Lead HPDC Operator

PSW Group; Bellevue (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401k with company match

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Job summary

PSW Group is seeking a Lead HPDC Operator to drive shift execution on high‑pressure die casting lines and oversee setup, tooling, and process adjustments. You will mentor operators, ensure safety, and translate production schedules into efficient, quality‑driven outputs on the shop floor.

You will coordinate with maintenance and engineers on die casting hardware, automation, and tooling layouts, while contributing to SOPs, PPAP validation, and NPI support.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on HPDC/metal casting experience on production floors.
• Strong frontline leadership with ability to direct shift staff and coordinate tasks.
• Basic robot programming for integrated casting cells (ABB, FANUC, KUKA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication to relay instructions and updates.
• Know-how on safety, PPE, and 5S practices on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily shift activities to meet safety, quality, and output targets.
• Direct shift staff and troubleshoot coverage to keep cells running.
• Monitor OEE, cycle times, and scrap rates; report to Production Manager.
• Perform HPDC cell setups, changes, and process adjustments.
• Troubleshoot defects, gate/vent issues, and optimize runner systems.
• Program and troubleshoot integrated robotic casting cells on the floor.
• Lead PM tasks and collaborate with maintenance on complex repairs.
• Support NPI and R&D prototype runs and contribute to SOP validation.
• Onboard and train new operators; provide real-time coaching and feedback.

Skills

HPDC experience

Frontline leadership

Robot programming

Operations coaching

Safety & compliance

Tools

ABB/FANUC/KUKA robotics

Job description

Lead HPDC Operator

PSW Group is a leading magnesium and aluminum manufacturer advancing nonferrous metal technologies. We are investing in an state-of-the-art Advanced Casting Technology Development Center which will increase new HPVDC, semi-solid casting, and other new technologies for aluminum and magnesium casting development. This center will drive next‑generation casting solutions for automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics and other light‑metal industries.

We are seeking an experienced Lead HPDC Operator with hands‑on experience on HPDC.

TheLead HPDC Operatorplays a critical frontline role at PSW Group, bridging the gap between management and the shop floor. Reporting directly to the Production Manager, you willoversee shift operations, set up casting cells, and mentor operatorswhile maintaining hands‑on responsibility for High‑Pressure Die Casting production. Your primary focus is translating production schedules into safe, high‑quality, and efficient shift execution.

Core Responsibilities

Shift Execution & Floor Leadership

• Coordinate daily shift activitieson the production floor to achieve safety, quality, and output targets assigned by the Production Manager.

• Direct shift staff, adjust daily task assignments, and troubleshoot coverage issues to keep casting cells running optimally.

• Monitor hourly cell performance(OEE, cycle times, and scrap rates) and report shift outcomes or maintenance needs to the Production Manager.

• Enforce safety and housekeeping, ensuring the team maintains strict compliance with OSHA regulations, PPE requirements, and 5S cleanliness standards.

Hands-On HPDC Setup & Technical Operations

• Perform cell setups, changeovers, and process adjustmentson HPDC machinery, furnaces, and auxiliary equipment.

• Troubleshoot casting defectson the floor by checking and adjusting process parameters, gating, venting, and runner system performance.

• Execute basic programming and troubleshootingfor integrated robotic casting cells (ABB, FANUC, KUKA, or similar).

• Conduct routine preventive maintenance (PM)tasks and work closely with the maintenance team on complex equipment breakdowns.

Production Readiness & NPI Support

• Assist in testing and commissioningnew die-casting hardware, automation, and tooling layouts on the plant floor.

• Validate new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)and control plans, providing practical feedback to optimize documentation for the operator team.

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI)and R&D prototype runs, helping collect data for capability studies and PPAP validation.

Coaching & Team Training

• Conduct hands‑on onboarding and technical trainingfor new operators on HPDC processes, cell safety, and quality standards.

• Provide real‑time coachingto floor staff to build their problem‑solving capabilities and ensure consistency in SOP execution.

• Provide performance inputto the Production Manager for operator evaluations and skills tracking.

Qualifications

Required Technical Skills & Experience

• Proven hands‑on experiencein High‑Pressure Die Casting (HPDC)/metal injection and supporting foundry equipment.

• Practical technical knowledgeof die setups, troubleshooting gating/venting issues, and managing molten metal/furnace operations.

• Frontline leadership experience(e.g., Shift Lead, Team Lead, or Senior Operator) in a manufacturing environment.

• Basic robot programming/integration skillsfor automated casting cells (ABB, FANUC, KUKA, or equivalent).

• Strong communication skillsto effectively relay technical instructions to operators and status updates to management.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primarily office-based with regular travel to manufacturing sites, supplier locations, and industry events.

• Occasional extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines and business needs.

• Most of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant or warehouse center. The environment will include, at times walking onto the plant production floor where there is weather and non-weather-related hot or humid conditions, extreme cold, working near moving mechanical parts or equipment.

• The noise level in the work environment is quiet in the office, but can be loud when on the production floor, warehouse or loading areas.

• Frequently required to sit.

PEOPLE MATTER

PSW Group is dedicated to fostering an open, inclusive, and trusting culture where every employee feels valued and respected.

We treat all our employees fairly and with respect and dignity, regardless of their position or background. We recognize that a diverse employee community makes an invaluable contribution to the Company’s goals and ideals, and we're committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for all.

Our open-door policy encourages all employees to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions with management. We aim to foster a culture of trust and transparency, where employees feel empowered to speak up and be heard at all levels. We actively listen to our employees and provide them with honest, responsible feedback.

The safety and well‑being of our employees is of utmost importance to us, and we strive to provide the safest working conditions possible by maintaining the highest standards of safety in everything we do. From providing proper training to implementing safety protocols, we take every step necessary to ensure that our employees are protected from harm and can work safely and with peace of mind.

At PSW Group, we believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we're dedicated to creating a workplace where they can thrive and grow.

COMP & BENEFITS

Our employees are our most asset. We are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits packagethat helps our employees stay healthy, work-life balanced and have a sense of security. Our benefits package includes a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, the ability to participate in a 401k plan with a company match, medical, dental, vision, life, disability and other types of group and induvial coverages.

OUR VISION

Committed to providing the highest quality raw materials.

OUR MISSION

To support our customers in building their products and be their trusted partner in innovation and success by providing superior and sustainable lightweight metal solutions.

ABOUT PSW GROUP

PSW Group is a leading recycler and producer of non-ferrous lightweight metals, specializing in magnesium and aluminum.

We supply a broad range of products including secondary magnesium alloys, primary and secondary aluminum alloys, and tolling and chip recycling services. Our international production facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia provide us with a cross-continental network of reliable supply that is unrivaled in the industry. Our team also stands at forefront of sustainability, by investing in technologies and processes to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the highest quality of our products.

PSW Group is committed to providing the highest quality raw materials to build your unique products and realize your most innovative ideas. Our products are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, communications, constructions, and electronics industries. By upholding the highest quality and environmental standards, we strive to provide consistent, superior, and sustainable lightweight solutions to meet, and exceed, our customers’ needs.

PSW Group is focused on the pursuit of innovation and excellence. By following our core values, we strongly believe we can continue to provide value to customers by setting the standard in magnesium recycling.

PSW Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.