Job Description
Mueller’s manufacturing commitment ensures one of the world’s most precious resources, clean drinking water, reaches millions of people daily. Come to be a part of something that sustains and enriches the lives of every human being. As a Patternmaker Apprentice, you will...
Patternmaker Apprenticeship Program (Registered Apprenticeship – TDOL)
The Patternmaker Apprenticeship Program is a Tennessee Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship designed to develop skilled Patternmakers through a structured combination of related technical instruction and supervised on-the-job training.
Program Components
Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
Completion of two (2) years of formal classroom instruction at Chattanooga State Community College in courses aligned with patternmaking, machining fundamentals, blueprint reading, mathematics, and manufacturing processes
Successful completion of Tooling U online coursework to supplement classroom instruction and reinforce industry-recognized competencies
Completion of a short-term introductory carpentry course covering foundational woodworking, hand tools, power tools, safety practices, and material selection
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
A minimum of 8,000 hours of structured, supervised on-the-job training under the guidance of a qualified Journey worker
Progressive skill development in pattern layout, construction, modification, repair, and maintenance, including the use of hand tools, machine tools, and precision measuring equipment
Training aligned with a defined work process schedule in accordance with TDOL apprenticeship requirements
Program Completion
Upon successful completion of all RTI and OJT requirements, apprentices will be eligible for a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship issued by the Tennessee Department of Labor.
The primary training functions include, but are not limited to
Work safely in the manufacturing production environment
Follow detailed verbal/written assembly instructions, processes, and procedures
Operate hand power tools, presses, drills, lifts, and control equipment efficiently and safely
Perform quality control checks and verification of work order specifications
Properly fill out basic forms, reports, and label products correctly
Report problems with quality, processes, equipment and materials to Production Supervisor
Record daily all work performed and correct distribution of work time
Keep the department/work area clean of trash and debris
Fill in areas of need as needed to cover absences
Use software systems as needed to complete job duties
Contribute to culture of high-quality products
Maintains a clean and organized work area to facilitate manufacturing functions
Perform other job-related duties and fill in where needed as directed by supervisor or team leader
The Supervisor will instruct each employee in the responsibilities as listed in the procedures
The Supervisor will inform each employee where to access the procedure manual
Covert engineering draws effective foundry patterns and core boxes.
Ability to calculate casting weight and develop design for costing.
Familiarity with gating, risers and foundry methods.
Casting drawings and new pattern/tooling development.
Ability to assist in the planning and making of a layout for a pattern from the mechanical drawing of the finished article.
Safety processes in the plant including environmental policies and standard SOPs.
Basic understanding of molding and core making processes along with tilt/pour mold processes.
Prototype design, machining, 3D modeling, programming or pattern making.
Ability to review and interpret blueprints of parts to be cast, computing dimensions, and plan the sequences of operations.
Ability to lay out patterns into sections according to shape of casting to facilitate removal of pattern from the mold, including coring, gating, and other foundry practices with the appropriate marking and measuring devices.
Perform Cutting, forming, and shaping pattern parts using general shop machinery such as power sawing machines, drilling and boring machines, lathes, planning and smoothing machines, grinders, sanders, milling and automatic control machine
Required Education
High School diploma/GED
Responsibilities
Work Safely in the Manufacturing Production Environment.
Follow detailed verbal / written assembly instructions, processes, and procedures.
Read and understand customer work orders and assembly instructions.
Prepare and assemble materials and parts in a manufacturing production environment.
Move, process, and organize materials and manufactured products.
Operate hand power tools, presses, mills, lathes, drills, lifts, control equipment efficiently and safely
Perform quality control checks and verification of work order specifications.
Properly fill out basic forms, reports, and label products correctly
Communicates and works effectively with others.
May provide hands on and verbal job function training to coworkers as needed.
Report problems with quality, processes, equipment and materials to Production Supervisor.
Maintains a clean and organized work area to facilitate manufacturing functions.
Work is scheduled Monday through Thursday. Shifts are 10 hours with mandatory overtime shifts. Overtime is paid on time, worked over 40 hours a week. The facility does have multiple shifts; employees MUST be flexible and may be required to change shifts.
Job Expectations
Ability to use hands on evaluation of parts/work.
Ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, reach within hands and arm’s length, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
Ability to lift and/or move 25 pounds, and up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision requirements include close vision and color vision.
Ability to use power tools, air tools and other vibratory tools.
Ability to work from a standing position for extended periods of time.
Ability to work around hot heavy machinery
Ability to work in an open warehouse environment, subject to seasonal weather (extreme hot/cold)
Ability to travel from plant to school areas
Required and/or Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Steel Toe/Met Guard Shoes
Mueller is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected by law. 


Other Compensation & Benefits
Mueller offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.



Equal Employment Opportunity
Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department. 

 Notice of E-Verify Participation:
This employer participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.
Upon enrollment, employers participating in E-Verify are required to clearly display the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters in English and Spanish, both which may be accessed at the links provided below.
IER Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)
E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish)
If you require accommodations during any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to meet your needs.
