Introduction
Are you a hands-on engineering professional with expertise in precision manufacturing and die maintenance, looking to contribute to a leading global tire manufacturer? Apollo Tyres, one of the world’s leading tire companies with manufacturing units across India, Europe, and Asia, is actively hiring an Executive – Die Shop in India, particularly at its manufacturing plants in locations like Chennai. This role is critical to the tire manufacturing process, directly impacting product quality and efficiency. As an Executive – Die Shop at Apollo Tyres, you will be responsible for the intricate work of tire mold (die) maintenance, correction, and validation, ensuring that the extrusion process delivers profiles meeting stringent quality standards. If you have a strong background in mechanical engineering or related fields, practical knowledge of CNC machines, and a commitment to precision and safety, Apollo Tyres offers a foundational role in its core operations.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Executive – Die Shop at Apollo Tyres is a specialized role focused on the crucial aspect of tire manufacturing tooling. The primary purpose of this role is to ensure the precision and quality of the dies (molds) used in the extrusion process, which shapes the rubber compounds into tire components. Key responsibilities typically include:
- New Profile Die Cutting & Correction:
- Performing precise cutting and correction of new and existing dies to meet specific tire profile requirements and engineering specifications.
- Ensuring die compliance adherence to achieve the desired extrusion master profile.
- Die Trial and Validation:
- Conducting die trials based on the extrusion master profile to validate the accuracy and performance of the dies.
- Performing validation of new die profiles and performers to ensure they meet production standards.
- Production Support & Optimization:
- Monitoring and evaluating extrusion line speed in relation to die performance.
- Troubleshooting die-related issues during production and implementing immediate corrections.
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of die shop processes to enhance efficiency and product quality.
- Calibration & Quality Compliance:
- Ensuring that calibration instruments within the internal calibration lab meet the required schedule and standards.
- Adhering to quality management system (QMS) requirements.
- Safety & 5S Practices:
- Working strictly as per safety practices and standards in the TBR (Truck and Bus Radial) die shop.
- Following 5S methodology (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of die modifications, trials, and maintenance activities.
Salary and Benefits
Apollo Tyres offers competitive compensation and a range of benefits for its employees in India, including those in critical manufacturing roles like Executive – Die Shop.
- Average Base Salary:
- For an Executive – Die Shop with 0-2 years of relevant experience, the expected average annual CTC (Cost to Company) typically ranges from ₹4.0 lakhs to ₹7.0 lakhs per annum.
- While general “Team Member” salaries at Apollo Tyres can be around ₹10.0 lakhs, and overall average salaries across the company are around ₹20.7 lakhs, these figures are for a broader range of roles and experience levels. The Executive – Die Shop role, being an entry to early-career level in a specialized manufacturing function, would fall within the more specific range mentioned above.
- Performance-Based Incentives: Opportunities for performance-based increments and bonuses based on individual contribution and plant performance.
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Includes medical insurance for employees and their dependents.
- Retirement & Financial Security: Provident Fund (PF) and Gratuity as per Indian statutory requirements.
- Learning & Development: Apollo Tyres is committed to employee growth, especially in its manufacturing and technical functions:
- On-the-job training and exposure to advanced tire manufacturing technologies.
- Opportunities to enhance skills in CNC operations, extrusion processes, and quality control.
- Potential for career progression within the Die Shop or broader Plant Technology/Manufacturing departments.
- Work-Life Balance: The company strives to provide a supportive work environment and adheres to standard working hours, with adherence to safety norms.
- Other Benefits: May include transportation assistance, canteen facilities, and other employee welfare programs specific to the plant location.
Eligibility Criteria
Apollo Tyres seeks diligent and skilled professionals for the Executive – Die Shop role, emphasizing a strong foundational understanding of mechanical engineering and manufacturing processes.
- Educational Qualification(s):
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or Rubber Technology.
- B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or Rubber Technology.
- Relevant Experience: Typically 0–2 years of experience in relevant functions within a manufacturing environment, ideally in the automotive or rubber industry. Freshers with strong academic projects related to tooling, CNC, or polymers may also be considered.
- Key Skills:
- Basic knowledge of CNC machines: Understanding of CNC operations and machining principles.
- Knowledge of Extruders: Familiarity with the working principles of extrusion machines.
- Understanding of Compound Behavior: Basic knowledge of how rubber compounds behave in extruders is crucial for die correction.
- Communication and Presentation Skills: Ability to effectively communicate technical information and present findings.
- Planning Skills: Ability to plan and execute tasks efficiently to meet production schedules.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to precision work and quality control.
- Safety Consciousness: Strong commitment to following safety standards and practices.
Application Process
If you are ready to contribute to the precision engineering behind Apollo Tyres’ products, here’s a general overview of the application process:
- Online Application: Visit the official Apollo Tyres Careers website (apollotyres.csod.com) or major job portals (e.g., Shine.com, LinkedIn). Search for “Executive – Die Shop” or similar roles in relevant manufacturing locations.
- Resume Submission: Upload a well-structured resume highlighting your educational background, any relevant projects (academic or industrial), technical skills (especially CNC, extrusion, materials), and practical experience.
- Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application. If shortlisted, you will typically be invited for the next steps.
Interview Process
The interview process for an Executive – Die Shop at Apollo Tyres will focus on assessing your technical knowledge, practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and fit within a manufacturing environment. It typically involves a few rounds:
- Round 1: Technical Interview
- Focus: Core mechanical/polymer engineering fundamentals, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and specific expertise related to die shops.
- Questions:
- Questions on CNC machining: types of operations, G-codes/M-codes (basic understanding), common issues.
- Extrusion process: principles, types of extruders, factors affecting extrusion quality, role of dies.
- Material science basics: properties of polymers/rubber, how temperature and pressure affect material behavior during extrusion.
- Blueprint reading and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) if applicable to die design.
- Discussion about any projects (academic or industrial) where you worked on tooling, machining, or production.
- Basic troubleshooting scenarios related to die performance or extrusion defects.
- Round 2: Managerial/Practical Assessment
- Focus: Practical application of skills, problem-solving in a manufacturing context, and understanding of plant operations. This might involve a discussion with the Die Shop Manager or Production Manager.
- Questions:
- Scenario-based questions: “How would you approach correcting a die that is producing an inconsistent profile?” or “What steps would you take if a die is experiencing excessive wear?”
- Discussion on safety protocols and 5S implementation in a workshop environment.
- Questions about your understanding of production schedules and the importance of die shop efficiency.
- Teamwork and communication: “How do you communicate technical issues to operators or supervisors?”
- Round 3: HR Interview
- Focus: Cultural fit, motivation, career aspirations, and general background.
- Questions: Standard HR questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Apollo Tyres?”, “Why this role?”, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, and discussion about salary expectations and willingness to work in a plant environment.
Throughout the process, emphasize your precision, attention to detail, strong technical foundation, and commitment to safety and quality in a manufacturing setting.
Conclusion
Joining Apollo Tyres as an Executive – Die Shop offers an excellent opportunity to start or advance your career in a core manufacturing function of a leading tire company. You will be instrumental in ensuring the quality and efficiency of tire production, gaining hands-on experience with critical tooling and processes. If you are a dedicated engineering professional seeking a impactful role in a dynamic industrial environment, explore the opportunities at Apollo Tyres.
