Earn $25.77 per hour! ENTRY LEVEL MANUFACTURING Shell, Gate & Core Removal Operator -- Multiple Shifts Available!

Shell, Gate & Core Removal Operator

The Shell, Gate & Core Removal Operator performs post-casting operations to remove ceramic shells, gates, and internal ceramic cores from investment castings using mechanical, thermal, and chemical removal processes. This role ensures that castings are processed to remove all shell, gate and core material without damage to the casting, meeting the requirements for downstream finishing and inspection operations.

U.S. Person Required - Travel Percentage - Is Relocation Available

Yes - 0% - No

What You'll Do

1 - Perform shell knockout operations using vibration, impact, and mechanical equipment to remove ceramic investment shell material from castings. - 30%

2 - Perform gate and runner removal operations including cutoff saw operations, abrasive cutoff, and manual gate removal methods per approved procedures. - 35%

3 - Perform ceramic core removal operations using chemical leach, autoclave, or mechanical methods as applicable to the casting program. - 20%

4 - Inspect castings following knockout and gate removal for casting damage, residual shell or core material, and visual casting defects, segregating nonconforming parts. - 10%

5 - Maintain equipment, work area, and complete production documentation per established procedures and 5S standards. - 5%

Total - 100%

Available Schedules

1st shift, 6:30a-3:00p, M-F

1st shift, 7:00a-3:30p, M-F

2nd shift, 2:30p-11:00p, M-F

2nd shift, 3:00p-11:30p, M-F

3rd shift, 10:30p-7:00a, M-F

Who You Are

Education - High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience - No prior experience required.

Certifications - None required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to safely operate mechanical shell removal, cutoff and grind equipment, and chemical processing equipment.
• Knowledge of chemical handling safety for core removal chemical leach processes.
• Knowledge of abrasive finishing safety including grinding wheel inspection, guarding, and PPE requirements.
• Attention to detail for post-knockout casting inspection and defect identification.
• Physical ability to perform repetitive knockout and removal operations.
• Ability to follow program-specific removal procedures for varied casting configurations.
• Effective communication with supervisors on casting conditions and removal process issues.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Environment: Post-casting operations area; noise from mechanical knockout equipment; chemical exposure in core removal areas.
• Physical demands: Repetitive physical operations including vibration tool use and casting handling; lifting up to 50 lbs. Vision 20/20 or correctable.
• PPE: Safety glasses, hearing protection, safety-toed shoes, and chemical PPE as required. (PPE ensemble will vary depending on task and as described in Job Safety Card.)
• Respirator: Ability to achieve medical clearance, fit testing and training requirements.

Why Join Hitchiner?

• Mission-critical manufacturing : We use advanced automation and cutting edge equipment to support industries where precision and reliability matter.
• Internal mobility: We deeply invest in our people, offering training and leadership development opportunities so that employees can grow their careers with us.
• We win together: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our annual profit-sharing bonus.
• Beautiful location: Fully updated and modernized buildings on a campus offering an onsite restaurant and gym.

Employee Benefits

Full time employees may elect to participate in a number of benefit programs, including Hitchiner's Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, and 401(k) Employee Retirement Contribution Plan. The Company provides employees with basic company-paid short-term, long-term, and basic life/AD&D insurance.

Employees also have access to education and tuition reimbursement, wellness rewards, Employee Assistance Program, and our free onsite fitness center.

About Hitchiner

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Milford, New Hampshire, Hitchiner Manufacturing is the premier supplier of high-volume, complex thin-wall investment castings and fully finished casting-based components to the automotive, aerospace and defense markets.

Additional Information

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Hitchiner Manufacturing is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

This position involves access to technical data, materials, and/or hardware subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employees must be able to meet export control eligibility requirements as a condition of employment. Who is considered a U.S. Person? A U.S. Person can be one of the following: U.S. Citizen, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), a refugee or asylee admitted under the U.S. law, or certain protected individuals under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Learn more about the ITAR here. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Hitchiner participates in the E-Verify program to confirm work authorization for all new hires in accordance with federal law.