Tool and Die Maker - 1st shift

Tool and Die Maker - 1st shift Make Your Mark. Shape Your Future. It takes great people to achieve greatness. People with a sense of purpose and integrity. People with a relentless pursuit of excellence. People who care about making things better For Those Who Make The World. Sound like you? Join our top-notch team of 54,000+ professionals in 60 countries who are making their mark on some of the world’s most beloved brands, including DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, BLACK+DECKER, IRWIN, LENOX and more.

Job Summary:

The Tool Maker / Tool & Die Technician is responsible for building, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting tooling, dies, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and related production support equipment used in manufacturing operations. This role applies strong mechanical aptitude, machining skills, and blueprint interpretation to support production efficiency, quality, and safety. The technician works independently on standard assignments and supports more complex tooling projects under limited supervision.

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, dies, fixtures, jigs, and gauges to support production requirements.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and perform corrective actions to minimize downtime and maintain product quality.
• Set up and operate manual machining equipment such as mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and saws.
• Perform fitting, assembly, alignment, and adjustment of tooling components to required tolerances.
• Read and interpret blueprints, tool drawings, sketches, and specifications.
• Inspect tooling and components using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges.
• Support die maintenance, preventive maintenance, and tooling changeover activities.
• Work with engineering, production, and maintenance teams to improve tooling performance and manufacturability.
• Assist in root cause analysis of tooling failures, wear patterns, and dimensional issues.
• Recommend tooling improvements to enhance safety, quality, uptime, and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities.
• Follow all safety procedures, housekeeping expectations, and company policies.
• Support continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives within the tool room and production areas.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands‑on experience in tool making, machining, or tool and die work.
• 3-5 years of experience in tool making, die maintenance, machining, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to read blueprints, technical drawings, and part specifications.
• Experience operating manual machine shop equipment.
• Working knowledge of tool steels, die components, machining methods, and precision measurement techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and dimensional issues in tooling and dies.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.

• Journeyman certification or completion of a formal Tool & Die apprenticeship.
• Experience with stamping dies, molds, fixtures, or assembly tooling.
• Familiarity with CNC equipment, EDM, or CAD drawings.
• Welding, polishing, or heat-treat knowledge.
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.

• Tool and die repair
• Precision machining
• Blueprint reading
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving
• Preventive maintenance
• Precision measurement
• Mechanical aptitude
• Quality focus
• Team collaboration
• Safety awareness

• Work is performed in a manufacturing plant or tool room environment.
• Role requires standing for extended periods, lifting tooling components, and working with machinery and sharp tools.
• Use of personal protective equipment is required.
• Overtime or flexible hours may be needed to support production schedules or urgent tooling repairs.

• Tooling uptime and readiness
• Quality and accuracy of tool repairs
• Response time to tooling issues
  
  Preventive maintenance completion
• Scrap and rework reduction related to tooling
• Safety and housekeeping performance

What You’ll…