Tool & Die Maker

Position: Tool & Die Maker

Position Type: Direct Hire

Location: Chicago, IL

Pay: $41/hour

Shift: Day Shift or Night Shift (4:30 PM – 3:00 AM)

Schedule: Sunday–Thursday, with occasional Friday/Saturday work (10-hour shifts)

Benefits:

• Competitive pay and full benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with company match, and paid holidays
• Supportive culture and work-life balance
• Career growth and learning opportunities
• Relocation assistance available for candidates outside the area

Position Summary:

Seeking a Tool & Die Maker responsible for the repair and maintenance of dies to support production requirements. This is a critical role in the stamping process, handling large, complex dies (2–3 tons) to ensure parts are stamped accurately and efficiently. Experience in automotive or general metal stamping on medium to large progressive and transfer dies is required.

Position Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all safety standards / requirements and other regulating groups.
• Clean and organize work areas to promote 5S and safety initiatives.
• Perform die repairs at the press and in the tool room.
• Complete Preventative Maintenance activities on the dies.
• Weld a variety of materials used in maintenance and the tool room.
• Repair and maintain nitrogen pressure systems used in the dies.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical / pneumatic systems used in the dies.
• Operation of the overhead crane to move and stage dies.
• Machining of materials associated with repairs and maintenance of the dies.
• Ensure large, complex dies (2–3 tons) operate accurately to maintain production quality
• Identify and correct die defects to prevent part defects during high-speed stamping
• Collaborate with press operators and production teams to minimize downtime
• Participate in root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions for die failures
• Maintain regular and punctual in-person attendance

Position Requirements:

• A state-issued journeyman’s card or 5–10 years of verifiable experience working on metal stamping dies.
• Strong knowledge / experience related to draw dies and transfer die processes.
• Experience with progressive and transfer dies in high-volume stamping environments
• Welding experience and the ability to operate welding, plasma cutting, and oxy acetylene equipment. Typical welding processes include; Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
• Strong knowledge of machinery set-up and operations.
• Familiarity with press operations and ability to work on the floor alongside press operators
• Experience with troubleshooting and root cause analysis, to implement permanent corrective actions.
• Basic knowledge of nitrogen systems, electrical die sensing, and pneumatics is a plus
• Willingness to work night shift (4:30 PM – 3:00 AM)
• Ability to handle high-pressure production environments where uptime is critical
• Time management skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for use in a team environment.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Frequent bending, walking, stooping, and reaching
• Standing for 10 hours continuously
• Repetitive lifting of 25–40 pounds
• Safe and accurate use of tools
• Consistent attendance to support critical production needs