Die Cast Remelt & Machine Operator

Default Brand; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Default Brand is seeking a Die Cast Remelt & Machine Operator based in Watertown, South Dakota. This full-time position involves safely operating remelt furnaces and die casting machines while ensuring high-quality production standards.

Candidates must possess a high school diploma and ideally have manufacturing experience. The role includes physical demands and strict adherence to safety procedures in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED and vocational training may be preferred.
• Ability to work safely around high-temperature equipment.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor remelt furnaces and die casting machines.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures for molten metal handling.
• Inspect castings to guarantee product quality.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Ability to operate furnaces

Comfortable with molten metal

Attention to detail

Ability to read instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic measuring instruments

Job description

Pay or shift range: $20 USD to $25 USD. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.

Description

At TCDC, you are not a number – you are part of a team that owns its future! TCDC is an employee‑owned company with over 100 years in business and three locations. We value our employee‑owners and their contributions that play an important part in our ability to provide our customers with precision aluminum and magnesium die castings.

FLSA: Full‑time, hourly (non‑exempt), 40 hours per week, eligible for overtime

Wage Range: $20 - $25

Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday – Thursday, 5:00 am – 3:30 pm

Position Summary

The Die Cast Remelt & Machine Operator is responsible for safely operating remelt furnaces and handling molten metal to support production requirements while also operating die casting equipment and performing casting‑related tasks. This position spends approximately 50% of its time performing remelting and metal handling functions and 50% performing casting machine operations. The successful candidate must be comfortable working around molten metal, operating industrial equipment, maintaining process controls, and producing quality cast products in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Remelting & Metal Handling Responsibilities (Primary Function)

• Operate and monitor gas, oil, electric, or induction furnaces used to melt and refine metal prior to casting.
• Observe furnace operations and monitor temperature, fluidity, and metal condition to ensure compliance with process requirements.
• Regulate fuel, air, electrical current, and cooling systems to maintain proper furnace temperatures.
• Draw molten metal samples for analysis and assist with alloy adjustments as required.
• Remove impurities from molten metal using approved methods and equipment.
• Transfer, drain, or pour molten metal using ladles, hoists, pumps, or other material handling equipment.
• Operate controls to move or discharge molten metal from furnaces safely and efficiently.
• Inspect furnaces and associated equipment for wear, damage, or operational concerns and report issues promptly.
• Follow all safety procedures associated with molten metal handling and furnace operation.

Casting Operations Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor die casting machines according to approved process specifications.
• Start machine cycles and perform manual casting operations as required.
• Position inserts, spray dies, and prepare equipment for production runs.
• Remove castings from dies and perform trimming, de‑flashing, and other secondary operations.
• Visually inspect castings and perform dimensional checks using measuring instruments to ensure product quality.
• Monitor machine performance and notify supervision of process deviations or equipment malfunctions.
• Package and transfer finished product according to work instructions.
• Accurately record production, quality, and process information.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Follow all environmental, health, safety, and quality policies and procedures.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Support production needs through cross‑training and departmental flexibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Frequency: Continuous 67-100%, Frequent 34-66%, Occasional 1-33%

STRENGTH

• No lifting and carrying of 50 lbs.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of 21 to 49 pounds
• Continuous lifting and carrying of 1 to 20 pounds
• Frequent walking
• Continuous pull and pushing

MOTION

• Continuous twisting and bending
• Continuous reach (overhead and out‑stretched)
• Continuous kneeling, climbing, crawling, bending, and stooping

REPETITION

• Continuous use of vibratory tools
• Continuous grip, torque, and fine manipulation
• Continuous handling/grasping

OTHER

• Continuous exposure to hot and cold temperature extremes
• Functional vision
• Ability to discern colors
• PPE Required
• No Driving

For the purpose of compliance with ADA and Workers Compensation reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continually exposed to moving mechanical parts; extreme heat and vibration.
• The employee is continually exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• The employee is continually exposed to fume or airborne particles.
• The noise level in the work environment is continually very loud.

Education and Experience

• Requires a high school diploma or GED and may require some vocational training or job‑related coursework.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to work safely around high‑temperature equipment.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, process sheets, and safety procedures.
• Ability to use basic measuring instruments and complete production documentation.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks throughout the shift.

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.