Forging Die Prep Operator

Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products Llc; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products Llc in Bowling Green, KY is seeking a Die Prep Associate to perform die setting and preparation on mechanical presses in Forging, including die cleaning, inspection, and adherence to setup instructions.

The role coordinates with Tooling for repairs, logs steps, and ensures safety while moving dies with cranes and forklifts. Requires 5S, measurement literacy, and basic English; high school diploma or GED preferred.

Qualifications

• 5S knowledge and hands-on use in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to read, write and understand measurements (inches/mm).
• Ability to read, write, and understand basic English.
• Experience with pneumatic, hydraulic and electric hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Clean die holders to prevent setup issues causing downtime or scrap.
• Operate die heating ovens and heat dies to target temperatures.
• Use pneumatic tools to clean dies, clamps, and die bolts.
• Follow setup sheets to correctly set dies, shims, and parts.
• Safely use overhead cranes and forklifts to move dies and holders.
• Read production schedules to ensure correct dies are set.
• Check die holder plugs and maintain good temperature connections.
• Assist with changing and setting up forge dies as needed.

Skills

5S

Measurement reading

Basic English reading/writing

Pneumatic tools

Team player

Follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Overhead crane certification

Forklift operation

Overhead crane operation

Job description

Job Title: Die Prep Associate

Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Forging

Reports to: Forging Press Supervisor

Position Summary

Die prep operators are responsible for completing the die setting of the mechanical presses in Forging. Cleaning and inspection of dies and die holders, following proper setup instructions, and double-checking work to match forging check sheets set in place to ensure the best quality of parts will be produced when dies are set in holders at the press. They will also work directly with the Tooling dept. to schedule die repairs, TPM’s, & tooling modifications. All aspects from setup, inspection, & repair are all logged as dies move throughout the plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Clean die holders thoroughly to prevent die setup issues that lead to downtime & scrap
• Operate die heating ovens and correctly heat dies to set temperature
• Use pneumatic tools to clean holders, clamps, and dies, and to loosen and tighten die clamp bolts
• Follow setup sheets to accurately set dies to their recipe; shims, die combinations, correct parts, etc.
• Safety and use of overhead cranes to transport dies and die holders
• Safety and use of forklifts to move dies from heaters to staging areas
• Read and understand the production schedule to ensure the correct dies are set
• To check Die holder plugs and ensure they are clean and getting a good connection to keep the holders at the proper temperature.
• Changing and setting up roll forge dies
• Work together with fellow die prep team members to ensure the shortest change over times are met when setting up the forging roll and/or performing hot swaps when holders are down for repair

Skills & Competencies

• Understanding and utilization of 5S concept.
• Must be able to read, write, and understand numbers and different forms of measurements. (Inches, millimeters)
• Ability to read and comprehend basic English
• Use pneumatic, hydraulic, & electric hand tools
• Must be able to work with others in a team environment
• Ability to follow instructions

Education & Experience

• High school degree or GED equivalence.
• Forklift certification (OJT)
• Overhead crane certification (OJT)
• Able to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks for extended periods, to include but not limited to lifting (up to 50 lbs.), walking, standing, stooping, pulling, and pushing.
• Willing to maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations; including wearing personal protective equipment.
• Willing to work in hot/humid, cold, dirty, & noisy industrial environment.
• Basic computer literacy
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate verbally.