Lead HPDC Operator

JMJ PHILLIP; Bellevue (OH); On-site; USD 85,962,000 - 103,155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Bonus opportunities

Career growth

Job summary

JMJ PHILLIP seeks an experienced Lead HPDC Operator to coordinate shift operations in Bellevue, OH. You will set up casting cells, troubleshoot production issues, mentor operators, and ensure safe, high-quality production in a fast-paced setting.

You will lead HPDC cell activities, monitor performance metrics, and collaborate with maintenance and engineering to improve processes and introduce new equipment and tooling.

Qualifications

• Hands-on HPDC and supporting foundry equipment experience.
• Knowledge of die setups, gating and venting, casting troubleshooting, molten metal and furnace ops.
• Frontline leadership experience as Shift Lead or similar manufacturing role.
• Basic robot programming/integration with ABB, FANUC, KUKA systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot production and equipment issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work safely around hot, humid, noisy environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily shift activities to meet safety, quality, and production targets.
• Direct shift staff and assign daily tasks for efficient casting cell operations.
• Monitor cell performance, including OEE, cycle times, and scrap rates.
• Perform cell setups, changeovers, and process adjustments on HPDC machinery and auxiliaries.
• Troubleshoot casting defects by adjusting process parameters, gating, venting, and runner systems.
• Perform basic programming and troubleshooting of robotic casting cells.
• Coordinate complex equipment issues with maintenance teams.

Skills

Leadership

HPDC experience

Cell setup

Robot programming

OEE monitoring

Safety compliance

5S knowledge

Communication

Tools

ABB robotics

FANUC robotics

KUKA robotics

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead HPDC Operator with hands-on experience in high-pressure die casting and frontline manufacturing leadership. This role is responsible for coordinating shift operations, setting up casting cells, troubleshooting production issues, mentoring operators, and ensuring safe, high-quality, and efficient production.

Position Responsibilities

Shift Execution & Floor Leadership

• Coordinate daily shift activities to meet safety, quality, and production targets.
• Direct shift staff and assign daily tasks to maintain efficient casting cell operations.
• Monitor cell performance, including OEE, cycle times, and scrap rates.
• Enforce safety, PPE, housekeeping, and 5S standards.

HPDC Setup & Technical Operations

• Perform cell setups, changeovers, and process adjustments on HPDC machinery, furnaces, and auxiliary equipment.
• Troubleshoot casting defects by adjusting process parameters, gating, venting, and runner systems.
• Perform basic programming and troubleshooting of robotic casting cells.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance and coordinate complex equipment issues with maintenance teams.

Production Readiness & NPI Support

• Assist with testing and commissioning new die-casting equipment, automation, and tooling.
• Validate Standard Operating Procedures and control plans.
• Support new product introduction and prototype production runs.
• Assist with data collection for capability studies and PPAP validation.

Coaching & Team Training

• Train new operators on HPDC processes, cell safety, and quality requirements.
• Provide hands‑on coaching to improve technical skills and adherence to procedures.
• Provide performance feedback and support operator skills tracking.

Prerequisites

• Proven hands‑on experience in High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) and supporting foundry equipment.
• Practical knowledge of die setups, gating and venting, casting troubleshooting, molten metal, and furnace operations.
• Previous frontline leadership experience as a Shift Lead, Team Lead, Senior Operator, or similar manufacturing role.
• Basic robot programming and integration experience with ABB, FANUC, KUKA, or comparable systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot production and equipment issues in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work safely around hot, humid, noisy, and industrial production environments.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

• OSHA certification
• Forklift or powered industrial truck certification
• Robotics or automation certifications
• Die casting or foundry-related certifications
• Industrial maintenance or manufacturing certifications
• Lean Six Sigma certification

What the Role Offers

• Competitive hourly rate of $30.00–$36.00 per hour
• Opportunity to take on a frontline leadership role in advanced metal casting operations
• Hands‑on involvement with HPDC, robotics, automation, and new product introduction
• Opportunities to train and mentor manufacturing team members
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Potential discretionary bonus opportunities
• Opportunities for professional growth and technical development

Why Bellevue?

Bellevue provides access to a strong manufacturing and industrial workforce, with proximity to established automotive, metalworking, and advanced manufacturing operations. The area's manufacturing environment offers opportunities for skilled HPDC professionals to work with modern casting technologies, automation, and production processes.