Position Summary The Metal Casting Pattern Shop Supervisor oversees the daily operations of the pattern shop to ensure patterns, core boxes, and related tooling are built, repaired, maintained, and staged to support safe, efficient, and high-quality foundry production. This role leads pattern shop personnel, coordinates priorities with production, engineering, quality, and maintenance, and ensures tooling meets dimensional, safety, and production requirements.
Key Responsibilities- Supervise and participate in the day-to-day pattern shop operations, including fabrication, repair, modification, maintenance, rigging, and storage of patterns, core boxes, and related tooling.
- Plan and assign work based on production schedules, tooling priorities, engineering changes, and maintenance needs.
- Ensure all pattern equipment and tooling are built and maintained to required dimensional tolerances and quality standards.
- Coordinate with foundry operations, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to support new product development, tooling improvements, and problem resolution.
- Review drawings, layouts, and specifications to confirm tooling design supports efficient, foundry-friendly production.
- Monitor tooling condition and remove, tag, or place damaged tooling on hold until corrective action is completed.
- Lead root-cause problem solving related to tooling defects, dimensional issues, scrap, and rework.
- Maintain tooling records, inventory accuracy, calibration status of shop measuring equipment, and documentation for repairs and revisions.
- Support vendor selection, purchasing, and outside pattern/tooling services while managing cost, quality, and delivery expectations.
- Train, coach, and develop pattern shop employees in safe work practices, craftsmanship, quality expectations, and standard procedures.
- Promote compliance with safety, environmental, housekeeping, and quality systems, including applicable ISO or internal standards.
- Track shop performance, downtime, completion status, and continuous improvement opportunities to improve throughput, accuracy, and cost control.
QualificationsRequired:- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training in patternmaking, machining, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in a foundry, pattern shop, tooling, or related manufacturing environment.
- 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
- Strong knowledge of foundry processes, tooling construction, pattern repair, rigging, and dimensional control.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, layouts, and specifications.
- Working knowledge of measuring instruments and quality inspection methods.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with basic computer systems for documentation, inventory, and production tracking.
Preferred:- Experience with wood, plastic, and metal pattern construction and repair.
- Experience with CAD/CAM, CNC equipment, or tooling management systems.
- Knowledge of gating, risering, and tooling design concepts for castings.
- Experience supporting lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.
Working ConditionsThis position works in a manufacturing and foundry environment with regular exposure to noise, dust, vibration, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. The supervisor must be able to work safely around industrial machinery and wear required personal protective equipment.
Physical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods, use hands and tools for inspection and demonstration, occasionally lift and move materials or components, and perform visual checks requiring close attention to detail.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.
Salary Description
$100,000 - $130,000
