Pattern Maker

Join Our Team at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak!

Embark on a rewarding career journey with voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, North America's premier designer and manufacturer of special trackwork. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we lead the industry in shaping the future of rail solutions. As part of the voestalpine Railway Systems global network, we are committed to delivering quality products and services, including rails, turnouts, fastening systems, signaling technologies, and monitoring solutions. Operating with a presence across Canada, the US, and Mexico, we prioritize the well-being of our people, global mobility, and sustainability and innovation.

Our people are the foundation of our success. Skilled, motivated, and results-driven individuals shape our culture demonstrating our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, Courage, Passion, and Diversity each day. This commitment is more than shared values; it extends to shared responsibilities for safety and quality, showing genuine care for one another's growth and development, a commitment to our customers, and fostering strong relationships within the Nortrak Team and with our customers.

We are looking for a Pattern Maker to join our team in Decatur, Illinois. 

PURPOSE OF POSITION  

Reporting the Production Supervisor, The Pattern Maker is responsible for accurately measuring and evaluating patterns, completing first article check sheets, and demonstrating a solid understanding of core prints, core boxes, and pattern alterations. This role involves laying out gating and venting holes with precision and executing multiple pattern changes as required. By the end of the first year, the incumbent is expected to begin learning pattern modifications and mold-making processes to support continuous improvement and production efficiency. 

Task and Responsibilities: 

• Cuts and shapes parts using band saw, lathe, planer and router.
• Fits and fastens parts together to form pattern or section, using glue, nails, dowels and screws.
• Trim’s smooths, and shapes surfaces using hand tools, such as plane, drawknife, chisels and mallets.
• Assemble sections and verifies dimensions of complete pattern, using templates, straightedges, callipers and protractors.
• Glues fillets along interior angles of pattern.
• Construct templates for use in shaping irregular curves in pattern.
• Construct wood models.
• Repair broken or damaged patterns and correct patterns to compensate for defects in castings and be designated pattern setter.
• Adhere to Nortrak’s Environmental, Safety and Quality Procedures, Practices and Policies. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements (e.g. education, experience, skills and desired competencies)

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Vocational or technical training in a mechanical-related field is desirable.
• Minimum of two years of technical training or equivalent hands-on experience in a related field.
• At least one year of mechanical experience, including work with hydraulics, electronics repair, or similar mechanical applications.
• Minimum of one year of practical experience in woodworking or related craftsmanship.
• Experience operating forklifts and overhead cranes is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, inspection and test plans (ITPs), blueprints, rulers, and tape measures.
• Proficiency in basic mathematical calculations, including addition and subtraction of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Less experience will be considered as a Pattern Maker Apprentice. 

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and pushing, pulling, or lifting objects for the duration of your required schedule shift.
• Use hands and arms to operate tools, handle materials, and reach for the duration of your required scheduled shift.
• Regularly lift and carry 30–35 pounds; occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Hearing abilities necessary to perform job tasks safely and effectively. 

Working Location:

Salary:

Benefits:

• A supportive, family oriented Nortrak Blue culture
• We provide an environment where Health and Safety is our #1 priority
• Career development opportunities and competitive pay progression
• Competitive medical, dental & vision benefits
• Company paid life and disability insurance 
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Retirement plan with matching contributions
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Programs

If you think you have the necessary qualifications and drive to excel in our team, we invite you to apply now and join us at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak. Apply today!

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak (“Nortrak”) is a subsidiary of voestalpine AG (www.voestalpine.com) one of Europe’s premier steel producers with over 50,000 employees worldwide.  Nortrak is closely affiliated with voestalpine’s Railway Systems group which operates in 21 countries across the globe to provide cutting edge system-based solutions to railroads and transits.  Our website is https://www.voestalpine.com/nortrak/en/

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, and any other federal, state, or locally protected classifications.