Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Who is Drive Medical...

Drive Medical has become a leading manufacturer of medical products with a strong and consistent track record of growth achieved both organically and through acquisitions. We are proud of our high-quality, diverse product portfolio, channel footprint and global operating scale. Our products are sold into the homecare, long-term care, retail, and e-commerce channels in more than 100 countries around the world.

“Leading the World with Innovative Solutions that Enhance Lives”

Summary (Major Purpose of the Role): The Tool and Die Maker Apprentice will be a highly motivated individual who is willing to learn and apply acquired skills. During a four year program, the Apprentice will learn how to analyze specifications; lay out metal stock; set up and operate machine tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, grinders, or special purpose equipment; fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists’ hand tools according to production specifications and needs; and more.

Main Activities/Responsibilities:

Learns the following knowledge and skills, according to applicable apprenticeship standards, to achieve the Journeyman Tool and Die Maker certification:

• Machine Operation and Setup: Sets up and operates conventional and CNC machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses) to shape parts to precise dimensions.
• Tool and Die Fabrication: Studies blueprints and models to plan, cut, shape, and trim blanks. Fits and assembles parts to create, modify, or repair dies, jigs, gauges, and tools using hand tools or welders.
• Design and Development: Designs jigs, fixtures, and templates. Develops new tools and dies using computer-aided design (CAD) software, including creating/updating drawings, and Engineering Change Requests.
• Quality Inspection and Testing: Verifies work conformance using calipers, micrometers, and gauges. Conducts test runs with completed tools/dies, inspecting for dimensions, smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
• Material Preparation and Layout: Selects alloys based on properties. Measures, marks, and scribes stock for machining. Positions and secures parts using hoists, vises, and v-blocks.
• Surface Finishing: Files, grinds, shims, and polishes surfaces to ensure proper fit and finish.
• Specialized Processes:
  • Heat Treatment: Understands hardness scales (A-2, S-7, etc.), annealing, and stress-relieving processes.
  • Press Operations: Sets up and operates punch presses. Welding/Fixture Support: Loads/unloads weld fixtures and monitors weld quality.

Professional and Safety Standards

• Planning and Interpretation: Reads and interprets machining instructions, blueprints, and job orders to determine sequences and tooling requirements.
• Operational Precision: Selects cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cut based on metal properties.
• Safety and Compliance: Enforces and adheres to all health and safety regulations, including OSHA, GMP, HACCP, and equipment-specific safety rules.
• Process Improvement: Troubleshoots equipment failures, implements process improvements, and communicates with the team.
• Administrative Support: Requests and processes pricing quotations and ensures production output meets organizational expectations.

Competencies and Skills:

Reporting Relationships and Supervision:

Education and Experience:

Your Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Why Apply to Drive Medical…

Competitive Benefits, Paid Time Off, 401(k) Savings Plan

Drive Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Drive Medical strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered person because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and/or parental status, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information (including family medical history), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Drive Medical complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.