Pattern Maker

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

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