Die Maker

Smurfit Westrock Company; Conover (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock Company is seeking a Die Maker to prepare, inspect, repair and set up dies to meet production schedules and customer requirements. The role emphasizes attention to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The job requires basic measurement skills, blueprint literacy, and the ability to read technical documentation. A high school diploma or GED is required, with experience operating pallet jacks and using caliper gauges valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Measurement devices

Quality awareness

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Caliper gauges

Job description

The Opportunity

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.
• 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.
• 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.