Die Sinker Trainee

Participate in the Die Sinker Training Program to learn how to CNC machine and finish impression cavities in die blocks to produce forging dies, follow blueprints and apply knowledge of die sinking using solid models and programs generated by the engineering department.

Once the training program is completed, trainees are expected to have achieved the skills required to perform in the Die Sinker position, with the essential duties and responsibilities as outlined below. The trainee is also responsible for complying with all production, quality, safety and housekeeping standards, communicating with co-workers regarding production requirements, and maintaining a safe, organized and clean work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supporting forgers by maintaining tooling; repairing and altering in a timely manner to maintain production schedule and reduce down time
• Obtaining special contours, and finish polish of die cavities, using hand grinders and polishing tools
• Inspecting die cavities using measuring instruments like calipers, micrometers, and height gauges to verify conformance to specifications
• Analyzing blueprint of part or die and planning sequence of operations
• Setting up and operating a variety of machine tools including CNC (Okuma & Mazak), Bridgeport, P&W miller and surface grinders
• Making and inspecting sample plaster cast of part from die to verify conformance to print dimensions
• Developing die design from blueprint of part, using knowledge of machining and forging processes
• Repairing forge dies; benching and polishing used dies and making mold repairs as necessary
• Setting up and operating machines to plane surfaces and edges of forge dies; gouge dies for flood weld; planning and operating heat treat furnace for welding and tempering of dies
• Inspecting dies, machines and work-in-process to detect malfunctions, and order corrective actions
• Inspecting first piece forgings for size and match
• Fabricating and maintaining trim and punch dies using tool room machinery and CNC programs; welding repairs as necessary
• Assisting team leads and cell coordinators by ensuring that all production and quality requirements are being met
• Working with product engineer, quality, cell coordinator and team lead to resolve issues
• Assisting in ordering required materials such as die blocks, tool steels and heat treat requirements
• Assisting cell coordinator in quoting new parts for new customers
• Following all safety procedures when operating hoists, forklifts and all tool room machinery
• Maintaining housekeeping in the work area

NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Education and Experience:

• High School/GED required
• Must have proven experience and ability to safely operate various manufacturing production machines
• Must have experience following verbal and written multi-step directions for semi-complex machine operations
• Must have experience multitasking and resolving problems in a timely manner

Competencies and Skills:

• Must have, and demonstrate, excellent conceptual skills
• Must have and demonstrate controls and instrumentation skills
• Visual acuity and depth perception are required
• Knowledge of micrometers, calipers and various inspection equipment required
• Must have functional, technical and math skills equal to those used in a machining environment
• Ability to read and interpret part drawings and blueprints required
• Ability to download and transfer programs from computer to CNC machines; ability to edit programs at computer or machine control
• Ability to set up own work and run CNC programs
• Ability to maintain all tooling required for operation of CNC machines
• Working command of the English language including reading, writing, interpreting, communicating and understanding verbal instructions required
• Must have excellent attention to detail and judgment
• Able to work effectively in a team environment

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, push, pull, carry, reach, twist
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

Within the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards.

The following Personal Protective Equipment is required:

• Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor
• Safety shoes

The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

Revised : 05/01/2022