Die Maintenance Technician in Virginia Career Overview
As a Die Maintenance Technician, you play a vital role in the manufacturing sector, particularly within industries that use stamping, forging, or molding techniques. Your responsibilities involve ensuring that the dies and molds used in production processes are kept in optimal working condition.
Key aspects of your role include:
Maintenance and Repair: You perform regular maintenance on dies and molds to prevent breakdowns, which helps minimize production downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
Troubleshooting: You diagnose problems that occur with dies and molds, determining the necessary repairs or modifications to ensure high-quality production output.
Testing and Validation: After repairs, you conduct tests to confirm that dies and molds are functioning correctly and producing parts to the required specifications.
Documentation: Keeping accurate records of maintenance activities and repairs is essential. This documentation helps in tracking the performance and lifespan of various equipment.
Collaboration: You often work closely with engineers, machine operators, and other technicians to address any issues that arise during production, contributing to a cohesive work environment.
Your work as a Die Maintenance Technician significantly impacts production quality, efficiency, and overall manufacturing processes. The reliability of the equipment you maintain directly influences a company's ability to meet production demands and quality standards.
Die Maintenance Technician Salary in Virginia
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Die Maintenance Technician in Virginia
To become a Die Maintenance Technician, you need specific educational qualifications and training. Consider pursuing one of the following degree programs:
Tool and Die Technology: This program focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of dies, molds, and tooling. It provides hands-on experience with the equipment and materials used in die production and maintenance.
Manufacturing Engineering Technology: This degree emphasizes the principles of manufacturing processes and systems. You will gain knowledge in production methods, material properties, and production tool maintenance, which are essential for a career in die maintenance.
Precision Metal Working: This program trains you in machining techniques and processes used to produce precision metal parts. Skills learned in this program are directly applicable to die maintenance and repair.
Mechanical Engineering Technology: This degree covers the fundamentals of mechanical systems, including the design and operation of manufacturing equipment. You'll acquire skills in troubleshooting mechanical issues, which is vital for maintaining dies.
Machine Shop Technology: Through this program, you will learn about machining processes and tools. Experience with machine operations and maintenance will be instrumental when working on die maintenance tasks.
In addition to formal education, practical training through internships or apprenticeships can enhance your qualifications and prepare you for the industry's demands.
Best Schools to become a Die Maintenance Technician in Virginia 2024
John C Calhoun State Community College
Ivy Tech Community College
Purdue University-Main Campus
Texas A & M University-College Station
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Ferris State University
- Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Die Maintenance Technician Required Skills and Competencies in Virginia
Technical Proficiency: You must have strong mechanical skills to understand and work with die tools and equipment effectively. Familiarity with the principles of machining and metalworking is essential.
Problem-solving Skills: The ability to troubleshoot and diagnose issues with dies and machinery is critical. You should be adept at identifying problems quickly and determining the best course of action for repairs.
Attention to Detail: Precise measurements and the careful setting of die components are vital to ensure the quality of produced parts. A meticulous approach will help you avoid costly errors.
Safety Awareness: Understanding and adhering to safety standards and protocols is non-negotiable. You should prioritize safety in the workplace to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your team.
Time Management: Efficiently managing your time is important for completing maintenance tasks and repairs within deadlines. You should be able to prioritize responsibilities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Communication Skills: Clear communication with team members, supervisors, and other departments is necessary for successful collaborations and ensuring that everyone is informed about maintenance issues or changes in scheduling.
Adaptability: The manufacturing landscape can change rapidly, and you should be flexible in adopting new technologies and processes as needed. Being open to ongoing training and learning will benefit your career.
Manual Dexterity: Working with intricate tools and machinery requires good hand-eye coordination and physical dexterity. You must be comfortable working in confined spaces and with various equipment.
Understanding of Electrical Systems: Basic knowledge of electrical systems that integrate with die machinery can enhance your troubleshooting capabilities and broaden your skill set.
Teamwork Skills: Collaborating with colleagues across different functions is necessary to achieve production goals. You should be able to work well in a team setting and contribute to a positive work culture.
Job Duties for Die Maintenance Technicians
Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
Computer aided design CAD software
- Bentley MicroStation
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Basic Skills
- Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Die Maintenance Technician in Virginia
The job market for Die Maintenance Technicians in Virginia reflects a consistent demand driven by the manufacturing and industrial sectors. This demand stems from several key factors:
Increasing Manufacturing Activities: With a robust manufacturing base in Virginia, a variety of industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods rely on die maintenance services, thereby supporting job openings.
Technological Advancements: The evolution of manufacturing processes and the adoption of advanced technologies necessitate skilled technicians capable of maintaining and repairing dies, leading to greater job opportunities.
Retirement and Workforce Transition: As experienced technicians retire, there is a growing need to fill these positions, resulting in increased demand for new technicians entering the field.
Growth potential for Die Maintenance Technicians in Virginia is promising:
Job Stability: The nature of manufacturing work offers a degree of stability, with companies often seeking to retain talented technicians through competitive opportunities and career advancement pathways.
