Tool & Wax Die Maintenance Tech

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Hampton, VA is seeking a wax die maintenance technician to analyze specifications, lay out stock, set up and operate machine tools, and assemble parts for wax dies and molds. Flexibility to work second/third shifts and weekends is required.

Anticipated pay range is $70K–$80K per year, with rates determined by experience and certifications. The role involves reading work instructions, data recording, measuring, and performing precise machining with CNC tools and CAM/CAD

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 5 years of toolmaker, CNC programming, and injection die/mold maintenance experience.
• US work authorization; no visa sponsorship available.
• Export-controlled data access requirements apply.

Responsibilities

• Read and follow work instructions precisely.
• Record data manually or via computer as required.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and service injection dies and molds.
• Study blueprints and specs to determine materials and machines.
• Compute dimensions and determine assembly methods.
• Set up and operate CNC machines and verify part conformity.
• Position parts and assemble into final assemblies and mechanisms.
• Heat-treat tools or parts as required.
• Identify design improvements for tooling and fixtures.

Skills

CNC programming

Machine setup

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Precision measurement

CAM software use

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CNC machines

CAD CAM software

Surface/engine lathe/milling tools

Job description

• Locations One Howmet Drive, Hampton, VA, 23661, US (On-site)
• Apply Before 11/01/2026, 04:00 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability? None
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Responsibilities

Job Summary: The wax die maintenance technician will analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to fabricate and repair wax injection molds, metalworking dies, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools. Flexibilityto work any shift including 2nd shift, 3rd shift, and weekend shift.

Anticipated Pay Range: $70K-80K per year. *Pay rates within this range are determined based on various factors including experience, education, certifications, etc.

Essential Functions & Job Responsibilities:

• Ability to read and follow the information on work instructions.
• Record data either manually or by computer as required.
• Must be mechanically inclined with the ability to inspect, troubleshoot, and service injection dies and molds.
• Studies specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions and visualize product to determine materials. required and machines to be used to fabricate parts.
• Computes dimension, plan layout, and determine assembly method and sequence of operations.
• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock for machining.
• Sets up and operates machine tools, such as lathes, milling machine, and grinder to machine parts and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.
• Lifts machined parts and positions and secure parts on surface plate or worktable.
• Smooth flat and contoured surfaces and fits and assembles parts together into assemblies and mechanisms.
• Verifies dimensions, alignments, and clearances.
• Heat-treat tools or parts.
• Examines new or previously used dies, tools, jigs, and fixtures, and recommends design modifications regarding construction and function of part.
• Develops specifications from general descriptions for specialty tools and draws or sketches design of product.
• Must be detail oriented and possess the ability to machine parts with tight tolerances.
• Must comply with all company attendance policies and guidelines; this includes, but is not limited to, regular attendance and occasional overtime.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts, such as fundamentals of plane, solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts, such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or scheduled form.
• Ability to set up, program, and operate CNC machines.
• Ability to create CAD models and drawings to use with CAM software.

Equipment Used:Vertical milling machine, Bridgeport EZ Trax/Acu-Rite milling machine, tree journeyman CNC milling machine, personal computer, engine lathe, band saw, radial arm drill press, floor drill, pedestal grinder, surface grinder, precision tool grinder, abrasive cutoff saw, bridge crane heat treat oven, welding machine, acetylene torch, air grinders, power tools, and hand tools.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• This position requires a minimum of high school diploma or GED certificate.
• This position requires a minimum of 5 years of toolmaker, CNC programming, & Injection Die/Mold maintenance experience and/or training.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

About Us

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.