Company Overview Wellman Dynamics is a leading magnesium and aluminum sand casting foundry specializing in large, dimensionally complex components for aerospace and defense applications, including rotary-wing, aeroengine, and munitions platforms. The company is a portfolio company of J.F. Lehman & Company, a leading aerospace and defense focused private equity firm and is investing in the expansion of its Engineering function to strengthen technical depth, tighten process control, and prepare the business for automation and advanced manufacturing investments. Position Summary At Wellman Dynamics, the Molding Operator prepares and assembles sand molds and cores used to produce metal castings for aerospace and defense applications. This hands-on role combines precision assembly, visual inspection, tool operation, and dimensional verification to ensure molds are ready for the pour process.
The Molding Operator must be able to interpret travelers and work instructions, identify and correct core defects, assemble mold layers accurately, and communicate mold readiness to supervisors and other team members. The role requires strong spatial reasoning, attention to detail, physical capability, and a commitment to safety and quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and assemble cores required for each mold using specifications and traveler documentation.
- Clean and prepare cores by applying mud sealants and inspecting for defects before assembly.
- Operate rotary tools and grinding equipment to modify sand cores accurately.
- Identify, remove, and correct defects in cores and fins in accordance with specifications.
- Assemble mold layers, including cope and drag, according to the required sequence and structure.
- Use dial indicator gauges and other measurement tools to verify mold dimensions and accuracy.
- Inspect completed molds for quality, accuracy, and readiness before handoff.
- Communicate mold status, readiness, scheduling needs, and issues to supervisors and other operators.
- Maintain an organized workstation and ensure tools and materials are clean, available, and properly maintained.
- Work independently and as part of a team-based mold assembly process.
- Follow all safety, quality, equipment, and personal protective equipment requirements.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous manufacturing, foundry, molding, assembly, or production experience preferred; on-the-job training is provided.
- Ability to read and follow written work instructions, traveler documents, and technical specifications.
- Strong spatial reasoning and pattern-recognition skills to visualize how cores fit together.
- Strong attention to detail when identifying defects and verifying mold layers and dimensions.
- Ability to use dial indicator gauges, measurement tools, rotary tools, and grinding equipment safely.
- Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other departments.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks, stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and push or pull up to 80 pounds of force.
- Ability to perform occasional sitting, work at varying heights, and complete repetitive fine-motor activities.
- Ability to maintain an organized work area and retain information about different mold types.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical.
- Willingness to cross-train and work with different mold types and processes.
Preferred Qualifications
- National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
- Previous experience with mold assembly, core preparation, sand casting, or foundry operations.
- Experience using rotary tools, grinding equipment, dial indicators, or other precision measurement tools.
- Familiarity with travelers, production documentation, or quality-controlled manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated willingness to learn new molding processes and develop additional manufacturing skills.
Success Factors
- Accurate identification, preparation, and assembly of cores and mold layers.
- Consistent verification of mold dimensions, structure, and readiness before the pour process.
- Timely identification and correction of core and fin defects.
- Safe and effective operation of rotary tools, grinding equipment, and measurement gauges.
- Clear communication with supervisors and team members regarding mold status and issues.
- Clean, organized workstation and proper care of tools and materials.
- Consistent adherence to safety, quality, work-instruction, and documentation requirements.
- Demonstrated spatial reasoning, attention to detail, teamwork, reliability, flexibility, and willingness to learn.
