Die Cast Set-Up Operator

Kurt Manufacturing; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Kurt Die Casting in Minneapolis, MN, part of Kurt Manufacturing, is seeking a Die Cast Set-Up Operator to set up and run nonferrous die casting machines for aluminum parts. This 3pm–1:30am Monday–Thursday shift offers hands-on process control, maintenance, and collaboration with CNC, automation, and quality teams in a 100,000 sq ft facility.

Candidates should have a HS diploma or GED and at least 1 month related experience; NADCA Level I certification preferred.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 month related experience.
• Preferred NADCA Level I Certification.

Responsibilities

• Lifts die sections into machine using chain or hoist.
• Bolts die section in position and adjusts ram stroke.
• Connects water hose to cooling system.
• Preheats die sections with torch or electric heater.
• Sets up robotic operations and starts machine for sample casting.
• Inspects castings for defects.
• Performs maintenance, cleaning and adjusts malfunctioning machines.
• Operates forklift to move metal.
• Counts, weighs, and records metal moved.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent GED

Job description

At Kurt Die Casting our employee experience and vertical-manufacturing facility set us apart. We take pride in our employees and work to the highest standards, equipped with the tools, opportunities and technology to produce top-quality, complex aluminum and zinc die castings.

Job Summary

The Die Cast Set-Up Operator sets up and operates die casting machines that cast parts from nonferrous metals, such as aluminum.

Shift /Hours: 3pm to 1:30am Monday through Thursday

Compensation

The anticipated hourly starting rate for this position is between $21.26 to $28.00. The exact salary may be determined on a combination of factors including the candidate's knowledge, experience, skills, abilities, and education.

Essential Functions

• Lifts specified die sections into machine, using a chain or hoist.
• Bolts die section in position and adjusts stroke of ram, using hand tools.
• Connects water hose to cooling system of die.
• Preheats die sections with torch or electric heater.
• Turns valves and sets dial to regulate flow of water circulating through die, timing cycle and operating speed of machine, based on size and structure of part being cast and type and temperature of metal being used.
• Sets up robotic operations. Starts machine to produce sample casting, and examines casting to verify setup.
• Blows metal fragments from die surfaces, using air hose, and sprays lubricant over die cavity and plunger.
• Pushes button to close and lock dies and activate plunger that forces molten metal into die cavities.
• Removes casting after dies open automatically, using tongs or pliers.
• Inspects casting for defects, such as cracks or blisters.
• Perform process / equipment adjustments as necessary.
• May measure casting, using fixed gauges.
• May perform maintenance, cleaning and adjust malfunctioning machines.
• May clean furnaces and equipment.
• May operate gas or electric powered forklift truck to move, stack, or unload metal in and about facility.
• Counts, weighs, and or records number of units of metal moved or handled.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reliable attendance is required.

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent GED
• 1 month of related experience

Preferred

• 6 months of related experience
• NADCA Level I Certification

Physical Demand Factors

The following physical demand factors should be used as a general guideline for employees listed under this job title. Specific requirements will vary based on the employee’s individual work responsibilities.

Strength Level Rating: Medium work. Work involves exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, or an amount greater than negligible and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

A worker in this job will frequently (from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time):

• Reach by extending hands and arms
• Handle objects by seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with hands
• Pick, pinch, or otherwise work primarily with fingers
• Perceive attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touch
• Adjust vision to bring objects into sharp focus

The worker will occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time):

• Climb such as ascend/descend ladders, stairs, etc. Where body agility is emphasized
• Maintain balance to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching when moving about on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces
• Stoop by bending body downward and forward requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles
• Kneel by bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee(s)
• Crouch by bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine
• Crawl by moving about on hands and knees
• Hear by perceiving the nature of sounds by ear
• Identify and distinguish colors

100% employee owned, Kurt Die Casting is a division of Kurt Manufacturing and located near Minneapolis, MN. Employees at our die casting facility can gain experience in multiple areas of manufacturing including aluminum and zinc die casting, CNC machining, automation, and quality control. We have over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space with the capacity and capability to service a diverse set of customers and industries. Kurt Die Casting features 20 CNC machining centers and 15 die casting machines ranging in size from 500 to 1,200 tons. Many of the castings we produce feature challenging designs that require secondary operations such as machining, finishing and assembly.

What makes Kurt different? It starts with employee ownership, what we put into our products, passion that leads to profound pride, and the endless desire to deliver perfection on time, every time. That’s why we’ll never settle for good enough. It’s this dedication that created our legacy of excellence. If you are ready to transform your career with an industry leader, let us show you how owning something makes a difference.

Kurt Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces all individuals and what makes them unique. At Kurt we are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.