Die Cast Setup Technician – High-Pressure Aluminum (2nd Shift)

Mindscope; Cedarburg (WI); On-site; USD 59,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Full benefits

Bonus PTO opportunities

Job summary

Mindscope in Cedarburg, WI is seeking a Die Cast Setup Technician for the 2nd shift to lead die changes, set process parameters, and troubleshoot high-pressure aluminum die casting equipment in a fast-paced, ISO-certified facility. You will own tooling changeovers, optimize machine performance, and collaborate with a craftsman-focused team.

A minimum 2+ years of hands-on setup experience and US work authorization are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of tenure at each previous employer.
• Hands-on die cast setup or heavy machinery changeover experience.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting in hydraulics, pneumatics, and machine systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute complete die changes and tooling setups for high-pressure aluminum die casting machines.
• Set and fine-tune process parameters: melt temperatures, hydraulic pressures, shot speeds, timings.
• Safely rig, align, and install dies and tooling using cranes and forklifts.
• Diagnose setup or production defects to optimize cycle times and reduce scrap.
• Inspect hydraulic, pneumatic, water/cooling systems prior to production sign-off.
• Coordinate with Quality and Production for first-piece inspections and setup validation.

Skills

Die cast setup

Mechanical troubleshooting

Process parameter setting

Reading setup sheets

Quality issue diagnosis

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Overhead cranes

Forklifts

Job description

Die Cast Setup Technician - High-Pressure Aluminum (2nd Shift)

Job Order ID: 4801

Employment Type: Permanent

Salary: $59280-85280/Yr

Web Publication Date: 10/13/2026 12:00:00 AM

Job Location: Cedarburg, WI 53012

Job Function:

• Pay & Incentives: Up to $41.00/hr ($85,280/yr based upon experience), 401(k) with match, pay-for-performance bonus opportunities, full benefits, and opportunities to earn additional hours of bonus PTO per year for strong attendance.
• Work Pattern/Schedule: Predictable 2nd shift schedule providing consistent evening routine stability.
• Environment & Company Profile: Join one of the largest independent die casting manufacturers featuring high employee stability, 40% tenure over 10+ years, and tier-one OEM partnerships (Caterpillar, Harley-Davidson, Kohler, Warner).
• Core Functional Scope: Lead complete die changes, set machine process parameters, and troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and automation systems on high-pressure cold-chamber die casting equipment.
• Strict Requirements & Authorization: Requires strong job stability (minimum 2+ years per employer), hands-on die cast setup or heavy machinery changeover experience, mechanical troubleshooting skills, US work authorization, and a commute within 45 minutes of Cedarburg, WI.

A premier, North American market leader in high-precision die casting is seeking a skilled Die Cast Setup Technician to join their 2nd shift team. Operating in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment, this seat is critical for performing timely die changes, setting precise process parameters, and optimizing machine performance across high-pressure aluminum die casting cells.

Joining an ISO-certified facility where 40% of the workforce boasts over a decade of tenure, this direct-hire position offers long-term stability, competitive top-tier hourly pay, strong 401(k) matching, and clear career growth paths. You will take full ownership over tooling changeovers, cell automation setups, and process optimization while working alongside a collaborative, craftsman-focused production team.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Execute Die Changes & Setups: Perform complete die changes and tooling setups for high-pressure aluminum die casting machines and auxiliary automation equipment.
• Set Process Parameters: Establish and fine-tune critical machine parameters including melt temperatures, hydraulic pressures, shot speeds, intensification rates, and cycle timing.
• Install Tooling & Auxiliaries: Safely rig, align, and install dies, trim tools, shot-end components, plunger systems, and cooling/lubrication lines using overhead cranes and forklifts.
• Troubleshoot Process & Quality: Diagnose and resolve setup, machine, or casting defects during startup and production runs to optimize cycle times and eliminate scrap.
• Verify System Functionality: Inspect hydraulic, pneumatic, water/cooling, and automated spray/ladle systems prior to production sign-off.
• Conduct First-Piece Inspections: Coordinate with Quality and Production to complete initial part runs and first-piece inspection approvals according to setup sheets.
• Enforce Safety Standards: Rigorously follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), crane safety protocols, and safe molten metal handling procedures during all setups and teardowns.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Job Stability Required: Demonstrated career stability with a strict requirement of at least 2+ years of tenure at each previous employer.
• Setup & Tooling Experience: Proven hands-on setup or changeover experience in high-pressure aluminum die casting, plastic injection molding, stamping, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Technical & Mechanical Aptitude: Strong troubleshooting capabilities in mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and reading complex process setup sheets.
• Equipment Operations: Demonstrated ability to safely operate overhead bridge cranes, forklifts, and heavy rigging equipment.
• Commutable Radius: Must reside within a 45-minute maximum commute of the Cedarburg / Greater Milwaukee, WI area.
• Education & Authorization: High School Diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training preferred. Must be fully authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Cold-Chamber Aluminum Expertise: Specialized hands-on experience setting up cold-chamber die casting machines and automated robotic cells (ABB, Fanuc).
• Defect Troubleshooting: Advanced knowledge of identifying and resolving porosity, cold shuts, soldering, and flash defects.
• Lean & Continuous Improvement: Practical experience utilizing 5S, SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die), or continuous improvement tools to reduce setup changeover times.