Tool & Dye Maker- 1st Shift

1st Shift: Monday - Thursday 5:00AM - 3:30PM

The Tool & Die Maker at the Beaver Dam facility plays a critical, highly autonomous role in supporting the production of alternators through expert-level tooling, machine troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. This position is responsible for diagnosing and resolving complex issues on proprietary manufacturing equipment, often where documentation is limited or non-existent. The role requires the ability to independently redesign, modify, and improve machine assemblies, tooling, and components to enhance reliability, quality, and throughput.

The Tool & Die Maker is expected to operate as a technical authority within the facility, driving improvements with minimal direction and strong ownership of outcomes.

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain dies, fixtures, gauges, jigs, and specialized tooling used in alternator manufacturing
• Troubleshoot highly complex, proprietary machinery and custom-built equipment unique to Generac operations
• Diagnose root causes related to alignment, tolerance stack-up, wear, vibration, heat, and mechanical interaction
• Independently redesign and rework machine assemblies or components when standard repairs are insufficient
• Perform precision fitting, grinding, machining, and hand work to extremely tight tolerances

• Operate manual and CNC machining equipment including mills, lathes, grinders
• Manufacture replacement parts and custom components using prints, sketches, measurements, or reverse engineering
• Interpret complex blueprints, GD&T, and engineering intent to ensure functional accuracy

• Take full ownership of tooling and machine performance within assigned manufacturing areas
• Proactively identify chronic equipment issues and lead permanent corrective actions
• Design and implement improvements that increase uptime, reduce scrap, and improve process stability
• Challenge existing designs and processes, proposing innovative mechanical solutions without reliance on external support
• Support new product introductions and process changes by designing or modifying tooling and machine components
• Provide expert-level guidance to Maintenance, Engineering, and Production when complex mechanical decisions are required

• Adhere to all safety standards including machine guarding, LOTO, and toolroom best practices
• Document tool modifications, machine changes, and improvement actions to support long-term reliability
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to align improvements with process intent and production goals
• Mentor and support skill development within the toolroom and broader operations team

• High School Diploma or GED
• 5+ years of Tool & Die Maker, toolroom, or precision machining experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot complex mechanical systems and proprietary equipment
• Proven capability to redesign and fabricate machine components with little or no assistance
• Advanced blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills

• Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification or completed apprenticeship
• Experience supporting alternator, motor, or other rotating equipment manufacturing
• Background in automated or semi-automated assembly processes
• Demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement or equipment reliability initiatives

• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and work at machines for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and handle precision components safely
• Comfortable working around machining equipment, rotating machinery, oils, coolants, and metal chips

• Proprietary alternator production equipment operates with high reliability and repeatability
• Chronic tooling and machine issues are eliminated through effective redesign, not temporary fixes
• Continuous improvement efforts result in measurable gains in uptime, quality, and throughput
• The Tool & Die Maker is trusted as a primary technical problem-solver and improvement leader