Maintenance Technician- Tool & Die

Job DetailsJob Location: Vonore, TN 37885Full 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.  
QualificationsMinimum 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.