Expansion in Key Sectors: Industries such as defense, healthcare, and renewable energy are on the rise, contributing to the demand for skilled maintenance personnel, including die maintenance technicians.
Certain regions in Virginia present geographical hotspots for Die Maintenance Technicians:
Northern Virginia: Proximity to Washington D.C. drives demand for manufacturing services, particularly in technology and defense, creating numerous job openings.
Richmond Area: The central part of the state sees a blend of established manufacturing firms and new ventures, offering a solid landscape for career growth.
Hampton Roads: With a significant military and shipbuilding presence, this region continually requires maintenance technicians adept in die maintenance, further enhancing employment prospects.
Southwest Virginia: As the region diversifies its industrial base, opportunities in manufacturing continue to grow, fostering demand for skilled technicians.
In summary, as you consider a career as a Die Maintenance Technician in Virginia, you will find a favorable job market characterized by ongoing demand, promising growth prospects, and strategic geographical opportunities throughout the state.
Top Related Careers to Die Maintenance Technician 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Die Maintenance Technician in Virginia
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
- Website: nims-skills.org
- Description: NIMS provides certifications and resources for metalworking skills, including die maintenance.
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
- Website: asq.org
- Description: ASQ offers training materials and certifications that can enhance your understanding of quality control within manufacturing processes.
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA)
- Website: fmanet.org
- Description: FMA focuses on metal forming and fabricating professionals, providing educational resources, certifications, and networking opportunities.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
- Website: sme.org
- Description: SME provides technical resources, professional development opportunities, and industry insights for those in manufacturing, including die technicians.
Virginia Governor's Office of Workforce Development
- Website: awdb.virginia.gov
- Description: Offers information on workforce development programs and training resources specific to Virginia.
Virginia Community College System
- Website: vccs.edu
- Description: Find local community colleges that offer relevant courses and training programs in manufacturing and maintenance technologies.
Pathways to Degree Completion in Advanced Manufacturing Programs
- Website: warren.virginia.edu/training.html
- Description: Explore training options that are geared towards careers in advanced manufacturing, including die maintenance.
Trade Magazines and Journals
- Modern Machine Shop: mmsonline.com
- Manufacturing Engineering Magazine: sme.org/memagazine
- Description: Stay informed on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in the manufacturing sector.
YouTube - Manufacturing and Maintenance Training Channels
- MIT’s Manufacturing Video Series: MIT OpenCourseWare
- Technical Tutor Channels: Search for channels focused on die maintenance and repair techniques.
Books and Technical Manuals
- “Fundamentals of Tool Design” by P. Joseph and J. P. V. S. Murthy – Available on Amazon or your local library for deeper insights into tool and die maintenance.
- “Die Maintenance and Repair” by Robert C. Ebersole – Offers practical knowledge related to maintaining various types of dies.
LinkedIn Learning
- Website: linkedin.com/learning
- Description: Offers courses and tutorials on manufacturing processes, die maintenance techniques, and relevant software skills.
These resources will provide you with a wealth of information and support as you advance in your career as a Die Maintenance Technician in Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Die Maintenance Technician in Virginia
What is the role of a Die Maintenance Technician?
As a Die Maintenance Technician, your primary responsibility is to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot die components used in manufacturing processes. You ensure that equipment is operating at optimal performance to produce quality products.What qualifications do I need to become a Die Maintenance Technician?
A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Many employers prefer candidates with technical training or an associate degree in manufacturing technology, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience in machining, welding, or fabrication can also be beneficial.What skills are important for a Die Maintenance Technician?
Essential skills include:- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Welding and machining skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Familiarity with CAD software and blueprints
What is the typical work environment like?
You will likely work in a manufacturing setting, which may include factories or workshops. The environment can be noisy and require safety equipment. You may be required to work irregular hours, including shifts or overtime, depending on production schedules.What tools do Die Maintenance Technicians use?
Common tools include:- Hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers)
- Power tools (drills, grinders, saws)
- Measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers)
- Inspection equipment for quality control
What are the career advancement opportunities?
Advancement can lead to positions such as a lead technician, supervisor, or maintenance manager. Further education and certifications can also open paths to specialized roles within manufacturing or engineering.Is there a demand for Die Maintenance Technicians in Virginia?
Yes, there is a steady demand for Die Maintenance Technicians in Virginia due to the state's diverse manufacturing sector. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, and general manufacturing require skilled technicians to maintain production efficiency.What can I expect in terms of salary?
Salary can vary based on experience, location, and industry. In Virginia, Die Maintenance Technicians typically earn between $40,000 and $65,000 per year, with the potential for higher earnings with experience and specialization.What certifications are available for Die Maintenance Technicians?
Certifications such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and Certified Manufacturing Technician (CMfgT) can enhance your qualifications. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the industry and validated skills alongside enhanced job prospects.How can I find job opportunities as a Die Maintenance Technician?
Job opportunities can be found through online job boards, company websites, and local trade schools. Networking within industry events and joining professional organizations can also lead to potential job openings.