Upgrader / Mold Maker

ArtiFlex Manufacturing, Inc; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

ArtiFlex Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking an Upgrader in our Mold Making Shop to support mold build, repair, and maintenance through secondary operations, finishing, polishing, and component preparation for die casting and plastic injection molds.

You will assist mold makers, upgrade components during builds/changes, and ensure molds meet dimensional and quality requirements before assembly or production use. This role values safety, quality, and timely delivery as part of our ESOP-driven culture.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while supporting the team.
• Familiarity with shop equipment and hand tools.
• Experience in a mold shop, tool room, or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints and use measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.

Responsibilities

• Assist mold makers with mold assembly, disassembly, and troubleshooting.
• Aide in spotting and hand finishing of mold components.
• Upgrade mold components during new builds, engineering changes, and repairs.
• Clean, inspect, and prepare molds and components.
• Identify wear, damage, or defects and communicate findings to mold makers or supervisors.
• Preventive maintenance and refurbishment of tooling.
• Lead by example to continue to support a culture of employee safety, quality, on-time delivery; ensures all associates are treated with dignity and respect.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Independent work

Reading blueprints

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Hand tools

Shop equipment

Job description

Mold Making Shop

Day Shift: 6 AM - 2 PM Monday – Friday (typical schedule)

Position Summary

The Upgrader is responsible for supporting mold build, repair, and maintenance activities by performing secondary operations, finishing, polishing, and component preparation for die casting and plastic injection molds. This role ensures mold components meet dimensional, surface finish, and quality requirements prior to assembly or production use.

What you will do

• Assist mold makers with mold assembly, disassembly, and troubleshooting
• Aide in spotting and hand finishing of mold components
• Upgrade mold components during new builds, engineering changes, and repairs
• Clean, inspect, and prepare molds and components
• Identify wear, damage, or defects and communicate findings to mold makers or supervisors
• Preventive maintenance and refurbishment of tooling
• Lead by example to continue to support a culture of employee safety, quality, on-time delivery; ensures all associates are treated with dignity and respect.

What you bring

• Mechanical aptitude and keen attention to detail
• Ability to work independently to complete tasks assigned, while supporting the entire team efforts.
• Familiarity with shop equipment and hand tools
• Experience in a mold shop, tool room, or manufacturing environment preferred
• Ability to read blueprints and use measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)

Who We Are

ArtiFlex Manufacturing designs and builds products and solutions for companies with tough challenges by employing people with a willingness and ability to be "Innovative. Problem Solving. Partners." We support and embody a vision of safely growing our people and unleashing their full potential because we see greatness in everyone we hire. Better products and services for our customers result from the dedicated development of our employees. That’s our culture.

Benefits

We provide a full array of Health and Welfare plans including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability & Life Insurance options, Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts, 401k with company matching, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, and Annual Bonus. Our employees additionally enjoy Tuition Reimbursement, Safety Shoe Compensation Program, Prescription Safety Glasses Reimbursement, Tool Purchase Program, Career Development, Training, Vehicle Purchase Supplier Discount, Company Events, Celebrations, and more!

Employee Owned

Eligible ArtiFlex employees are ArtiFlex owners with our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This is a qualified retirement plan.