Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding career that allows you to utilize your skills to their fullest potential? Do you want to join a team of hardworking, enthusiastic and creative people and enjoy working with a company that recognizes and embraces diversity? Do you take pride working with a company that is committed to being a great corporate citizen and playing a role in producing the highest quality products and services?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Pridgeon and Clay is the place for you…
Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value-added manufacturers and suppliers of automotive stamped and fine-blanked components in the United States.
The Die Technician Tier 1 gains experience and knowledge to become a skilled Die Technician and provide customers with product in an exemplary manner according to the company quality policies.
Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Required to enroll in the apprenticeship program within 6 months of starting work, to be completed in a 4 year time frame. Upon completion (class work and 8,000 working hours), apply for the Journeyman’s card.
- Experience using measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers and gages
- Ability to pass written and practical tests to obtain company hi-lo and crane license
- Proven mechanical inclination and general math and manufacturing knowledge through standardized tests
- Computer literacy
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- An excellent work record, including attendance
Outstanding candidates will possess the following Desired Requirements:
- Previous machine shop experience or shop classes completed
- Previous experience operating manufacturing machinery
Essential Functions:
Standard Work:
- Process materials for die build / maintenance and the CNC area by preparing sensor components and tools, receiving material, and distributing material for CNC completion.
- Prepare new dies for production: complete changeover instructions, install components, confirm part prints. Prepare for install sensors, valves, sprayers, guards, and chutes.
- Keep machinery clean and working.
Record-Keeping/EAM:
- Maintain inventory and organization of all die detail components and sensors within defined inventory locations; receive, relocate, and issue components from defined inventory locations.
- Document hours and work activity daily in record-keeping system—Electronic Asset Management (EAM).
- Look up work orders, components, tracking, parts, tooling information, and priority of jobs in data systems (Kanban, EAM, Jasper)
- Complete and submit Maintenance/Repair/Operations (MROs) to set up stock replenishments in EAM
- Keeping track of apprenticeship 8,000 hours
Die Build/Repair:
- Basic Machining: drill holes, mill, surface grind, finish and make components. Apply learning from college and training courses related to machining.
- Demonstrate machining proficiency in regards to fit and function (build tooling, check for proper break and die timing, etc.)
- Identify, select, install and replace sensors based on function, application, and information from diagrams.
- Build and repair Feinblank, compound, progressive, hand-feed, and transfer dies. Communicate tooling requirements to design team.
- Measure components, including critical features, and machine to dimensions (squaring up steels for CNC).
- Maintain die tooling with corrective and preventative maintenance, machining skills, and analysis of high-wear areas.
Troubleshooting:
- Troubleshoot automatic and hand-feed tooling and set-ups in-press.
- Use data (EAM, operator observation, visual inspection, measurement, etc.) to problem solve needed die changes.
Continuous Improvement/Lean Principles:
- Identify and attempt to eliminate areas of waste for better efficiency and overall production needs.
- Complete temporary fixes for operation efficiency, following up with permanent corrective action using EAM for documentation and follow-up after run completion.
Quality:
- Use and maintain quality tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gages, solid squares, pin gages, dial indicators, Joe blocks, 1-2-3 blocks, machine parallels, angle plates, sine plates, V-blocks, precision vices, protractors, feeler gages, radius gages, and telescoping gages.
- Verify tooling components for accuracy before use, including using the layout on tooling detail prints to verify tooling accuracy.
- Verify that parts produced are manufactured according to requirements; document as needed per control plan.
Safety/5S:
- Safely use hi-lo and cranes, maintaining licenses, maintenance schedules, and inspection sheets.
- Follow all safety procedures, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), controls, safety devices, lock-out/tag-out, use of coolants, and die block procedures.
- Identify potential safety issues and take appropriate action. Ensure environment is free of avoidable risks, and report concerns immediately, taking appropriate action to immediately rectify and resolve.
- Organize and maintain personal work area and tool room per 5S standards.
In return, Pridgeon and Clay will provide:
- A competitive total compensation including a comprehensive benefit plan with premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement.
- A safe, team oriented work environment with a leadership team that treats you like family and values your input
- An opportunity to participate in shaping the success of the organization through continuous improvement and problem solving events
- A positive work/life balance
- An opportunity for career growth – Over 70% of our leaders have been promoted from within
