TOOL & DIE APPRENTICE

Daikin Comfort; Waller (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Daikin Comfort is seeking an entry-level Tool & Die Maker Apprentice in Texas to train and prepare you for maintaining tooling in the plant. You will assist technicians and work under direct supervision of the Lead and Supervisor, with a focus on safety and quality.

The role covers tooling maintenance, jig and fixture building, and reading prints to set up machines such as Mills, Lathes, and surface grinders. This position offers hands-on growth in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; trade school/mechanical training preferred.
• Basic knowledge of machine shop practices.
• Ability to read prints and process instructions.
• Strong math, reading, and measurement using calipers and micrometers.
• Good safety awareness and quality orientation.
• 1+ years in fabrication or machine shop setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain tooling to ensure quality production parts.
• Build jigs and fixtures to support production.
• Read and interpret prints and process instructions.
• Troubleshoot tooling problems at the press.
• Perform routine service of tooling and prep blocks and tooling blanks.
• Perform component die maintenance and die assembly.
• Set up and operate Mills, Lathes, and surface grinders to machine components.
• Verify conformance with specs using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and comparators.
• Document die history and update work records.
• Follow safety guidelines and maintain a clean, organized work area.

Skills

Machine Shop Experience

Read Prints

Tooling & Die Maintenance

Calipers & Micrometers

Safety & Quality

Team Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Trade school/mechanical training preferred

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Surface grinders

Job description

The Tool & Die Maker Apprentice is an entry-level position to train and prepare employees to be responsible for maintaining all tooling in the Plant. The Tool & Die Apprentice is responsible for assisting technicians and other roles within the maintenance department. This role will work under direct supervision of the Lead and Supervisor.

Position Responsibilities May Include

• Maintain tooling to ensure quality production parts
• Build Jigs & Fixtures
• Read and interpret prints and process instructions
• Troubleshoot tooling problems at the press
• Perform routine service of tooling and preparation of blocks and tooling blanks
• Perform component die maintenance and die assembly
• Read prints and job orders to determine dimensions and machine setup
• Set up and operate various machining and grinding equipment such as Mills, Lathes, and surface grinders in order to machine or grind components to precise specifications
• Verify conformance of finished work pieces to specifications using precision measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, comparators, etc.
• Perform short production runs to prove new or repaired tooling
• Perform tasks to meet speed expectations without compromising quality
• Select feed rate, cutting speed, depth of cut and tooling to be used
• Use progressive tooling to run production on components
• Document and update die history and other work records
• Implement Engineering Changes on existing tooling
• Sharpening all tooling and maintaining proper punch entry and pass line heights
• Establish timing of stations on all progressive tooling, maintain all forming stations in tooling
• Operate all tool room equipment
• Build miscellaneous jigs, fixtures, clamps, and molds to achieve greatest operational efficiency for meeting high quality and production standards
• Follow all safety guidelines/procedures
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area
• Perform additional projects/duties to support ongoing business needs

Nature & Scope

• Takes direction from lead/Supervisor and works within well-defined instructions

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic knowledge of Machine Shop Practices
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to read and use calibrated tape measures, micrometers, and dial calipers to identify standard and metric units based on ticket requirements
• Good hand-eye coordination and dexterity; ability to manipulate tools with both hands and stand for long hours
• Good with math, reading and interpret blueprints, using calipers, and good with computers
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting of machine and tooling problems
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment
• Must be able to work well with other members of the department
• Previous trade school/mechanical training is a plus
• Ability to apply good judgment, strong work ethics, and integrity on the job

Competency

• 1+ years of experience working in a fabrication/machine shop, preferably in a high-volume setting

Education/Certification

• High school diploma or GED
• Previous trade school/mechanical training preferred

People Management: No

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Must be able to perform essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations

Reports To

• Supervisor

The Company provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of a person’s race, color, religion (including religious dress or grooming practices), creed, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, uniform service member or veteran status, ancestry, disability, physical or mental disability (including HIV/AIDS), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, request for protected leave, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age (over 40), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company will comply with all federal and state regulations and statutes pertaining to individuals with disabilities.