Pattern Maker

Careerwebsite; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off & holidays

401(k) with company match

Stable, full-time position

Job summary

Careerwebsite is seeking a skilled Pattern Maker to lead the pattern shop, plan pattern construction, support gating and rigging, and resolve casting defects at the source. You will work with engineering, molding, and quality to ensure high accuracy in every job.

The role requires independent ownership of the pattern shop, strong blueprint and CAD model skills, and the ability to manage multiple jobs to production deadlines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years pattern making experience in foundry or pattern shop.
• Knowledge of shrink rules, draft, parting lines, core prints, match plates.
• Experience building patterns and core boxes in wood and composite materials.
• Advanced blueprint reading and ability to work from CAD models.

Responsibilities

• Interpret blueprints, CAD models and drawings to determine pattern construction and core requirements.
• Build patterns, core boxes, match plates in wood, metal, urethane, and epoxy.
• Lay out and attach gating, risers, and rigging with engineering.
• Repair, modify and maintain pattern equipment to support Changes and production deadlines.

Skills

Pattern making

Blueprint reading

CAD models

Shop math

Independent work

Physical stamina

Education

Pattern making apprenticeship or journeyman

Tools

CAD software

CNC pattern machining

Calipers

Height gauges

Table saw

Bandsaw

Job description

This position works closely with engineering, molding, and quality to plan pattern construction, support gating and rigging, and resolve casting defects at the source. We are looking for a skilled pattern maker who can work independently, take ownership of the pattern shop, and hold every job to a high standard of accuracy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and customer drawings to determine pattern construction, parting lines, and core requirements.
• Build new patterns, core boxes, match plates, and loose patterns in wood, metal, urethane, and epoxy, applying correct shrink allowances, draft, and machining stock for stainless and high-alloy steel castings.
• Lay out and attach gating, risers, and rigging in coordination with engineering.
• Repair, modify, and maintain existing pattern equipment to keep tooling production-ready and to support engineering changes.
• Operate pattern shop equipment, including table saw, bandsaw, jointer, planer, lathe, shaper, and sanders.
• Inspect patterns and core boxes for dimensional accuracy using calipers, height gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
• Work with molders, engineers, and quality staff to troubleshoot casting defects traced to pattern design, fit, or wear.
• Maintain pattern records and storage, and keep an organized, safe shop in compliance with all safety practices.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of pattern making experience in a foundry or commercial pattern shop.
• Thorough working knowledge of shrink rules, draft, parting lines, core prints, and match plate construction.
• Experience building patterns and core boxes in wood and composite materials such as urethane and epoxy.
• Advanced blueprint reading skills and the 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 work independently on custom, one-off patterns and manage multiple jobs to production deadlines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in a shop environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with steel or stainless steel sand castings, particularly air-set (no-bake) molding.
• Knowledge of gating and risering design.
• Experience with CAD software or CNC pattern machining.
• Completion of a pattern making apprenticeship or journeyman status.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Benefits package including health, dental, and vision
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Stable, full-time position with a company serving the industry since 1929