Tool and Die Maker

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Tool & Die Maker with a strong background in traditional machining, tool building, fixture fabrication, and mechanical repair.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience working with tools, dies, jigs, molds, and fixtures in a machine shop or manufacturing environment.

This position requires someone who understands traditional machining practices and is comfortable operating manual machining equipment, reading complex blueprints, fabricating and repairing tooling, and performing precision measurements.

The client is specifically looking for an old-school Tool & Die Maker—not someone whose experience is limited to CNC machining or programming. Candidates should have practical, hands-on experience building, modifying, repairing, and maintaining tooling from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities

Tool & Die Making & Manual Machining

• Operate manual machining equipment to build, modify, and repair fixtures, tools, dies, and machine components.

• Repair and maintain molds, jigs, tools, and fixtures.

• Disassemble, troubleshoot, repair, and reassemble molds and tooling.

• Perform drilling, tapping, deburring, and other machining operations using appropriate equipment and techniques.

• Modify machine settings and parameters to control speed, material feed, and cutting paths to ensure quality results.

• Fabricate and modify machine parts and tooling to meet specifications.

Blueprint Reading & Precision Measurement

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and complex schematics.

• Understand and create basic technical drawings and prints.

• Use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, scales, and tape measures.

• Inspect completed tools and dies for imperfections, damage, and dimensional accuracy.

• Apply mathematical principles, formulas, and trigonometry to machining and toolmaking processes.

Welding, Fabrication & Mechanical Skills

• Utilize welding and fabrication skills to build and improve tooling and fixtures.

• Demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities.

• Identify appropriate tools and equipment for specific machining and fabrication tasks.

• Plan machining and fabrication processes and prepare materials and equipment for the next stage of production.

Shop Maintenance & Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machine shop environment.

• Regularly inspect and test equipment, tools, and machinery.

• Ensure machines are properly configured and operating efficiently.

• Follow established safety procedures and manufacturing practices.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Tool & Die Maker or in a closely related toolmaking position.

• Proven experience machining, building, modifying, and repairing tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.

• Strong hands-on experience with manual machining equipment.

• Thorough understanding of traditional machine shop practices and machining principles.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics.

• Experience using precision measurement equipment, including micrometers, calipers, and height gauges.

• Understanding of machining mathematics, handbook formulas, and trigonometry.

• Welding and fabrication experience.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Good communication skills.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The strongest candidates will be:

• Traditional Tool & Die Makers with extensive manual machining experience.

• Experienced in building tooling and fixtures from scratch.

• Comfortable repairing and rebuilding molds, dies, and jigs.

• Experienced with manual mills, lathes, grinders, drilling, and tapping.

• Strong blueprint readers who understand tolerances and precision measurements.

• Mechanically inclined individuals who can troubleshoot and determine how to repair or fabricate tooling.

Avoid: CNC operators, CNC programmers, and machinists whose experience is limited to running production equipment without hands-on toolmaking, fixture building, or repair experience.