Tool and Die Technical Instructor

Tool and Die Technical Instructor

The Tool & Die Instructor directs and trains the Tool & Die apprenticeship pipeline. The role leads and delivers the 2-year apprenticeship training to ensure capability to maintain, repair, and improve production tooling for HVAC manufacturing, supporting safe, disruption-free output and quality. Responsibilities include instructing sharpening and fitting tooling; instructing on punch entry and pass line heights; timing progressive dies; sustaining forming stations; troubleshooting at the press; operating toolroom equipment; and designing/building jigs and fixtures. The position designs, develops, and delivers classroom and hands-on instruction; evaluates apprentice competency; maintains documentation and standards aligned with Daikin's T&D Trainer program; and partners with Production, Engineering, and EHS to build a safe, productive, and skilled workforce. This position requires the trainer to keep accurate records of training hours, as well as OJT hours.

Position Responsibilities may Include:

• Develop, deliver, and assess training modules aligned with the tool & die trade standards and organizational needs
• Lead hands-on instruction in a fully equipped toolroom environment, deliver outcomes aligned with advanced tool and die competencies, and in conjunction with the DOL training requirements.
• Work with subject matter experts to develop or enhance curriculum as required
• Evaluate students' performance on quizzes, tests, and advise students on academic performance
• Prepare training facility and lab prior to training classes
• Select equipment, materials, and supplies needed to run the tool & die lab; design learning materials used for lab assignments coordinated with lectures; distribute appropriate materials for student use
• Ensure apprentices adhere to company safety policies, procedures, and quality standards, including equipment and tools
• Facilitate the capstone project: lead trainees through design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of a die/tool from blueprint through final inspection
• Design die details and FAI engineering in CAD or Solid-Works, etc.
• Run EDMs and Program EDMs / At a minimum must have knowledge of how EDM's function
• Own 5S in shop and maintain tooling of apprentice equipment.
• Instruction on building Jigs & Fixtures
• Trouble-shoot tooling problems at the press with students
• Escalate matters to manager when needed
• Perform additional projects/duties as assigned

Nature & Scope:

• Is recognized as a subject matter expert in job area
• Manages large projects or processes with limited oversight from manager
• Coaches, reviews, and delegates work to lower-level professionals
• Problems faced are difficult and often complex

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Thorough knowledge of Machine Shop Practices: expert-level setup, operation, and conversational programming of manual and CNC lathes, mills, and grinders; drill presses for drilling/tapping; saws, shears, and hand tools; metal/plastic forming equipment.
• Advanced knowledge in die making (able to repair and/or fabricate replacement tooling for molds and dies with tool room equipment excluding equipment limitations)
• Ability to set up, operate, and conversationally program conventional, manual, and computer-numeric controlled (CNC) machines and equipment.
• Ability to fixture and design methods of manufacturing complex parts
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and CAD/CAM drawings
• Able to read micrometers, calipers, and precision measuring tools; compute/verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, alignments, clearances, and tolerances; inspect parts and finished dies for contour conformity, surface finish, and defects
• Deliver clear, engaging instruction with strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Effective organizational and time management skills, with ability to multitask and prioritize to manage multiple projects/assignments ensuring on-time completion
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical business periodicals, professional journals and technical procedures
• Strong communication skills to facilitate understanding and problem solving with cross-functional teams and convey technical concepts
• Attention to detail, ability to work independently and make competent decisions.
• Strong troubleshooting methodologies to resolve machining, tooling, and process issues
• Prior experience mentoring or training apprentices or junior technicians in a shop or academic setting
• Perform other duties as assigned

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience with technical skill instruction, including tool and die practices
• 3+ years of facilitating technical training
• 8+ years of Tool & Die work experience in sheet metal fabrication shop is required

Education/Certification:

• Technical certifications preferred
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Technical degree or a minimum of 6 years of progressive on the job experience

People Management: No

Physical Requirements / Work Environment:

• Must be able to perform essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reports To: Manager, Technical Training