Tool & Die Maker

Builds, repairs, modifies, and maintains precision tooling, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gages used in manufacturing operations in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.

• Fabricates, fits, assembles, repairs, and maintains dies, jigs, fixtures, gages, and other precision tooling.
• Reads and interprets engineering drawings, tool designs, sketches, GD&T, work instructions, and applicable specifications.
• Plans machining and bench-work sequences and selects appropriate machines, tooling, and methods for each assignment.
• Operates manual and CNC machine tools, grinders, saws, and other toolroom equipment to manufacture precision details.
• Performs precision fitting, spotting, grinding, polishing, and bench work to achieve required fits, clearances, and finishes.
• Inspects tooling components using precision measuring equipment to verify dimensions, alignment, and functional requirements.
• Assembles and tests completed tooling; troubleshoots fit, wear, alignment, and performance problems and makes corrections.
• Repairs or modifies worn, damaged, or obsolete tooling and documents changes as required by configuration- control procedures.
• Works with Engineering and Production to develop or improve fixtures, work holding, and tooling for new or existing processes.
• Maintains tooling, machines, and work areas in a clean, organized, and serviceable condition and follows all safety requirements.
• Identifies opportunities to improve tooling life, setup time, repeatability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strong knowledge of tool and die making, precision machining, grinding, fitting, assembly, and toolroom practices.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, tool designs, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and manufacturing documentation.
• Knowledge of manual and CNC mills, lathes, surface grinders, and related toolroom equipment.
• Knowledge of tool steels, carbides, aluminum, stainless steel, and other materials commonly used in tooling and manufacturing.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, height gages, indicators, gage blocks, and optical equipment.
• Ability to achieve close tolerances, proper fits, alignments, clearances, and surface-finish requirements.
• Ability to perform shop mathematics, including decimals, fractions, geometry, and trigonometry as required.
• Familiarity with AS9100, configuration control, traceability, nonconforming material controls, and continuous improvement.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot tooling, fit, wear, and functional problems.
• Ability to work independently from drawings and verbal direction while coordinating effectively with Engineering and Production.
• Experience with CNC/CAM systems and ERP/MRP production tracking preferred.

• High school diploma or GED required; completion of a tool and die apprenticeship, trade program, or equivalent technical training is preferred.
• Five or more years related tool and die, toolroom, or precision machining experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical aptitude to understand tooling functions, manufacturing processes, inspection requirements, and blueprints.