Howmet Aerospace’s Wichita Falls, TX facility has an opening for Caster/Mold Handlers.
Howmet is a world leader in the investment casting industry and is a leading supplier of superalloys, aluminum, and titanium components for aerospace, automotive, and commercial transportation applications. Our Wichita Falls location is on the front edge of the rapid growth in the aerospace and turbine industries. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
MUST BE ABLE TO WORK 12 HOUR SHIFTS, DAYS OR NIGHTS.
Responsible for operation of casting unit; melts and pours into ceramic molds using induction or vacuum induction furnaces according to critical, prescribed written instructions and procedures. Caster/Mold Handler may not move for two (2) years unless movement is a promotion within the department.
Works under general supervision and the direction of a caster to remove molds from the preheat furnace, properly position in a timely manner for casting, perform wrap application, dewaxing, repair, and mold inspect and perform all post-cast operations specified.
Works with a mold-handler and at times performs the mold-handling operation to preheat ceramic molds and melt alloy to pour into the preheated molds.
- Using Computers (entering information, etc.)
- Must be able to read and interpret Product Criteria (PC) and Activity Instructions (AI).
- Must be able to function as a member of a team and be able to work under general supervision.
- Must be able to maintain expected quality levels.
- Comply with all site required policies and procedures including but not limited to: EHS, Quality, Code of Conduct and the Wichita Falls Employee Handbook.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CASTER
1. Inserts alloy charges into an induction melting crucible (air or vacuum) manually or with mechanical assistance.
2. Operates casting unit to melt charge, either manually or utilizing autocast system; monitors melt visually and ascertains temperatures with pyrometer, or immersion thermo- couple.
3. Directs mold handler to convey mold from preheat furnace to casting unit.
4. Monitors and records casting parameters required in casting log and computer.
5. Confirms correct alloy identification and casting sequence of molds.
6. Warns mold handler of broken or leaking molds.
7. Supplies mold handler with alloy identification tags and notifies mold handler of any “capping” material required on molds.
8. Manually pours or adjusts and initiates auto pour of melted charges.
9. Removes and installs induction crucibles.
10. Cleans casting unit along with the inner walls of the melt chamber.
11. Keeps updated on all Activity Instructions.
12. Independent judgment is often required when performing job duties.
13. Considerable care and attention are required while operating the casting unit.
14. Assists in minor equipment maintenance.
15. Expected to lead a team of foundry service operators and mold handlers to perform to a given scheduled supplied by the Supervisor.
16. Complies with all EHS rules related to the work environment.
17. Works Overtime when needed.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MOLD HANDLER
1. Read all available instructions and assist caster to cast molds in accordance with established techniques and specific instructions on the Product Criteria, Mold Sheets or Activity Instructions.
2. Requires concentration for short periods of time when assisting in the acquisition of the proper alloy, checks preheat temperatures, handles the molds from the preheat furnace and again after casting, and accomplishes all specific post-cast operations (Hexamine, mold stripping, exothermic application, and vermiculite encapsulation).
3. Particularly responsible for proper mold positioning, lower chamber cleaning, and the control of variables affecting solidification and mold cooling.
4. Moves empty, hot furnace trays, changes and cleans door gaskets, performs heavy housekeeping required in department, and assists in minor equipment maintenance.
5. Notifies caster of any torn wraps, bumped or leaking molds.
6. Periodically required to load ovens.
7. Keep updated on new methods on improvements.
8. Must follow all safety practices and procedures.
9. Locates scheduled work, moves trucks to proper workstation.
10. Ensures molds are kept clean in each area.
11. Seals molds at dewax or mold inspection with either ceramic disk or rubber cap.
12. Monitors operation of equipment and temperature controls.
13. Must follow Work Instructions and Activity Instructions that govern each job task.
14. Inspects and repairs molds.
15. Prepares solutions and maintains supplies.
16. Cuts required kaowool and rollboard.
17. Wraps molds per Process Releases/Product Criteria.
18. Must be able to operate the required piece of mobile equipment for this area.
19. Machines and work area are to be kept clean and in orderly condition. Supervisor is to be notified immediately of equipment or machinery malfunctions.
20. Completes necessary paperwork as required.
21. Verifies mold counts and paperwork correctness on lot travelers, or serial numbers at each operation.
22. Loads molds in preheat oven.
23. Performs other duties as required.
24. Complies with all EHS rules related to the work environment.
- Works Overtime when needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/EQUIPMENT USED
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employee is required to execute the following:
Considerable physical effort is required when loading alloy.
