Job Description
HPDC Die Repair Technician | Tooling Repair and Improvement | Sallisaw, OK When a die goes down, the whole line feels it. This role is for the technician who gets it back up, and then figures out how to keep it from going down again.
You'll join the Engineering department of a high-pressure die casting operation in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, as the specialist responsible for keeping dies, trim dies, and related tooling production-ready. It's skilled, hands-on work where craftsmanship matters and where the results are easy to see.
If you take pride in reading a failure, finding the root cause, and restoring a die to spec, this is a place where that skill is central to the operation and not an afterthought.
Why This Opportunity Is Different Most die repair roles stop at fixing what's broken. This one asks for your ideas too. You'll recommend tooling improvements to extend die life and improve casting quality, and you'll work directly with engineering on die modifications and continuous improvement initiatives. You'll report to the Casting Expert, giving you direct leadership access and a front-row seat to how the process is engineered. The scope is broad, covering welding, machining, grinding, bench work, troubleshooting, and die tryouts, so no two weeks look the same. Your impact is measured in real terms: reduced downtime, faster turnaround, longer die life, and less scrap.
What You'll Be Doing - Keeping HPDC dies, trim dies, and tooling production-ready through preventive maintenance, repairs, and full rebuilds
- Disassembling, inspecting, troubleshooting, and reassembling die cast tooling components
- Diagnosing tooling failures and determining the corrective actions that restore production readiness
- Repairing worn, damaged, or cracked die components through welding, machining, polishing, grinding, and fitting
- Performing precision bench work including spotting, fitting, lapping, and polishing of die surfaces
- Maintaining cooling lines, vent systems, ejector systems, and moving die components
- Reading engineering drawings, die designs, blueprints, and tooling specifications to guide repairs
- Verifying work through dimensional inspections with precision measuring instruments
- Supporting die tryouts and production startups after repairs or modifications
- Documenting maintenance activities, repair history, and tooling performance data
- Recommending tooling improvements that extend die life and improve casting quality and productivity
- Partnering with engineering on die modifications and continuous improvement initiatives
- Responding to emergency tooling repairs to minimize production downtime
- Upholding all safety, environmental, and quality requirements
What We're Looking For - High school diploma or GED
- Hands-on experience repairing and maintaining high-pressure die casting dies and tooling
- Proficiency with hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and tool room equipment
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and CAD-generated prints
- Knowledge of die casting processes, die construction, and tooling materials
- Strong skills in die disassembly and assembly, die spotting and fitting, tool steel repair, welding and polishing, hydraulic and mechanical systems, root cause analysis, and preventive maintenance
- Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
- The ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
- Comfort working in a tool room and manufacturing environment with heat, noise, oils, and lubricants, using required PPE
Preferred Qualifications - Technical training, apprenticeship, or certification in Tool and Die or Machining
- 3+ years of HPDC tooling repair experience
- Aluminum die casting experience
- TIG welding, laser welding, or tool steel repair experience
- Knowledge of CNC machining, EDM, surface grinding, and milling
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
- Experience with maintenance management systems such as work instructions or visual aids
Compensation & Work Model Pay range: $28 to $38 per hour. This is an onsite position.
Location & Travel This role is based onsite in Sallisaw, Oklahoma
How to Apply To apply or learn more, contact: Aimee.Santos@tappwfs.com
About TAPP Workforce Solutions TAPP Workforce Solutions is a specialized recruitment and workforce solutions firm supporting organizations across skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, and professional services. We act as an extension of our clients' teams, delivering thoughtful, relationship-driven hiring solutions focused on long-term fit, performance, and retention.
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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Full time, Apprenticeship