Tooling Repair Technician; Machinist; Day Shift

At a Glance

Company: Kennametal
Location: La Vergne, TN
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: DOE
Shift: Day Shift | Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Overtime: As Needed
Experience Level: Entry Level
Published: June 24, 2026

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Kennametal relies on precision tooling to maintain the quality, efficiency, and reliability of its manufacturing operations. The Tooling Repair Technician plays a critical role in keeping production running by repairing, reconditioning, inspecting, and maintaining tooling and fixtures used throughout the manufacturing process.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for mechanically inclined individuals interested in machining, tooling, maintenance, and precision manufacturing while gaining experience with a variety of machine tools and inspection equipment.

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In this role, you will:

• Repair, recondition, and maintain tooling, press dies, fixtures, and production equipment
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, overlays, and tooling drawings
• Set up and operate machine tools to restore tooling to specification
• Utilize CNC lathes, grinders, polishers, EDM equipment, and other repair machinery
• Coordinate tooling repairs to support production schedules and minimize downtime
• Perform detailed inspections to identify tooling wear and root causes of manufacturing issues
• Functionally test repaired tooling before releasing it back to production
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance on tool room equipment
• Coordinate outsourced repairs when tooling cannot be repaired internally
• Follow all safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout requirements
• Work closely with supervisors and production teams to ensure tooling availability

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You'll work with equipment such as:

• CNC Lathes
• Grinders
• EDM Machines
• Polishers
• Tool Room Equipment

Inspection Equipment

• Optical Comparators
• Keyence Measurement Systems
• Inspection Scopes
• Precision Measuring Equipment

Technical Skills

• Blueprint Reading
• Tooling Repair & Reconditioning
• Preventive Maintenance
• Precision Inspection
• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

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You will support the repair and maintenance of:

• Press Dies
• Grinding Anvils
• Prisms
• Production Tooling
• Manufacturing Fixtures
• Precision Production Components

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• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics
• Basic machining and manufacturing knowledge
• Strong attention to detail
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable and dependable work habits
• Commitment to safety and quality

• 2-year or 4-year Technical Degree
• Machining or tool room experience
• Experience operating machine tools
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices
• Familiarity with precision inspection equipment
• Trigonometry and shop math skills

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Competitive Compensation – DOE

Kennametal offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid leave programs
• Employee recognition programs
• Career development opportunities
• Wellness resources and support programs

Day Shift

• Monday–Friday
• 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Overtime

• Available as business needs require

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• Climate-controlled manufacturing facility
• Dust collection systems throughout production areas
• Safety-focused workplace
• Safety glasses and safety shoes required
• Additional PPE provided as needed

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• Standing for most of the shift
• Frequent walking, reaching, bending, and lifting
• Ability to lift materials and tooling up to 33 pounds
• Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment

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