Position: Polymers & Tooling Associate
Organization Name: West Supply LLC
Job Location: Chicago, IL
FLSA Status: Non-exempt, Hourly
Reports to: Director of Development & Innovation
www.westsupply.com
WHAT WE DO
West Supply produces hand-crafted, heirloom-quality products for leading design, furniture, lighting, architectural and fine art clientele. Primarily working in cast metal, cast glass, and cast composites, our ability to develop and produce exclusive products is recognized as the industry's highest standard of quality and professionalism. Utilizing our abilities in patina, casting methods, combinations of material, and custom assembly expertise, West Supply’s sister company, Refractory, was founded in 2021.
www.refractory.studio
After 14 years in business, West Supply and its sister company Refractory are in an exciting new chapter, and we are looking for strong talent and great energy to add to our team. We are seeking a candidate who shows initiative, a willingness to learn and innovate, and aspires to grow with the company as we take on new and more technically challenging projects and develop new materialities.
DESCRIPTION
We’re seeking a dedicated, hardworking individual to join our polymers and tooling team to create tooling for lost-wax and sand casting and also work on production output for pieces for our ever-growing catalog of polymer-based products, including Cast Mineral. We will provide specialized training for this position. The position calls for flexibility and focus in a fast-paced production environment.
EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS
- Work closely with teammates, Lead, and Director to make molds and production tooling to assist in the creation of sand and other foundry/glassworks/polymers molds.
- Experience working with basic wood-working machinery, including basic maintenance and care of same, along with attention to workspace and organization.
- Operate mixing equipment and execute specialty casting processes as led by the Director and Moulds Lead.
- Experience in a production environment with awareness of best practices of safety and cleanliness is a plus.
- Experience in construction or manufacturing in general is preferred by not required.
- Experience with mold-making and foundry is a plus but not required.
- Work from technical drawings and within specific tolerances (inspect, weigh, and measure mixtures/products/molds to verify conformance to specifications)
- This is an entry-level position and training will be provided to an aspiring and committed candidate.
- Diligence and precision, being able to self-start and multi-task efficiently, punctuality and a strong work ethic are a must.
- The ability to communicate effectively with team members, Lead, and Director to troubleshoot, learn, and meet deadlines and quality standards is a must.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT / WORKING CONDITIONS
- Spend time bending or twisting the body, making repetitive motions.
- Spend time crouching, climbing, stooping, lifting, and standing for extended periods throughout the day.
- Must be able to safely lift, carry, and manage forms of 75 lbs. regularly with typical supportive equipment.
- Push/pull/handle up to 100 lbs.
- Sounds, and noise levels can be distracting or uncomfortable; the use of protective gear is imperative as needed.
- Exposure to hot, humid, or cold temperatures in the production environment.
- Proper PPE is provided.
BENEFITS
- Health Benefits (employer pays portion)
- Dental, and Vision Insurance (employee paid)
- Life Insurance (employer-paid)
- Short-term Disability Insurance (company facilitated, employee paid)
- 401k
- Paid Time Off plus +/- 10 paid observed national holidays
- Personal Use of the Workshop after 6 months
- Working with a family of motivated artisans and world-class designers, clients, and
artists within a strong culture of support and pride in work and in one another
COMPENSATION
- $23-28 based on experience
HOURS
- Monday - Friday
- The shop is open from 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- 40hrs per week plus pre-approved overtime
- Occasionally weekend hours may be scheduled and discussed beforehand, based on
mold making and production schedules, etc.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Overtime
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60639 (Required)
Work Location: In person
