Maintenance Technician- Tool & Die

Full job description

Maintenance Technician - NIGHT SHIFT (will train on days)

 

JOB SUMMARY

Genera is constructing a commercial scale facility in Vonore, Tennessee that will convert agricultural fibers into pulp for sale into the market and making molded fiber products such as disposable food containers and other paper products. Performs efficient and effective maintenance activities, in a way that maximizes safe production of quality products, minimizes cost and protects the environment. These tasks are to be performed on a day to day basis following site goals. Level will be determined by skill and ability.

Position Title: Maintenance Mechanic – Tool & Die

Location: Vonore, Tennessee

Department: Maintenance

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor  

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

 

Position Summary:

The Maintenance Mechanic – Tool & Die is responsible for maintaining, repairing, fabricating, troubleshooting, and improving tooling used in Genera's molded fiber manufacturing operations. This position ensures dies, molds, fixtures, cutting tools, trim tools, and associated equipment remain in optimal operating condition to support production efficiency, product quality, and equipment reliability.

This role requires exceptional mechanical aptitude, precision machining skills, and the ability to work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance teams to continuously improve tooling performance.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 

Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild production tooling, molds, dies, trim tools, fixtures, and precision components.  

 

Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on tooling systems.  

 

Diagnose tooling wear, damage, alignment issues, and performance concerns.  

 

Fabricate replacement components using manual machine tools and precision measuring equipment.  

 

Modify tooling to improve efficiency, product quality, equipment reliability, and manufacturability.  

 

Install, align, and commission new tooling during production changeovers.  

 

Assist with mold and die setup for production runs.  

 

Perform polishing, fitting, grinding, welding, and finishing of tooling components.  

 

Work from engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints, and technical specifications.  

 

Measure and inspect tooling using precision measuring instruments including:  

 

Micrometers  

 

Dial indicators  

 

Height gauges  

 

Bore gauges  

 

Calipers  

 

Surface plates  

 

Identify root causes of tooling failures and recommend corrective actions.  

 

Maintain proper tooling inventory and spare parts.  

 

Assist Engineering with tooling improvements and prototype development.  

 

Support new equipment installation and startup activities.  

 

Complete work orders and maintenance documentation using the company's CMMS system.  

 

Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.  

 

Participate in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.  

 

Support production during scheduled shutdowns and emergency repairs.  

 

Work overtime and weekends as needed.  

 

Reliable and Predictable Attendance.

 

Other duties as assigned. 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

 

Strong mechanical aptitude.  

 

Extensive knowledge of tool and die maintenance practices.  

 

Ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues.  

 

Experience working with:  

 

Progressive dies  

 

Trim dies  

 

Molds  

 

Fixtures  

 

Precision assemblies  

 

Ability to operate manual machine tools including:  

 

Engine lathes  

 

Vertical mills  

 

Surface grinders  

 

Drill presses  

 

Band saws  

 

Experience with precision fitting and alignment.  

 

Knowledge of bearings, bushings, guide pins, punches, inserts, springs, and wear components.  

 

Ability to read and interpret:  

 

Blueprints  

 

Mechanical drawings  

 

GD&T  

 

Technical manuals  

 

Strong welding and fabrication skills preferred.  

 

Basic computer skills.  

 

Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.  

 

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.  

 

Strong problem-solving abilities.  

 

Commitment to safety and quality.  

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

 

High school diploma or GED required.  

 

Technical certificate in Tool & Die, Precision Machining, Industrial Maintenance, or related field preferred.  

 

Minimum 5 years of Tool & Die maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.  

 

Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment preferred.  

 

Experience with molded fiber, plastics, paper, packaging, or high-volume manufacturing is highly desirable. 

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

Experience with:

 

CNC machining  

 

Mold maintenance  

 

Hydraulics  

 

Pneumatics  

 

Servo systems  

 

Robotics  

 

Laser alignment  

 

Precision machining  

 

Lean Manufacturing  

 

Root Cause Analysis  

 

Continuous Improvement methodologies  

 

Physical Requirements

 

Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.  

 

Occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.  

 

Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb ladders, and reach throughout the shift.  

 

Work in hot, humid, noisy manufacturing environments.  

 

Ability to wear required PPE.  

 

Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated work platforms when necessary.  

 

 

 

Work Environment

 

This position works in an industrial manufacturing facility with exposure to:

 

Moving mechanical equipment  

 

High temperatures  

 

Dust  

 

Noise  

 

Lubricants  

 

Hydraulic systems  

 

Electrical equipment  

 

Forklift traffic  

 

Strict adherence to all safety procedures and PPE requirements is mandatory.