Reach for items nearby, far, and overhead.
Fine manipulation, using a keyboard and mouse.
Lifting and carrying to the waist-to-chest high level, floor to waist and chest to overhead.
Gripping Pinching and Handling.
Climb stairs and ladders.
Crawl, squat, balance, and sustain bending.
Finger Press and tolerate hand/arm vibration.
Be able to carry with one hand.
Pushing, pulling, and twisting.
Be able to carry items with two hands.
Moderate lifting from 25lbs to 50lbs
Requires almost constant standing and sufficient strength to lift, handle and transport heavy, hot molds, and hot molds containing molten alloy
Must pass Jaeger 2 vision test annually for depth perception when pouring alloy and setting mold position.
Uses miscellaneous hand tools, pyrometer, and immersion thermocouple; operates roll-over and vacuum furnaces; observes and monitors many assorted digital read-out and dial type displays.
Uses hoist and other handling tools to manipulate molds into the Casting furnaces, cooling stations and onto cooling carts.
- Work Environment: (Chemical and Physical Exposure):
- Extreme care must be taken because of exposure to extremely high temperatures for short periods of time.
- Exposure to dust and fumes from the casting process.
- Occasional exposure to uncontained molten metal sprays and solid metal chips from chamber cleaning.
- Requires wearing dust mask during certain procedures.
- Exposure to Nickel and RCF
The Howmet engines business produces world-class aerospace engine components, including investment castings, fasteners, rings and forgings. Our vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts enable the next generation of quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient aerospace engines. Able to supply more than 90% of structural and rotating aerospace engine components.
Howmet Aerospace’s Wichita Falls, TX facility has an opening for Caster/Mold Handlers.
Howmet is a world leader in the investment casting industry and is a leading supplier of superalloys, aluminum, and titanium components for aerospace, automotive, and commercial transportation applications. Our Wichita Falls location is on the front edge of the rapid growth in the aerospace and turbine industries. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Howmet Aerospace’s Wichita Falls, TX facility has an opening for Caster/Moldhandler.
MUST BE ABLE TO WORK 12 HOUR ROTATING SHIFTS, (2 on 2 off, 3 on 2 off, 2 on 3 off)
Positions are available on each shift. Priority will be given to internal candidates.
-
Starting pay is at $29.31 tops out at $33.88 at 9 months.
-
$1.00 shift differential
Along with your pay, our company provides you with a comprehensive package of benefits that is competitive with other leading companies. Some of our benefits include: Paid vacation each year, based on length of service; paid holidays; 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match of up to 6% of your pre-tax contributions; Employer contribution to your Retirement Savings Plan account each pay period; Medical/Prescription Drug/Dental/Vision benefits offered upon hire; Employee Life Insurance, and a Employee Assistant Program.
Responsible for operation of casting unit; melts and pours into ceramic molds using induction or vacuum induction furnaces according to critical, prescribed written instructions and procedures. Caster/Mold Handler may not move for two (2) years unless movement is a promotion within the department.
Works under general supervision and the direction of a caster to remove molds from the preheat furnace, properly position in a timely manner for casting, perform wrap application, dewaxing, repair, and mold inspect and perform all post-cast operations specified.
Works with a mold-handler and at times performs the mold-handling operation to preheat ceramic molds and melt alloy to pour into the preheated molds.
-
Using Computers (entering information, etc.)
-
Must be able to read and interpret Product Criteria (PC) and Activity Instructions (AI).
-
Must be able to function as a member of a team and be able to work under general supervision.
-
Must be able to maintain expected quality levels.
-
Comply with all site required policies and procedures including but not limited to: EHS, Quality, Code of Conduct and the Wichita Falls Employee Handbook.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CASTER
1. Inserts alloy charges into an induction melting crucible (air or vacuum) manually or with mechanical assistance.
2. Operates casting unit to melt charge, either manually or utilizing autocast system; monitors melt visually and ascertains temperatures with pyrometer, or immersion thermo- couple.
3. Directs mold handler to convey mold from preheat furnace to casting unit.
4. Monitors and records casting parameters required in casting log and computer.
5. Confirms correct alloy identification and casting sequence of molds.
6. Warns mold handler of broken or leaking molds.
7. Supplies mold handler with alloy identification tags and notifies mold handler of any “capping” material required on molds.
