Die Maker

Smurfit Westrock; Conover (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Training & development

Career with global packaging company

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Die Maker to prepare and maintain dies, support production schedules, and ensure high-quality packaging products. You will read blueprints, calculate rule heights, and operate EX-Bender and bending equipment to meet customer requirements.

The role requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. You will collaborate with production teams and contribute to continuous improvement in a hands-on environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience in a Die Cutting Shop as a Die Maker.
• Ability to read basic measurement devices and follow specs.
• Mechanical aptitude with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate pallet jacks and basic equipment.
• Read and follow blueprints and technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of carton manufacturing processes and quality requirements.
• Inspect tooling accuracy and ensure production readiness.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Safety-conscious in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform essential functions with/without accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare dies to support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Review production schedules to ensure tooling readiness.
• Read and interpret blueprints and specifications to build/modify dies.
• Calculate rule heights and scoring for die construction.
• Knife, clean, rubber, and nick dies for production runs.
• Operate die-making equipment including EX-Bender and manual bending equipment.
• Inspect dies, die boards, counters, and steel plates for accuracy.
• Evaluate die performance and identify improvements for efficiency.
• Repair and maintain dies for optimal production performance.
• Assist with reporting, data collection, and inventory activities.
• Collaborate with management and production teams to resolve issues.
• Maintain housekeeping and safety standards.
• Follow quality, safety, environmental requirements; perform additional duties.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Reading blueprints

Problem solving

Communication skills

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

EX-Bender

Manual bending equipment

Caliper gauges

Tape measures

Pallet jacks

Job description

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Join Smurfit Westrock as a Die Maker, where you will play a critical role in preparing and maintaining dies that support efficient production and high-quality packaging products. In this position, you will be responsible for building, inspecting, repairing, and preparing dies to meet production schedules and customer requirements while ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

This hands-on role requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. A typical day may include reviewing production schedules, reading blueprints, preparing dies for upcoming jobs, evaluating tooling performance, making repairs and adjustments, and collaborating with production teams to improve operational efficiency and product quality.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Prepare dies to support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Review upcoming production schedules to ensure tooling readiness.
• Read and interpret blueprints and specifications to accurately build and modify dies.
• Calculate rule heights and scoring requirements for die construction.
• Knife, clean, rubber, and nick dies to prepare them for production runs.
• Operate die-making equipment, including EX-Bender and manual bending equipment.
• Inspect dies, die boards, counters, and steel plates received from suppliers to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Evaluate die performance and identify opportunities for production improvements and increased efficiency.
• Repair and maintain dies to ensure optimal production performance.
• Assist with departmental reporting, data collection, and inventory-related activities.
• Collaborate with management, technicians, and production teams to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Maintain housekeeping and workplace organization standards established by management.
• Follow all quality, food safety, environmental, and workplace safety requirements.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Shift: 7am-7pm;4 on 4 off schedule.

What You Need to Succeed

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience working in Die Cutting Shop as Die Maker.
• Ability to use and read basic measurement devices, including calculators, tape measures, rulers, and caliper gauges.
• General mechanical aptitude and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate pallet jacks.
• Ability to read and follow detailed instructions, blueprints, and technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of carton manufacturing processes and quality requirements.
• Ability to inspect and verify tooling accuracy and production readiness.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment while adhering to all established safety requirements.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

What We Offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.