Lead Machinist

Summary

To have an understanding of how thermoformed molds are made and thermoformed plastic parts are formed. Analyzes specifications. From blue prints and sketches, operates all mold shop machinery in order to fabricate thermoforming molds, tooling components and closure and label machinery parts. Repair existing molds and hi-die cutting knives by performing the following duties.

Essential Functions/Duties and Responsibilities

* Studies blue prints, sketches, drawings, or sample parts to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished work pieces, sequence of operation for fabrication and setup requirements of work pieces and machine tools.

* Measures, marks, and scribes dimensions and reference points on material or work pieces as a guide for subsequent machining.

* Capable of generating simple machine programs for 2-3 axis machining centers using machine control interface.

* Sets up and operates machine tool such as lathes, milling machines, and surface grinders to fabricate parts and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.

* Lifts raw materials, machined parts or tooling and positions and secures items on surface plate or work table.

* Builds and repairs molds from prints or verbal instructions.

* Computes dimensions, plans layout, and determines assembly method and sequence of operations.

* Verifies dimensions, alignments and clearances.

* Uses hand tools for venting and polishing of molds and sharpening hi-die knives.

* Makes jigs, fixtures and gauges to hold and check work.

* Knowledge and ability to machine aluminum mold castings.

* Calculates and sets controls to regulate machining parameters such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, and/or enters commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control data.

* Starts and observes machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, and adjusts machine controls or control media as required.

* Verifies conformance of finished work piece to specifications, blueprints, etc.

* Sets up and operates machine on trial run to verify accuracy of machine settings or programmed control data.

* Fits and assembles parts into complete assembly.

* Verifies and documents critical dimensions and alignment of thermoform tool and components assemblies per inspection procedures using calipers, micrometers, height gauges and other measuring instruments.

* Confers with engineers, production personnel, programmers or others to resolve machining, assembly, and tooling problems.

Job Requirements

Education and/or Experience - High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED); State Certified Machinist with a minimum of five years experience in machine shop with the ability to demonstrate proficiency in the setup and operation of all shop machine tools, inspection equipment and methods and tool repair procedures.

* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, or balance, stoop, kneel and crouch.

* The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds

* Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.