Tool & Die Maker

MW Components - Northern Wire has an exciting opportinty to join our team as a Tool & Die Maker! 

Immerse yourself in what MW Components has to offer:

• Competitive Compensation
• Quarterly Incentive Program
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Paid Holidays
• Development and Career Growth Opportunities
• Educational Assistance Program
• Collaborative Culture
• Innovative and Impactful Work
• Employee Wellness Program

SUMMARY

The Tool & Die Maker will support engineering and manufacturing operations by creating, modifying, and maintaining technical drawings, models, and documentation. This role works closely with engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, and compliant with company standards and customer requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Tool Design & Engineering
• Design production tooling, fixtures, dies, gauges, and work-holding using CAD software.
• Create and revise 2D drawings and 3D models for tooling, fixtures, and components.
• Develop tooling solutions that support metal forming, wire forming, machining, and secondary operations.
• Ensure tooling designs are manufacturable, robust, safe, and aligned with production requirements.
• Support engineering changes by preparing updated drawings, BOMs, and documentation.
• Apply DFM and DFA principles to tooling and production equipment.
• Participate in design reviews and collaborate with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.

Tool Fabrication & Production Support

• Fabricate, modify, repair, and maintain tooling using:
  • Manual Lathes & Mills
    • CNC Machining Equipment
    • Grinders, saws, drill presses, heat treating ovens, and hand toola
• Perform fitting, assembly, debugging, and prove-out tooling on the shop floor for production readiness.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues during production and implement corrective actions.
• Work directly with production personnel and implement corrective actions.
• Support prototype development, trials, and first-article runs.

Documentation & Quality

• Maintain accurate tooling documentation, revisions, and records.
• Ensure drawings and documentation meet company and customer standards.
• Identify design or tooling discrepancies and escalate as needed.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to tooling or process issues.
• Follow engineering, quality and safety procedures at all times.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve tooling life, efficiency, safety, and cost.
• Support LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling and processes.
• Assist with standardization of tooling designs and best practices.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist with other engineering or manufacturing support tasks, as needed.
• Comply with customer-specific requirements, where applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong toolmaking and machining skills
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, CAMWorks, or similar)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications
• Practical understanding of metal forming, wire forming, machining, and secondary operations
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Effective communication between engineering and production teams
• Focus on safety, quality, and manufacturability

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Technical degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in Tool & Die, Toolmaking, Machining, or Manufacturing Engineering
• Demonstrated experience designing and building production tooling
• Experience using CAD software for tooling and fixture design
• Ability to fabricate tooling using manual and/or CNC equipment
• Strong mechanical aptitude and shop math skills

 Preferred

• Experience in wire forming, metal forming, fasteners, or high-volume manufacturing
• Knowledge of GD&T
• Experience with ECN/ECR processes
• Familiarity with ERP or PLM systems
• 5 years of hands-on toolmaking experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and work at a computer and in a manufacturing environment
• Frequent use of hands for machining, assembly, and computer input
• Ability to lift and carry tooling or materials up to 25 lbs (occasionally more with assistance)
• Visual acuity required for detailed work, drawings, and inspection
• Occasional exposure to shop noise, oils, and manufacturing equipment
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching within the office environment. 
• Regular communication through speaking and hearing in person, by phone, and during virtual meetings.