Tooling Apprentice

About This Role:

Hunter Industries is seeking two Tooling Apprentices!  In this role, you will develop and master the essential skills required to become a Mold Maker I or General Machinist I by the end of a four-and-a-half-year apprenticeship program. Throughout this program, you will gain hands-on experience in machining precision mold components using a variety of tool room machines, including lathes, milling machines, and grinders, learn new mold construction processes, as well as gain the skills needed to trouble shoot production mold repair.

By the end of the apprenticeship, you will be proficient in all foundational aspects of mold making, prepared to contribute effectively to a professional tool-making environment.

The application window for this opportunity is expected to close on July 10th, but may be shortened or lengthened based on volume of applicants.  

*The selection process for this opportunity will include three parts:

• 1st round - testing of mathematical skills, conducted in a group setting.
• 2nd round (if advanced) - completion of two mechanical aptitude tests, conducted in a group setting, as well as a tour of the Hunter Tool Room.
• 3rd round (if advanced) - individual interview with the hiring team.  

Essential Functions:

• Collaborates closely with CNC programmers to understand advanced machining techniques, work with EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) specialists on both sinker and wire EDM processes, and partner with tooling engineers to make strategic decisions that ensure optimal tool performance and quality.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, understands geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and understands material properties.
• Acquires proficiency with tool room equipment (lathes, mills, and grinders) to manufacture precision parts.
• Designs and manufactures special jigs and fixture required for complete assigned mold project.
• Assists Journeyman mold makers with constructing molds using tool room resources, as well as trouble shooting and repairing production molds.
• Applies knowledge of shop mathematics and layout techniques to develop and trace patterns to product or parts (or use templates).
• Performs quality control on own work adhering to strict quality safety standards.
• Suggests possible improvements and/or alternate methods of achieving a solid design to mold design engineers.
• Gains knowledge of all tool room equipment included but not limited to CNC mill, Lathe, EDM and Wire EDM and surface grinders.
• Manages projects.

  Education/Training Required and Preferred:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Both mechanical and mathematical aptitudes are required.
• Completion of a trade school machining program preferred.

Experience Required and Preferred:

• Completion of the Bennett Mechanical Aptitude Test and Minnesota Paper Form Board Test.
• Knowledge and experience with basic hand tools.

What You Bring:

• Requires verbal and written communication skills in English and the ability to comprehend work instructions.
• Must have ability to comprehend verbal and written instructions and to speak in English.
• Must be able to work overtime when required.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Must be able to accurately perform intermediate mathematical and statistical calculations and use a weight counting scale.
• Use of CAD/CAM systems preferred.
• Understanding of machines and tools, including their uses and maintenance.
• Must be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.
• Requires ability to work within a team environment and to demonstrate professional behavior.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Must be able to accurately perform intermediate mathematical and statistical calculations and use a weight counting scale.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to stand; use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to sit and climb or balance.
• Regularly lift, push, pull and/or move up to 70 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, odors and fumes or airborne particles.
• Frequently exposed to vibration.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather conditions, and risk of static electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and may require PPE.

What We Offer:

• Amazing corporate culture - we walk the walk when it comes to our values!
• Beautiful 20 acre park like campus with creek and walking trails.
• On site wellness center with personal training, fitness classes and massage.
• FUN company events!
• Company donation matching and volunteer rewards.
• Career development opportunities and profit sharing bonus.

Follow us on LinkedIn, check out our rave reviews on Glassdoor, and learn more about our company culture on our career site: http://corporate.hunterindustries.com/careers 

Hunter is a global leader in the irrigation, outdoor lighting, dispensing technology, and custom manufacturing industries. Driving our continued success is the combined energy and talents of the nearly 4,000 people on our team. Together, we create a diverse array of products that can be seen all over the world, from residential landscapes to national landmarks, stadiums, parks, hotels, and municipal buildings. 

Hunter Industries and its Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, military and veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic.

The started hourly rate for this opportunity is $24.50

The Company complies with all federal/local/state regulations in regard to pay.