Senior Die Cast Maintenance Technician

Sterling St James Inc.; Cedarburg (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, vision benefits

Bonus PTO for strong attendance

Job summary

Sterling St James Inc. is hiring a Senior Die Cast Changeover Technician for the 2nd shift in Cedarburg, WI. You will lead die changes on high‑pressure cold‑chamber equipment and set critical process parameters to drive quality and throughput.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting hydraulic/pneumatic/automation systems, installing dies and tooling, and coordinating with Quality to approve first-piece runs. Strong benefits, 401(k) match, and growth opportunities accompany this role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training preferred.
• Minimum 2+ years of tenure at prior employers with stable work history.
• Hands-on setup or changeover experience in heavy industrial manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead complete die changes and tooling setups for high‑pressure aluminum die casting machines.
• Set and fine‑tune critical process parameters including temperature, pressure, and cycle timing.
• Safely rig, align, and install dies and tooling using cranes and rigging equipment.
• Troubleshoot setup, machine, and casting defects to optimize cycles and reduce scrap.
• Inspect systems prior to production sign-off and coordinate first-piece inspections.

Skills

Die changes

Changeover

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Cranes & forklifts

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Overhead cranes

Forklifts

Rigging equipment

Job description

Senior Die Cast Changeover Technician – Cold-Chamber Systems (2nd Shift)

Up to $41.00/hr ($85,280/yr) Cedarburg, WI Area 2nd Shift Direct-Hire / Full-Time

• Compensation & Earnings: Starting pay up to $41.00/hr ($85,280/yr baseline depending on experience), pay-for-performance bonus opportunities, 401(k) with company match, and full health/dental/vision benefits.
• Schedule & Work-Life Balance: Dedicated 2nd shift schedule with opportunities to earn additional hours of bonus PTO per year for strong attendance.
• Work Environment & Company Profile: Join one of the largest independent die casting manufacturers in North America featuring exceptional stability, 40% employee tenure over 10+ years, and premier tier-one OEM partnerships.
• Core Functional Scope: Lead complete die changes, set machine process parameters, and troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and automation systems on high-pressure cold-chamber die casting equipment.
• Strict Requirements & Authorization: Strict job stability required (minimum 2+ years per employer); hands-on die cast setup or heavy machinery changeover experience; mechanical troubleshooting skills; local commute within 45 minutes of Cedarburg, WI; U.S. work authorization.

A premier, North American market leader in high-precision die casting is seeking a skilled Die Cast Setup Technician to join their 2nd shift team. Operating in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment, this seat is critical for performing timely die changes, setting precise process parameters, and optimizing machine performance across high-pressure aluminum die casting cells. Joining an ISO-certified facility where 40% of the workforce boasts over a decade of tenure, this direct-hire position offers long-term stability, competitive top-tier hourly pay, strong 401(k) matching, and clear career growth paths.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Execute Die Changes & Setups: Perform complete die changes and tooling setups for high-pressure aluminum die casting machines and auxiliary automation equipment.
• Set Process Parameters: Establish and fine-tune critical machine parameters including melt temperatures, hydraulic pressures, shot speeds, intensification rates, and cycle timing.
• Install Tooling & Auxiliaries: Safely rig, align, and install dies, trim tools, shot-end components, plunger systems, and cooling/lubrication lines using overhead cranes and forklifts.
• Troubleshoot Process & Quality: Diagnose and resolve setup, machine, or casting defects during startup and production runs to optimize cycle times and eliminate scrap.
• Verify System Functionality: Inspect hydraulic, pneumatic, water/cooling, and automated spray/ladle systems prior to production sign-off.
• Conduct First-Piece Inspections: Coordinate with Quality and Production to complete initial part runs and first-piece inspection approvals according to setup sheets.
• Enforce Safety Standards: Rigorously follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), crane safety protocols, and safe molten metal handling procedures during all setups and teardowns.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Job Stability Required: Demonstrated career stability with a strict requirement of at least 2+ years of tenure at each previous employer.
• Setup & Tooling Experience: Proven hands-on setup or changeover experience in high-pressure aluminum die casting, plastic injection molding, stamping, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Technical & Mechanical Aptitude: Strong troubleshooting capabilities in mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and reading complex process setup sheets.
• Equipment Operations: Demonstrated ability to safely operate overhead bridge cranes, forklifts, and heavy rigging equipment.
• Commutable Radius: Must reside within a 45-minute maximum commute of the Cedarburg / Greater Milwaukee, WI area.
• Education & Authorization: High School Diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training preferred. Must be fully authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Cold-Chamber Aluminum Expertise: Specialized hands-on experience setting up cold-chamber die casting machines and automated robotic cells (ABB, FANUC).
• Defect Troubleshooting: Advanced knowledge of identifying and resolving porosity, cold shuts, soldering, and flash defects.
• Lean & Continuous Improvement: Practical experience utilizing 5S, SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die), or continuous improvement tools to reduce setup changeover times.