Die Cutter

Job Summary

The Die Cutter is responsible for operating die-cutting machinery to cut, score, and shape a variety of materials according to production specifications. This role requires precision, mechanical aptitude, and attention to quality standards. The Die Cutter operates steel rule and thermal die-cutting presses and ensures that finished products meet company and customer specifications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Operation

• Retrieve and prepare production dies for scheduled jobs.
• Insert and align die boards in the press, ensuring proper positioning.
• Adjust guides, gauge pins, fingers, and grippers for die-cutting accuracy.
• Fit rubber to steel rule and place make-ready sheets under the jacket as needed.
• Run proof samples, obtain approval, and proceed with the production run.

Quality Control & Production Monitoring

• Measure and compare parts against standards and blueprints to verify conformance.
• Monitor press operation, adjust speed and feed settings, and ensure consistent quality.
• Identify and troubleshoot production issues, making adjustments as needed.
• Utilize calipers and other measuring tools to ensure precise cuts.

Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Perform routine press maintenance, including changing die rubber when required.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow safety protocols and company guidelines while operating machinery.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities, but the Die Cutter is expected to uphold company policies, safety regulations, and best practices while maintaining a high standard of workmanship.

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, an individual must meet the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Knowledge of press setup preferred.
• Experience with steel rule and thermal die-cutting preferred.
• Experience using hand tools (e.g., wrenches and drills) or willingness to learn.
• Ability to compare finished work to specifications and identify variances.
• Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Ability to read blueprints and follow technical instructions.
• Familiarity with using calipers and other measuring tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent organizational skills and a strong sense of quality control.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One to three months of related experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Good judgment of color, design, and print quality is essential.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend basic instructions related to die-cutting operations and quality standards.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written and oral instructions.
• Capable of identifying and resolving production issues in standard operational situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to talk and hear to communicate effectively with team members.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Protective hearing devices will be provided when necessary.
• This position requires interaction with moving production equipment.

This is primarily a Monday - Friday position with working hours 7am to 3:30pm, and overtime as required. 

Reliable transportation and good attendance a must.

Attention to detail. 

Ability to stand for extended periods of time.