Tool & Die Maintenance Specialist in De Soto, Kansas at Soode Kansas Corporation

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located within Gigafactory of Panasonic Energy of North America Inc at DeSoto, Kansas.

We are Soode Kansas Corporation, fully owned by Alconix Corporation (https://www.alconix.com/en/) which is listed in Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market. We are going to manufacture/supply top cap parts of lithium-ion battery cells to Panasonic Energy.

We are looking for people who can enjoy the new challenge, not afraid of the new things and flexible about unexpected happenings in a start-up environment.

Summary:

The Die & Tool Maintenance Specialist is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of high-speed progressive stamping dies and related equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role requires advanced technical expertise in die maintenance, precision grinding, and complex die setups to ensure maximum performance, quality, and production efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess expert-level precision grinding skills with micron-level accuracy, a strong understanding of progressive die operations, and a commitment to maintaining die integrity and equipment reliability. This position also plays a critical role in supporting continuous improvement initiatives while upholding the highest standards of safety, organization, and workmanship.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on high-speed progressive stamping dies.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot die performance issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Safely disassemble, repair, and reassemble dies for maintenance, modification, and production support.
• Complete die setup and removal on stamping presses using crane hoists, forklifts, and table lifters for heavy die handling.
• Execute advanced precision grinding operations using surface and form grinders, holding tolerances within 2 µm (0.00008").
• Inspect machined die components and stamped parts using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, and digital measuring equipment.
• Perform high-precision visual inspections utilizing microscopes.
• Support die trial runs, making fine adjustments and modifications to ensure components meet exact specifications.
• Clean die components using approved industrial solvents and cleaning agents while adhering to all safety protocols.
• Maintain 5S standards by organizing tooling, work areas, and spare parts inventory.
• Manage die component inventory and ensure adequate stock of critical spare parts.
• Interpret blueprints, die schematics, and technical drawings to perform repairs, modifications, and improvements.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and communicate repair status effectively with production and leadership teams.

Job Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 5 years of die maintenance and precision grinding experience in a tool room or manufacturing environment.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience operating surface and form grinding machines.
• Proven experience maintaining high-speed progressive stamping dies.
• Strong proficiency using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, and digital measurement tools.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blueprints, die schematics, and technical drawings.
• Experience safely operating crane hoists, forklifts, and other die-handling equipment.
• Ability to read and follow written work instructions.
• Basic computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data entry is preferred.
• Ability to work reliably in a fast-paced, team-oriented, multi-national manufacturing environment.
• Dependable attendance and strong work ethic.

Preferred Qualification:

• Experience working with high-speed stamping presses in the 60–100 ton range.
• Experience operating grinding equipment manufactured by companies such as Okamoto, Mitsui, or Harig.
• Background in high-volume, precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles.

Key Skills:

• Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving
• Precision grinding to micron-level tolerances
• Die assembly, repair, and adjustment
• High attention to detail and quality
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Commitment to workplace safety and 5S standards

Physical Qualification:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, move and position heavy tooling using appropriate material handling equipment.
• Ability to stand, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposer to machinery, oils, and industrial cleaning agents.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• Required to wear safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection at all times as designated.

Benefit Provided by the Company:

• Company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 6% 401(k) company match
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Supplemental Information:

• Pre-employment drug testing is required. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

E-Verify Statement

• SOODE Kansas Corporation participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

To learn more about E-Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.

EEOC Statement

• At Soode Kansas Corporation, diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We believe that different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives drive innovation and growth. We proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and team members, and we make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.