Maintenance Technician- Tool & Die

Genera; Vonore (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Genera is building a commercial scale facility in Vonore, TN to convert agricultural fibers into pulp and molded fiber products. We seek a Maintenance Mechanic – Tool & Die to keep dies, molds, fixtures and tooling in peak condition, supporting production quality and efficiency.

The role requires exceptional mechanical aptitude and precision machining skills; you will collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance teams to optimize tooling performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required or equivalent.
• Technical certificate in Tool & Die, Precision Machining, Industrial Maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years Tool & Die maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with molded fiber, plastics, paper, packaging or high-volume manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Experience with automated manufacturing equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild production tooling, molds, dies, trim tools, fixtures, and precision components.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on tooling systems.
• Diagnose tooling wear, damage, alignment issues, and performance concerns.
• Fabricate replacement components using manual machine tools and precision measuring equipment.
• Modify tooling to improve efficiency, product quality, equipment reliability, and manufacturability.
• Install, align, and commission new tooling during production changeovers.
• Assist with mold and die setup for production runs.
• Perform polishing, fitting, grinding, welding, and finishing of tooling components.
• Work from engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints, and technical specifications.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting tooling

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical certificate in Tool & Die / Precision Machining / Industrial Maintenance

Tools

CNC machining

Mold maintenance

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Servo systems

Robotics

Laser alignment

Precision machining

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Vonore, TN 37885

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Title: Maintenance Mechanic – Tool & Die

Department: Maintenance

Maintenance Technician - NIGHT SHIFT (will train on days)

JOB SUMMARY

Genera is constructing a commercial scale facility in Vonore, Tennessee that will convert agricultural fibers into pulp for sale into the market and making molded fiber products such as disposable food containers and other paper products. Performs efficient and effective maintenance activities, in a way that maximizes safe production of quality products, minimizes cost and protects the environment. These tasks are to be performed on a day to day basis following site goals. Level will be determined by skill and ability.

Position Summary

The Maintenance Mechanic – Tool & Die is responsible for maintaining, repairing, fabricating, troubleshooting, and improving tooling used in Genera's molded fiber manufacturing operations. This position ensures dies, molds, fixtures, cutting tools, trim tools, and associated equipment remain in optimal operating condition to support production efficiency, product quality, and equipment reliability.

This role requires exceptional mechanical aptitude, precision machining skills, and the ability to work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance teams to continuously improve tooling performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild production tooling, molds, dies, trim tools, fixtures, and precision components.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on tooling systems.
• Diagnose tooling wear, damage, alignment issues, and performance concerns.
• Fabricate replacement components using manual machine tools and precision measuring equipment.
• Modify tooling to improve efficiency, product quality, equipment reliability, and manufacturability.
• Install, align, and commission new tooling during production changeovers.
• Assist with mold and die setup for production runs.
• Perform polishing, fitting, grinding, welding, and finishing of tooling components.
• Work from engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints, and technical specifications.
• Measure and inspect tooling using precision measuring instruments including:
• Micrometers
• Dial indicators
• Height gauges
• Bore gauges
• Calipers
• Surface plates
• Identify root causes of tooling failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain proper tooling inventory and spare parts.
• Assist Engineering with tooling improvements and prototype development.
• Support new equipment installation and startup activities.
• Complete work orders and maintenance documentation using the company's CMMS system.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Participate in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Support production during scheduled shutdowns and emergency repairs.
• Work overtime and weekends as needed.
• Reliable and Predictable Attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Extensive knowledge of tool and die maintenance practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues.
• Experience working with:
• Progressive dies
• Trim dies
• Molds
• Fixtures
• Precision assemblies
• Ability to operate manual machine tools including:
• Engine lathes
• Vertical mills
• Surface grinders
• Drill presses
• Band saws
• Experience with precision fitting and alignment.
• Knowledge of bearings, bushings, guide pins, punches, inserts, springs, and wear components.
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Blueprints
• Mechanical drawings
• GD&T
• Technical manuals
• Strong welding and fabrication skills preferred.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to safety and quality.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical certificate in Tool & Die, Precision Machining, Industrial Maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of Tool & Die maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Experience with molded fiber, plastics, paper, packaging, or high-volume manufacturing is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:
• CNC machining
• Mold maintenance
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Servo systems
• Robotics
• Laser alignment
• Precision machining
• Lean Manufacturing
• Root Cause Analysis
• Continuous Improvement methodologies

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb ladders, and reach throughout the shift.
• Work in hot, humid, noisy manufacturing environments.
• Ability to wear required PPE.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated work platforms when necessary.

Work Environment

• This position works in an industrial manufacturing facility with exposure to:
• Moving mechanical equipment
• High temperatures
• Dust
• Noise
• Lubricants
• Hydraulic systems
• Electrical equipment
• Forklift traffic
• Strict adherence to all safety procedures and PPE requirements is mandatory.