Die Cast Changeover Specialist – High-Pressure Aluminum & Hydraulics (2nd Shift)
Up to $41.00/hr ($85,280/yr) + 401(k) Match & Bonuses • Cedarburg, WI Area • 2nd Shift • Direct-Hire
- Pay & Incentives: Baseline starting pay up to $41.00/hr ($85,280/yr baseline scaling directly with experience) + pay-for-performance bonus opportunities, 401(k) with company match, full health/dental/vision benefits, and attendance PTO bonus hours.
- Work Pattern/Schedule: Dedicated 2nd Shift schedule providing consistent evening routine stability in a high-volume production environment.
- Environment & Company Profile: Direct-hire seat with one of North America's largest independent die casting manufacturers; ISO-certified facility featuring exceptional employee stability (40% of staff over 10+ years tenure) and premier tier-one OEM partnerships.
- Core Functional Scope: Lead complete die changes, set machine process parameters (shot speeds, melt temps, intensification rates), rig tooling, and troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and automation systems on high-pressure cold-chamber aluminum die casting equipment.
- Strict Requirements & Authorization: Requires strict career stability (minimum 2+ years per employer), hands-on die cast setup or heavy machinery changeover experience, mechanical troubleshooting depth, US work authorization, and a commute within 45 minutes of Cedarburg, WI.
A premier, North American market leader in high-precision die casting is seeking a skilled Die Cast Setup Technician to join their 2nd shift team. Operating in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment, this seat is critical for performing timely die changes, setting precise process parameters, and optimizing machine performance across high-pressure aluminum die casting cells.
Joining an ISO-certified facility where 40% of the workforce boasts over a decade of tenure, this direct-hire position offers long-term stability, competitive top-tier hourly pay, strong 401(k) matching, and clear career growth paths in an employee-centric workplace.
What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)
- Execute Die Changes & Setups: Perform complete die changes and tooling setups for high-pressure aluminum die casting machines and auxiliary automation equipment.
- Set Process Parameters: Establish and fine-tune critical machine parameters including melt temperatures, hydraulic pressures, shot speeds, intensification rates, and cycle timing.
- Install Tooling & Auxiliaries: Safely rig, align, and install dies, trim tools, shot-end components, plunger systems, and cooling/lubrication lines using overhead cranes and forklifts.
- Troubleshoot Process & Quality: Diagnose and resolve setup, machine, or casting defects during startup and production runs to optimize cycle times and eliminate scrap.
- Verify System Functionality: Inspect hydraulic, pneumatic, water/cooling, and automated spray/ladle systems prior to production sign-off.
- Conduct First-Piece Inspections: Coordinate with Quality and Production to complete initial part runs and first-piece inspection approvals according to setup sheets.
- Enforce Safety Standards: Rigorously follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), crane safety protocols, and safe molten metal handling procedures during all setups and teardowns.
What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)
- Job Stability Required: Demonstrated career stability with a strict requirement of at least 2+ years of tenure at each previous employer.
- Setup & Tooling Experience: Proven hands-on setup or changeover experience in high-pressure aluminum die casting, plastic injection molding, stamping, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
- Technical & Mechanical Aptitude: Strong troubleshooting capabilities in mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and reading complex process setup sheets.
- Equipment Operations: Demonstrated ability to safely operate overhead bridge cranes, forklifts, and heavy rigging equipment.
- Commutable Radius: Must reside within a 45-minute maximum commute of the Cedarburg / Greater Milwaukee, WI area.
- Education & Authorization: High School Diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training preferred. Must be fully authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)
- Cold-Chamber Aluminum Expertise: Specialized hands-on experience setting up cold-chamber die casting machines and automated robotic cells (ABB, FANUC).
- Defect Troubleshooting: Advanced knowledge of identifying and resolving porosity, cold shuts, soldering, and flash defects.
- Lean & Continuous Improvement: Practical experience utilizing 5S, SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die), or continuous improvement tools to reduce setup changeover times.