8. Manually pours or adjusts and initiates auto pour of melted charges.
9. Removes and installs induction crucibles.
10. Cleans casting unit along with the inner walls of the melt chamber.
11. Keeps updated on all Activity Instructions.
12. Independent judgment is often required when performing job duties.
13. Considerable care and attention are required while operating the casting unit.
14. Assists in minor equipment maintenance.
15. Expected to lead a team of foundry service operators and mold handlers to perform to a given scheduled supplied by the Supervisor.
16. Complies with all EHS rules related to the work environment.
17. Works Overtime when needed.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MOLD HANDLER
1. Read all available instructions and assist caster to cast molds in accordance with established techniques and specific instructions on the Product Criteria, Mold Sheets or Activity Instructions.
2. Requires concentration for short periods of time when assisting in the acquisition of the proper alloy, checks preheat temperatures, handles the molds from the preheat furnace and again after casting, and accomplishes all specific post-cast operations (Hexamine, mold stripping, exothermic application, and vermiculite encapsulation).
3. Particularly responsible for proper mold positioning, lower chamber cleaning, and the control of variables affecting solidification and mold cooling.
4. Moves empty, hot furnace trays, changes and cleans door gaskets, performs heavy housekeeping required in department, and assists in minor equipment maintenance.
5. Notifies caster of any torn wraps, bumped or leaking molds.
6. Periodically required to load ovens.
7. Keep updated on new methods on improvements.
8. Must follow all safety practices and procedures.
9. Locates scheduled work, moves trucks to proper workstation.
10. Ensures molds are kept clean in each area.
11. Seals molds at dewax or mold inspection with either ceramic disk or rubber cap.
12. Monitors operation of equipment and temperature controls.
13. Must follow Work Instructions and Activity Instructions that govern each job task.
14. Inspects and repairs molds.
15. Prepares solutions and maintains supplies.
16. Cuts required kaowool and rollboard.
17. Wraps molds per Process Releases/Product Criteria.
18. Must be able to operate the required piece of mobile equipment for this area.
19. Machines and work area are to be kept clean and in orderly condition. Supervisor is to be notified immediately of equipment or machinery malfunctions.
20. Completes necessary paperwork as required.
21. Verifies mold counts and paperwork correctness on lot travelers, or serial numbers at each operation.
22. Loads molds in preheat oven.
23. Performs other duties as required.
24. Complies with all EHS rules related to the work environment.
- Works Overtime when needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/EQUIPMENT USED
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Employee is required to execute the following:
-
Considerable physical effort is required when loading alloy.
-
Reach for items nearby, far, and overhead.
-
Fine manipulation, using a keyboard and mouse.
-
Lifting and carrying to the waist-to-chest high level, floor to waist and chest to overhead.
-
Gripping Pinching and Handling.
-
Climb stairs and ladders.
-
Crawl, squat, balance, and sustain bending.
-
Finger Press and tolerate hand/arm vibration.
-
Be able to carry with one hand.
-
Pushing, pulling, and twisting.
-
Be able to carry items with two hands.
-
Moderate lifting from 25lbs to 50lbs
-
Requires almost constant standing and sufficient strength to lift, handle and transport heavy, hot molds, and hot molds containing molten alloy
-
Must pass Jaeger 2 vision test annually for depth perception when pouring alloy and setting mold position.
Training:
-
Three to six months on-the-job training required for satisfactory job proficiency.
-
Training Folder
-
Molten Material
-
Combustion Systems
-
Hazardous energy sources (LTV)
-
Electrical
Equipment Used:
Uses miscellaneous hand tools, pyrometer, and immersion thermocouple; operates roll-over and vacuum furnaces; observes and monitors many assorted digital read-out and dial type displays.
Uses hoist and other handling tools to manipulate molds into the Casting furnaces, cooling stations and onto cooling carts.
-
Work Environment: (Chemical and Physical Exposure):
-
Extreme care must be taken because of exposure to extremely high temperatures for short periods of time.
-
Exposure to dust and fumes from the casting process.
-
Occasional exposure to uncontained molten metal sprays and solid metal chips from chamber cleaning.
-
Requires wearing dust mask during certain procedures.
-
Exposure to Nickel and RCF
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
-
High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution
-
Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
-
This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-
Basic Computer skills.
-
Foundry Service/Mold Handler experience
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [email protected]
