Toolmaker

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Build, modify, repair, and maintain injection molds, tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and other precision manufacturing equipment.
• Work closely with Engineering and Mold Design to accurately manufacture and assemble tooling from engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Interpret engineering drawings, part prints, and tooling designs to produce precision components and assemblies.
• Set up and operate manual and CNC machine tools including lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, Wire EDM, Sinker EDM, drill presses, and honing equipment.
• Perform precision machining while maintaining close tolerances and high-quality workmanship.
• Troubleshoot mold performance issues and perform repairs and modifications to minimize production downtime.
• Select appropriate materials, cutting tools, abrasives, and machining methods for metal and plastic fabrication.
• Perform fitting, assembly, polishing, spotting, and finishing operations as required for injection molds.
• Utilize CAD/CAM software as needed to support tooling modifications and CNC programming.
• Prepare tooling for production and properly preserve and store tooling when not in service.
• Perform all work with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
  Associate degree or Tool & Die apprenticeship preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in tool making, mold making, or precision machining.
• Strong understanding of injection mold construction, function, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T.
• Experience operating manual and CNC machine tools, including mills, lathes, grinders, Wire EDM, and Sinker EDM.
• Working knowledge of machining practices, tool steels, engineering plastics, heat‑treated materials, and mold components.
• Experience with CAD software such as Solid Works is preferred but not required.
• Experience with CAM software and CNC programming is beneficial.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to lift up to 55 pounds and stand for extended periods.

• Ability to work with 3D CAD for part and mold designs (Solidworks preferred)
• Ability to work from 3D CAD to machine new parts and mold components
• Knowledge of CAM to create cutter paths for CNC machines (MasterCAM preferred)
• Knowledge of overmolding

The Phoenix America Toolroom is located in our clean, climate‑controlled facility located in Southwest Fort Wayne. The largest press at the present time is 150 ton. This is a first‑shift position with some flexibility on the starting time. The molding department runs on a 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM shift and runs only one shift. Overtime may be needed at times to meet project timelines or to assist the molding department in maintaining the production schedule.

Consideration would be given to the right candidate who wishes to learn 3D CAD design and CAM machining if that skill is not in the current skill set.

Consideration would be given to the right candidate who has a strong CNC machining background, including set‑ups, tooling selection, machining strategies.