Tooling Operator

The Company

Heico has a history of success. Since its founding over 40 years ago The Heico Companies has grown from a single business to over 78 separate companies through a strategic acquisition policy, and by reinvesting its earnings into internal growth and new prospects. Historically talented at restoring distressed companies, Heico strategically targets acquisitions that will complement its ever-growing portfolio of companies in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services.

These four core operations are organized into groups: Applied Solutions Group, Construction Solutions Group, Industrial Technologies Group, and Metal Processing Group. Once acquired, new Heico companies are assigned to a group and run on a stand-alone basis, allowing for great independence as well as the opportunity to share knowledge about markets, production processes, and management practices across other Heico groups and companies.

Heico continues to seek out new opportunities and maintain its standard of success. The Heico Companies has remained a privately held company since its creation and maintains a majority ownership in each of its operations, which generates more than $3.3 billion dollars in revenues. Many of our businesses are certified Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBE).

More information about the overall organization can be found at

Since our inception, Versatile Mold and Design, Inc. (VMD) has been committed to improving the long-term competitive edge of our customer through innovative engineering and mold performance. We are a full-service molding facility capable of providing support through all phases of the molding process, from design to mold sampling. We have applied our expertise in engineering thermoset, thermoplastic injection, compression, injection-compression, and transfer as well as general machining and refurbishment, to give our customers the latest in technology.

We work together with our customers as a team. Our management, each with hands-on experience, ensures that the customer is involved at each stage of the project. The design operators and toolmakers work closely with engineering and take personal pride in the quality and workmanship of each mold. Individual contribution and commitment is encouraged from every member of the VMD Team. We offer both domestic and offshore tooling to provide the best in service and competitive pricing to our customers.

The Position 

Responsible for the repair, maintenance, and enhancement of all tooling, dies, jigs, fixtures, and fittings for press tools and CNC equipment, ensuring alignment with production and customer requirements to support business objectives. Provide support for new tooling during product introductions to guarantee the robustness of production builds. Engage in various phases or sub-tasks of projects or entire projects of moderate complexity, with outcomes impacting project completion. Work under general supervision, with progress reviewed at project milestones and upon project completion by Senior Management.

Job Description           

Primary Responsibilities

• Performs scheduled preventative maintenance on all tooling; familiar with work orders and troubleshoots tooling problems impacting production.
• Assess, build, and repair damage to molds and other production tooling.
• Make-to-suit complex drill jigs, holding fixtures, and templates.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating CNC machines, including knowledge of various machining techniques and tooling; Strong programming skills with the ability to write and edit code programs. Familiar with CAM software.
• Performs setup, calibration, maintenance, programming and operation on a variety of machining equipment including lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, milling machines, computer numerically controlled and hydraulic presses to assemble and/or fabricate parts and complex assemblies.
• Performs Welding (TIG, MIG, and Stick)
• Implement sound PM program on Molds and tools.  This includes organizing the toolroom, so all work activities are scheduled, well-structured and documented.
• Computes dimensions and tolerances and measures and lays out work pieces.
• Verifies dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges and micrometers troubleshoots, debugs and modifies to achieve expected performance
• Reads and interprets specification manuals, blueprints, templates and layouts to determine machining operation to be performed including interpreting geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols.
• Assist in new tool startups and tool validation
• Maintain full documentation related to production mold revisions, procurement, vendor and customer qualifications.
• Participates in DFM reviews.
• Organize pins and molds and keep updated
• Participates in continuous improvement projects
• Cross trains in other complementary skills and seeks endorsements for those skills as needed to support production requirements.
• Responsible for observing all applicable safety requirements, reporting immediately any unsafe practices/conditions and correct use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Willingness to provide leadership and work in a team-oriented environment.
• Provide technical support and plastic expertise to support smooth operation of equipment and processes.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, managers, and sales team with progress of scheduled projects.
• Work with various departments and managers to maintain quality and improve processes.
• Perform sample experiments of mold processes in order to perfect operations.  Test and debug final tools prior to run off with customers.

Other Duties:  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Requirements      

Education

• Completion of an Apprentice or Journeymen Toolmaking program or 4 years of equivalent work experience.

Skills & Relevant Work Experience 

• Knowledge of high cavitation molding of precision small parts. Specific experience in compression and injection molding is preferred.
• Computer proficiency in 3D and 2D CAD, Microsoft Office.

• Experience as a CNC Machinist/Programmer.
• Good understanding of measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth mics, indicators).
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of plastic processing and plastic materials.
• Knowledge of tool design and molding principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong time-management skills and an ability to organize and coordinate multiple concurrent projects.
• Proficient in HRM Systems, Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and Adobe Acrobat
• Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and decorum in all interactions.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish and English a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Requires excellent mobility and the use of proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. 
• Must be able to stand for 8 hours per day.
• Must have very good manual dexterity, use of hand and eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• May be exposed to high levels of heat.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crouch, walk and sit.

Key Competencies

• Commitment to EHS – The employee must continually demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to the highest standards of health and safety for the workforce and be a leader in ensuring the company maintains its high levels of environmental performance.
• Unquestionable Integrity - Demonstrates the highest degree of integrity when engaging with associates, distributors, and stakeholders. Leads ethically by example and fosters a culture firmly grounded in the values of the organization.
• Collaborative Style – Engages stakeholders in problem solving and decision making. Is adept at bringing people together to tackle issues rather than dictate solutions. Has a collegial, inclusive working style and is professional and courteous. Builds strong relationships both internally and externally. Is both confident and humble.
• Communication Skills - Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively deliver and reinforce consistent messages at all levels. Excellent listening skills.

EOE M/F/D/V