Location: Cedarburg, WI | Schedule: Full-time, 2nd Shift, on-site | Compensation: Up to $41.00/hr ($85,280/yr baseline depending on experience)
Overview
A leading North American die casting manufacturer is seeking a Senior Die Cast Changeover Technician to join its 2nd shift team at its Cedarburg, WI facility. This direct-hire, full-time role is central to keeping high-pressure cold-chamber die casting operations running efficiently, leading die changes, setting process parameters, and troubleshooting equipment in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
What you'll do
- Perform complete die changes and tooling setups for high-pressure aluminum die casting machines and auxiliary automation equipment
- Establish and fine-tune critical machine parameters including melt temperatures, hydraulic pressures, shot speeds, intensification rates, and cycle timing
- Safely rig, align, and install dies, trim tools, shot-end components, plunger systems, and cooling/lubrication lines using overhead cranes and forklifts
- Diagnose and resolve setup, machine, or casting defects during startup and production runs to optimize cycle times and eliminate scrap
- Inspect hydraulic, pneumatic, water/cooling, and automated spray/ladle systems prior to production sign-off
- Coordinate with Quality and Production to complete initial part runs and first-piece inspection approvals according to setup sheets
- Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), crane safety protocols, and safe molten metal handling procedures during all setups and teardowns
Required qualifications
- Demonstrated career stability with a minimum of 2+ years of tenure at each previous employer
- Hands-on setup or changeover experience in high-pressure aluminum die casting, plastic injection molding, stamping, or heavy industrial manufacturing
- Strong troubleshooting capabilities in mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and reading complex process setup sheets
- Demonstrated ability to safely operate overhead bridge cranes, forklifts, and heavy rigging equipment
- Must reside within a maximum commute of 45 minutes of the Cedarburg / Greater Milwaukee, WI area
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Must have full U.S. work authorization without sponsorship
Preferred qualifications
- Technical/vocational training preferred
- Specialized hands-on experience setting up cold-chamber die casting machines and automated robotic cells (ABB, FANUC)
- Advanced knowledge of identifying and resolving porosity, cold shuts, soldering, and flash defects
- Practical experience utilizing 5S, SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die), or continuous improvement tools to reduce setup changeover times
Compensation and benefits
- Starting pay up to $41.00/hr ($85,280/yr baseline depending on experience)
- Pay-for-performance bonus opportunities
- 401(k) with company match
- Full health/dental/vision benefits
- Opportunities to earn additional bonus PTO per year for strong attendance
Why this role
This is a direct-hire position offering long-term stability, competitive hourly pay, strong 401(k) matching, and clear career growth paths at an ISO-certified facility where 40% of the workforce has over a decade of tenure.