At Kenmode, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset so we offer more than just a paycheck. Along with a competitive compensation package, we offer programs to take care of your health, well-being and your future career. We work together and offer a family-like team atmosphere. 

Kenmode provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. This means that applicants and employees will not be discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Short Term disability
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Time off without pay- 40 hours
• Retirement Plan – 401(k) company match
• Training and Tuition Reimbursement
• Bonuses depending on position

Company Paid Benefits

• Vision Plan 
• Service Recognition award program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long Term disability 

Position Summary

We currently have an opening at Kenmode and are looking for the right candidate for our New Tooling & Technology Center.

This individual will be part of a team tackling stamping tooling design, build, debug and production support.

• Analyzes internal and external customer specifications and standards, piece part prints, 3D CAD data, and collaborates with team members, to design tools, fixtures and gauges in order to manufacture parts per specifications within required timeframe. Determines if part can be produced within given tolerances.
• Applies knowledge of tool and die design and construction, shop mathematics, metal properties, machining processes, assembly procedures, and previous lessons learned, in both the design process as well as the debug process.
• Calculates estimated stamping material usage, specifies appropriate tooling and support equipment required to produce part to print.
• Produces complete and efficient drawings, prints and instructions that can be easily read and readily understood by our experienced tooling teams.
• Completes revisions for existing tooling, relevant prints and instructions for production tooling per tool room development.
• Performs engineering changes per internal and external customer request and requirements.
• Updates files for any changes or alterations that were performed in the build process or process development.
• Must be proficient in the advanced use of Solidworks to enhance 3D capabilities both from a part development design standpoint as well as design for manufacturability in stampings and required tooling. A background and familiarity in utilization of the Quick Press application for Solidworks would be extremely helpful; in addition to familiarity with Dynaform simulation software.

Skilled candidates will be have a solid background in, and be responsible for, the design of progressive stamping tooling, stand-alone single operation tooling, secondary tooling, gauges, prototype tooling, support for tool debugging (new & existing), tool room support, estimating interaction, collaboration and support by way of tooling strip layouts and conceptualization of metal stampings produced by tooling to be built in our facility. Drawn component experience is a definite plus.

The ideal candidate is a creative team player and will be able to think strategically and collaborate with others and own the creation of the tooling process from inception to production.

Requirements

• Journeyman's Certificate for Tool & Die
• 10 years of experience in the job offered or 10 years of experience in tool & die making.
• Employer also accepts: 15 years of experience in the job offered or 15 of experience in tool and die making.

Special Skills

• 6 years of experience in tight tolerance contact dies
• 1 year of experience with Solidworks 3D for Tool & Die applications
• 1 year of experience with MS Excel and Word

Position Summary

Our Tool & Die Apprenticeship Program offers an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career within the manufacturing/metal stamping industry.

We provide a 5 year training program in which an apprentice attends a weekly college class in the evening and works during the day at Kenmode. Our program offers paid college classes, primarily through our partnership with Elgin Community College and competitive compensation starting at a minimum of $17/hr. depending on past manufacturing experience. Increases in pay are provided every six months after a performance review. 

Upon completion of the program, the apprentice will receive a certificate, accredited through the Department of Labor and the title of Tool and Die Maker. 

Are you ready to start a well paid, exciting career? Join the Kenmode team. Our employees are just like family!

The apprentice will be mentored to learn tool building, tool modification and tool repair work for all types and complexities of high precision and multi-up tools for stamping presses. Initially, an apprentice will spend time working in the Production and Quality departments learning about our processes and then transition into our Tool Maintenance and New Tooling departments. 

Requirements

• 1 year of machining/manufacturing or related mechanical experience (highly preferred)
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Knowledge of and interest in the manufacturing industry

Special Skills

• Math skills required
• Intermediate use of Microsoft software and computers
• Must complete TMA Job Readiness modules with acceptable scores