Lead Pattern Maker - Foundry, CAD & Tooling Expert

Construction Association of Michigan; Grand Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Stable, full-time

Job summary

Construction Association of Michigan seeks an experienced pattern maker to lead the pattern shop. You will interpret blueprints and CAD drawings, build patterns and core boxes in wood, metal, urethane and epoxy, and coordinate gating and rigging with engineering.

The role requires independent work, precise measurement, and adherence to production deadlines. The candidate will maintain shop safety, inspect patterns for accuracy, and adapt tooling to meet changing engineering requirements in a

Qualifications

• 5+ years of pattern making experience in a foundry or commercial pattern shop.
• Advanced blueprint reading skills and ability to work from CAD models.
• Proficiency with standard pattern shop machinery and precision measuring tools.
• Strong shop math skills including fractions, decimals, and geometry.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in a shop.

Responsibilities

• Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and customer drawings to determine pattern construction, parting lines, and core requirements.
• Build patterns, core boxes, match plates, and loose patterns in wood, metal, urethane, and epoxy.
• Lay out gating, risers, and rigging in coordination with engineering.
• Repair, modify, and maintain existing pattern equipment to support production.
• Operate pattern shop machinery and inspect patterns for dimensional accuracy.
• Maintain pattern records and keep a safe, organized shop.

Skills

Pattern making

Blueprint reading

Independent work

Production deadlines

Shop math

Education

Pattern making apprenticeship or journeyman status

Tools

CAD software

CNC pattern machining

Table saw

Bandsaw

Jointer

Planer

Lathe

Shaper

Sanders

Calipers

Height gauges

Job description

Construction Association of Michigan seeks an experienced pattern maker to lead the pattern shop. You will interpret blueprints and CAD drawings, build patterns and core boxes in wood, metal, urethane and epoxy, and coordinate gating and rigging with engineering.

The role requires independent work, precise measurement, and adherence to production deadlines. The candidate will maintain shop safety, inspect patterns for accuracy, and adapt tooling to meet changing engineering requirements in a