What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tool & Die Maker / Tooling Specialist position at Hired Engineer?
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
Job Category: Manufacturing – Product Development
About the Role
We are seeking a skilled Tool & Die Maker / Tooling Specialist to support manufacturing operations through the planning, development, fabrication, assembly, repair, and troubleshooting of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. This role plays a key part in improving tooling performance, manufacturing efficiency, and overall production quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Interpret tool design prints, sketches, engineering drawings, and manufacturing specifications to plan sequences of operations and determine appropriate tooling, equipment, and materials.
- Design, fabricate, assemble, and modify tooling components including blanking, piercing, and forming dies, drill jigs, fixtures, gauges, templates, and machine attachments.
- Collaborate with engineering, tooling, and production teams to develop practical and cost-effective tooling solutions.
- Recommend design improvements, tooling modifications, and material substitutions to enhance manufacturability and reduce production costs.
- Prepare layouts, sketches, and machining details for tooling fabrication and assembly.
- Support tool setup and first-piece inspections while coordinating required tooling adjustments and modifications.
- Set up and operate machine tools as needed for the machining and repair of tools, dies, and fixtures.
- Troubleshoot tooling issues by analyzing tool performance, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
- Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Experimental, Tool Design, and Tooling departments to resolve complex tooling challenges and improve production efficiency.
- Observe tooling during manufacturing, testing, and production operations to evaluate tooling, equipment, and process performance.
- Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and records related to tooling activities and process improvements.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience setting up and operating CNC machines.
- Previous Tool & Die Maker experience required.
- Strong knowledge of precision measuring instruments including calipers, bore micrometers, dial indicators, and related gauges.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, datum structures, tolerances, and GD&T specifications.
- Proficiency in advanced shop mathematics, including trigonometry.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability and willingness to work any shift as needed.
Salary : $72,000 - $82,000