Tooling Apprentice

California - San Marcos 1940 Diamond Street San Marcos, CA 92078, USA Hunter Industries is seeking two Tooling Apprentices ! In this role, you will develop and master the essential skills required to become a Mold Maker I or General Machinist I by the end of a four-and-a-half-year apprenticeship program. Throughout this program, you will gain hands‑on experience in machining precision mold components using a variety of tool room machines, including lathes, milling machines, and grinders, learn new mold construction processes, and gain the skills needed to troubleshoot production mold repair. By the end of the apprenticeship, you will be proficient in all foundational aspects of mold making, prepared to contribute effectively to a professional tool‑making environment. The application window for this opportunity is expected to close on July 10th, but may be shortened or lengthened based on volume of applicants. Selection Process 1st round – testing of mathematical skills, conducted in a group setting. 2nd round (if advanced) – completion of two mechanical aptitude tests, conducted in a group setting, as well as a tour of the Hunter Tool Room. 3rd round (if advanced) – individual interview with the hiring team. Essential Functions Collaborates closely with CNC programmers to understand advanced machining techniques, work with EDM specialists on sinker and wire EDM processes, and partner with tooling engineers to make strategic decisions that ensure optimal tool performance and quality. Reads and interprets blueprints, understands geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and understands material properties. Acquires proficiency with tool room equipment (lathes, mills, and grinders) to manufacture precision parts. Designs and manufactures special jigs and fixtures required for complete assigned mold project. Assists Journeyman mold makers with constructing molds using tool room resources, as well as troubleshooting and repairing production molds. Applies knowledge of shop mathematics and layout techniques to develop and trace patterns to product or parts (or use templates). Performs quality control on own work adhering to strict quality safety standards. Suggests possible improvements and/or alternate methods of achieving a solid design to mold design engineers. Gains knowledge of all tool room equipment including but not limited to CNC mill, lathe, EDM, wire EDM, and surface grinders. Education/Training Required and Preferred High school diploma or equivalent. Both mechanical and mathematical aptitudes are required. Completion of a trade school machining program preferred. Experience Required and Preferred Completion of the Bennett Mechanical Aptitude Test and Minnesota Paper Form Board Test. Knowledge and experience with basic hand tools. What You Bring Verbal and written communication skills in English and ability to comprehend work instructions. Ability to work overtime when required. Ability to work well in a team environment. Mechanical aptitude and ability required. Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail; ability to accurately perform intermediate mathematical and statistical calculations and use a weight counting scale. Use of CAD/CAM systems preferred. Understanding of machines and tools, including their uses and maintenance. Must be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. Requires ability to work within a team environment and to demonstrate professional behavior. Physical Demands Regularly required to stand; use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. Regularly lift, push, pull and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, odors and fumes or airborne particles. Frequently exposed to vibration. Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather conditions, and risk of static electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and may require PPE. What We Offer Amazing corporate culture. Beautiful 20‑acre park‑like campus with creek and walking trails. On‑site wellness center with personal training, fitness classes, and massage. Company events. Company donation matching and volunteer rewards. Career development opportunities and profit‑sharing bonus. The started hourly rate for this opportunity is $24.50. The Company complies with all federal/local/state regulations in regard to pay. Hunter Industries and its Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, military and veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr