Position Summary
The Tool & Die Maker is responsible for the design, fabrication, assembly, maintenance, and repair of precision tooling with an emphasis on weld fixtures, jigs, gauges, and special-purpose machinery. This role supports production and engineering teams by ensuring tooling is accurate, reliable, and optimized for manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Tooling & Fixture Fabrication
Build, modify, and repair weld fixtures, holding fixtures, inspection gauges, and assembly jigs.
Machine precision components using mills, lathes, grinders, and CNC equipment.
Fit, assemble, and verify tooling to ensure dimensional accuracy and function per engineering specifications.
Special Machine Support
Fabrication, build, and integration of components for custom and special-purpose machines, including mechanical assemblies, pneumatic systems, and automation components.
Collaborate with engineering to interpret machine designs, prints, and concepts to produce supporting tooling.
Blueprints & Engineering Collaboration
Read and interpret complex drawings, 3D models, and engineering specifications.
Provide manufacturability feedback to engineering for fixture design improvements.
Work closely with welders, machinists, and maintenance personnel.
Maintenance & Continuous Improvement
Troubleshoot fixture issues related to alignment, wear, repeatability, and ergonomics.
Perform maintenance on existing tooling, documenting repairs and improvements.
Recommend design enhancements to improve durability, accuracy, or ease of use for weld fixtures and machine tooling.
Quality & Safety
Ensure all tooling and fixtures meet quality standards and support production requirements.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment, following company safety policies and best practices.
Verify fixture accuracy using measurement instruments (CMM experience is a plus).
Required Qualifications
2+ years of experience as a Tool & Die Maker, Toolmaker, or equivalent role.
Strong background in building and maintaining weld fixtures, including locating schemes and clamping strategies.
Proficiency in manual and CNC machining operations.
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering prints.
Experience with precision measurement tools (micrometers, indicators, height gages, etc.).
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
AS or equivalent Technical college degree in Tool & Die or Advanced Machining.
Knowledge of special machine assemblies, and pneumatic systems.
Familiarity with CAD/CAM software or 3D model viewing tools.
Welding experience or ability to perform minor weld repairs (optional but beneficial).
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Prolonged standing and performing hands-on fabrication tasks.
Ability to safely operate shop machinery and power tools.
Competencies
Precision and attention to detail
Mechanical reasoning
Collaboration and communication
Root-cause problem solving
Efficiency and craftsmanship