Mold & Fixture Lead

Kruger Family Industries; Portage (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kruger Family Industries is seeking a Mold & Fixture Technician lead to coordinate and supervise staff in set‑up, repair, and rework of molds and fixtures used in thermoforming production. The role involves reading blueprints, programming CNC machines, and guiding maintenance tasks to ensure quality and on‑time production.

You will train other personnel, maintain tool records, and help design improvements. Candidates should have a technical certificate, hands‑on CNC experience, and the ability

Qualifications

• One year certificate from college or technical school; two to three years in house related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Leadership experience desirable and CNC programming experience preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, use measuring devices, weld, operate a forklift, and access ERP information.

Responsibilities

• Operate air and electric powered hand tools to modify molds, fixtures, and tools.
• Set up, maintain and operate equipment for changes/repairs; saws, milling machines, CNC machines, and welders.
• Read and interpret engineering blueprints; program CNC machines and create tool paths in CAD/CAM software.
• Train Mold & Fixture personnel in machining tasks and safety.
• Plan and perform machining and fabrication on various metals; inspect machined items.
• Update records for time and materials and coordinate work with supervision.

Skills

CNC programming

Blueprint reading

Machining

Welding

Tool setup

ERP systems

Team leadership

CAD/CAM software

Education

Certificate from technical school

2–3 years related experience

Tools

CNC Milling Machine

CAD/CAM software

Welding equipment

Forklift

Job description

SUMMARY

Coordinate and oversee Mold & Fixture staff in set‑up, repair, change and/or rework

tools (molds), patterns, plugs and punch press dies as well as the design, rework and/or

repair of molds and fixtures, associated with the thermoforming production processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operate air and electric powered hand tools (routers, drills, grinders, sanders) to make physical changes/repairs to patterns, molds, fixtures, and tools.
• Set‑up, maintain and operate equipment utilized in making changes/repairs; cut‑off saw, table saw, drill press, milling machine, CNC milling machine, cutting torch, routers, powered hand tools, welding equipment and open side planer mills.

• Set‑up, install, sharpen and repair punch press dies.
• Design, construct and/or repair molds, fixtures and pattern plugs.
• Process tools in and out of cold and long‑term storage.

• Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, set up and repair thermoforming tools, molds, fixtures, and gauges.

• Apply knowledge of mechanics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures to fabricate complex items used in measurement, production, or assembly operations.

• Read and interpret engineering blueprints, sketches, and written work instructions.
• Operate and program CNC machines, create drawings, models, assemblies and tool paths for CNC machining in CAD/CAM software proficiently.
• Train other Mold & fixture personnel regarding various manual and CNC machining tasks.
• Plan and perform machining and fabrication tasks on a variety of metals.
• Assist Supervisor and Lead with mold and fixture designs and improvement decisions.
• Perform fabrication, finish and repair tasks using a variety of measuring devices such as calipers, micrometers, and steel rules.
• Perform inspection and quality analysis of machined items.
• Update and maintain records for all work performed including time and materials.
• Assist with the training of other Mold & Fixture personnel regarding various machining tasks.
• Maintain all cutting and machining tools and equipment.
• Select materials and supplies needed for current and future projects.
• Weld a variety of metals using stick and wire feed welding equipment.
• Coordinate and adjust work activities to meet schedule changes and deadlines.
• Weekly inventory checks and storage review, if applicable.
• Clean and organize entire work area including molds, fixtures, shop tools and equipment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists with the supervision of the Mold & Fixture department. Contributes to the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this team. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• One year certificate from college or technical school; two tothree years in house related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous leadership experience desired
• Experience in CNC programming desired
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, utilize a variety of measuring devices, weld, operate a forklift, computer and retrieve information within the ERP system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described in this section are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The production area temperatures can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year. The noise levels can be moderate to loud. The use of hearing protection and safety eyewear is required while on production floor. The use of additional specific safety equipment may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration.

WORK AVAILABLITY AND TRAVEL

Must have the ability to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime and be available for periodic weekend work. Has on‑call duties and may be required to stay longer than a standard shift due to production machine downtime. Associates are required to assist with providing cover for other Mold & Fixture technicians when on PTO.

Travel requirements: <10%