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Foundry Pattern Maker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Foundry Pattern Maker information

See Indiana salary details

$31.9K

$73.6K

$119.9K

How much do foundry pattern maker jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundry pattern maker in Indiana is $73,628.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,700.00 and $81,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by foundry pattern makers and how can they be addressed?

Foundry pattern makers often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex blueprints, maintaining precise tolerances, and adapting to evolving casting technologies. Working with various materials (wood, metal, plastics) requires attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills to ensure patterns produce high-quality castings. Collaboration with engineers and foundry workers is essential to address issues early in the process and to make necessary adjustments quickly. Continuous learning and adaptability help pattern makers stay current with industry advancements and enhance their craftsmanship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundry Pattern Maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundry Pattern Maker, you need strong skills in woodworking, metalworking, and blueprint reading, often supported by an apprenticeship or vocational training in pattern making. Familiarity with CAD software, measuring tools, and specialized machinery such as lathes and milling machines is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the precise creation of patterns that are critical for producing accurate and high-quality cast metal parts.

What Does a Foundry Pattern Maker Do?

A foundry pattern maker creates patterns for the casting of wood, metal, or other materials. Your duties in this career include reading blueprints and following those exact specifications when creating a pattern. You also operate the necessary machinery for pattern creation and shape pieces of the casting to create a final product. You also have responsibilities that focus on cleaning your work area and equipment after your shift, learning about new tools and equipment, performing inspections, maintenance, and repairs on equipment, and training to learn proper safety procedures of your craft. You typically work in an industrial setting for this job.

What is the difference between Foundry Pattern Maker vs Mold Maker?

AspectFoundry Pattern MakerMold Maker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training in pattern makingHigh school diploma; technical training or apprenticeship in mold making
Work EnvironmentFoundries, manufacturing plantsTool shops, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed in metal casting to create patterns for moldsCreates molds and tooling for casting or manufacturing
Primary FocusDesigning and creating patterns for castingFabricating molds and tooling for casting or production

The Foundry Pattern Maker specializes in designing and creating patterns used in metal casting processes, while the Mold Maker focuses on fabricating molds and tooling for casting or manufacturing. Both roles require technical skills and work in similar environments, but their primary responsibilities differ in the stages of the casting process they support.

What are Foundry Pattern Makers?

Foundry Pattern Makers are skilled tradespeople who create precise models, known as patterns, used to shape molds for casting metal parts. These patterns are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic and must accurately reflect the dimensions and details of the final product. Pattern makers work closely with engineers and foundry workers to ensure the molds produce high-quality castings. Their work is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery manufacturing.
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Foundry Pattern Maker jobs near you
Wood Pattern Maker

Wood Pattern Maker

Harrison Steel Castings Co.

Attica, IN • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Like crafting things out of wood? Harrison Steel has an opening in its pattern shop for a wood pattern maker. This position is responsible for building metal, plastic, and mainly wood patterns and core boxes used in our manufacturing operations. This position uses various hand and power tools, and helps to plan the construction of brand new parts. Working alongside our master pattern makers, this is a great position to increase your woodworking skills while learning from experts while getting paid.
Qualifications and Skills
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Basic math & reading skills
  • Good problem solving skills and knowledge of safety practices
  • High level of personal accountability
  • Previous woodworking experience and/or blueprint reading is preferred
  • Experience with or the ability to learn to operate a CNC 5-axis router using Mastercam is beneficial

Work Environment:
The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, extreme heat and fumes or airborne particles, and is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Also exposure to outdoor weather conditions, non-weather related extreme cold, water and humidity, and the risk of electrical shock. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places. The usual noise level is very loud. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About Harrison Steel:
Harrison Steel is a family owned company that engineers and manufactures castings of 350 to 12,500 pounds, net casting weight, for businesses in industries such as agriculture, mining, and oil and gas. The benefits of working at Harrison Steel include 401k and profit sharing, full health, vision and dental plans available, vacation, career opportunities to move into other departments and supervisory roles, and the WeCare Clinic, available to employees and family members for a variety of medical visits with no out-of-pocket costs. HS is located in Attica, Indiana, where it was founded in 1906 by J.W. Harrison, as the National Car Coupler Company. Attica is a rural city surrounded by traditional Midwest farmland that about 3,200 residents call home. The foundry is a 40-minute drive from Lafayette, Indiana or Danville, Illinois, and 1.5 hours from Indianapolis.

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