Tooling Machinist/Knife Grinder

The Historic Phillips Forest Products.; De Kalb (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Historic Phillips Forest Products seeks a Tooling Department Machinist to manage the tooling room and oversee the creation of molding knives. This long-term position offers the opportunity for growth and advancement within the company. Ideal candidates will possess a keen attention to detail and experience with industrial machinery.

Qualifications

• Previous experience with wood products and managing people preferred.
• Keen attention to detail is crucial.
• Responsible and punctual attitude expected.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the creation of molding knives and manage the tooling room.
• Maintain sharp knives and ensure tools are correctly organized.
• Coordinate with the molder operator on production needs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Experience with molding equipment

Familiarity with industrial machinery

Proficient with scanners and computers

Ability to learn AutoCAD or similar software

Good physical condition

Team-oriented attitude

Job description

The Historic Phillips Forest Products
13431 US-82, De Kalb, TX 75559, USA

Summary:
Phillips Forest Products is a Texas historic business in operation for over sixty years. We’re known for some of the highest quality architectural millwork in the United States. We’re growing and looking for team players who are no-nonsense, ego-free, and eager to grow with us. This position is long-term with potential for advancement into higher supervisory roles within a decade.
We seek hardworking individuals with keen attention to detail and a strong interest in the woodworking industry. Previous experience with wood products and managing people is preferred. Qualified candidates must be able to read prints, work independently, and complete tasks efficiently.
If you invest your time and talents in the company, The Historic Phillips Forest Products will invest in you.

Job title: Tooling Department Machinist

Reports to:

• Molder Operator
• Production Manager

Subordinates/Supervises:

• All personnel in the tooling room and the molder helper when assisting the molder operator
• Others in the tooling room, excluding the molder operator and production manager
• The tooling room is your responsibility; you are accountable for safety, order, and preventing unauthorized access.

Traits/Skills Required:

• Excellent attention to detail
• Experience with molding equipment preferred
• Familiarity with industrial machinery
• Proficient with scanners and computers
• Ability to learn AutoCAD, Rhino, or similar software
• Responsible and punctual
• Ability to identify when knives need sharpening
• Good physical condition and coordination
• Team-oriented attitude and eagerness to learn

The primary role of the Molder Machinist/Tooling Dept. is overseeing the creation of molding knives, ensuring readiness for production, and managing the tooling room.

Duties include:

• Preparing molding knives
• Creating and managing templates
• Building and maintaining tools
• Performing machine maintenance

Responsibilities:

• Maintain sharp knives at all times
• Clean knives and heads after each run
• Disassemble cutter heads and prepare for next order
• Coordinate with the molder operator regarding upcoming orders
• Ensure knives are ready before wood arrives
• Learn and adapt to future digital systems
• Organize and categorize profiles
• Manage incoming profile data and create digital files
• Export profile data to database and upload pattern images to a website

Profile Management:

• Create templates via laser or pin router, ensuring exact matches to samples
• Develop knives based on templates

Building Responsibilities – Tooling Room:

• Keep the tooling room clean and organized
• Ensure all tools and templates are properly stored
• Prevent loitering and unauthorized access
• Secure the room at day’s end

Maintenance Responsibilities:

• Maintain machinery such as grinders and lasers
• Lubricate parts and monitor equipment condition
• Report issues promptly

Preferred Qualities:

• Maintain positive relationships with colleagues
• Fairly discipline team members when necessary
• Handle sensitive information privately