly, stand for the full shift, and work in a hot, noisy manufacturing environment.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work the assigned shift and overtime when needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor HPDC machines according to the process sheet and work instructions.
• Check shot parameters, cycle time, and machine settings, and report deviations to the supervisor or process technician.
• Ladle or monitor automatic metal delivery and keep the furnace and metal supply within specification.
• Remove castings, quench or cool them as directed, and trim gates, runners, and flash using the trim press or hand tools.
• Perform visual and dimensional checks at the frequency required by the control plan; identify defects such as porosity, cold shuts, flash, soldering, and cracks.
• Separate and tag nonconforming parts, and place scrap and returns in the proper containers for remelt.
• Assist with die changes, including preparing tooling and equipment, and help get the machine back to production.
• Record production counts, scrap, downtime, and inspection results accurately.
• Perform basic housekeeping and 5S, including keeping floors, walkways, and the work cell clean and free of hazards.
• Follow all safety rules, including lockout/tagout, hot work, and PPE requirements, and report injuries, near misses, and hazards immediately.

Job description

The Die Cast Operator runs and monitors a high pressure die casting machine and its related equipment, including automation, trim press, and downstream stations. You will keep the cell producing good castings at standard cycle time, perform in-process quality checks, and follow all safety procedures around molten metal and heavy equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor HPDC machines (cold chamber or hot chamber) according to the process sheet and work instructions
• Check shot parameters, cycle time, and machine settings, and report deviations to the supervisor or process technician
• Ladle or monitor automatic metal delivery and keep the furnace and metal supply within specification
• Remove castings, quench or cool them as directed, and trim gates, runners, and flash using the trim press or hand tools
• Perform visual and dimensional checks at the frequency required by the control plan; identify defects such as porosity, cold shuts, flash, soldering, and cracks
• Separate and tag nonconforming parts, and place scrap and returns in the proper containers for remelt
• Assist with die changes, including preparing tooling and equipment, and help get the machine back to production
• Pack, label, and move finished castings to the next operation or shipping
• Record production counts, scrap, downtime, and inspection results accurately
• Perform basic housekeeping and 5S, including keeping floors, walkways, and the work cell clean and free of hazards
• Follow all safety rules, including lockout/tagout, hot work, and PPE requirements, and report injuries, near misses, and hazards immediately

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent)
• Ability to read a tape measure and use basic measuring tools, or willingness to learn
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work instructions
• Ability to lift up to [50] lbs repeatedly, stand for the full shift, and work in a hot, noisy manufacturing environment
• Reliable attendance and ability to work the assigned shift and overtime when needed

Preferred

• Experience in die casting, foundry, or other metal manufacturing
• Experience with trim presses, hand deburring, or casting finishing
• Experience with quality checks, gauges, and basic SPC
• Forklift or overhead crane certification
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and 5S

Skills and Attributes

• Strong safety awareness and respect for molten metal hazards
• Attention to detail and ability to spot defects quickly
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to work at a steady pace and maintain focus through the shift
• Dependable, punctual, and a good teammate

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position works on a production floor near molten metal, hydraulic presses, and heavy equipment. Conditions include heat, noise, fumes, and spray from die lubricant. Required PPE includes safety glasses, face shield, hearing protection, heat-resistant gloves and sleeves, and steel-toe footwear, along with any additional protection specified for the task. The role requires standing, walking, bending, and repetitive lifting throughout the shift.