What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tool Die Maker position at Steele and Associates?
Tool & Die Maker
Full-Time | Manufacturing & Production
We are seeking an experienced Tool & Die Maker to join our manufacturing team. This hands-on position is responsible for planning, fabricating, assembling, repairing, modifying, and troubleshooting a variety of tooling, dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and manufacturing support equipment. The ideal candidate will have strong CNC machining experience, blueprint-reading skills, and the ability to diagnose and resolve complex tooling issues in a production environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Build, modify, repair, and maintain tooling, dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, templates, and machine attachments.
- Interpret tool design prints, engineering drawings, sketches, and specifications.
- Plan machining operations, determine tooling requirements, and select appropriate materials and equipment.
- Set up and operate CNC and conventional machine tools to manufacture tooling components.
- Perform tool tryouts, troubleshooting, rework, and repairs to support production requirements.
- Analyze tooling failures and manufacturing issues to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Tool Design, Experimental, and Tooling departments to improve tooling performance and manufacturability.
- Recommend tooling design improvements, material substitutions, and cost-saving process enhancements.
- Prepare layouts, sketches, and documentation for tooling modifications and fabrication.
- Utilize advanced shop mathematics, including trigonometry, to support tooling design and machining operations.
- Maintain tooling records, reports, and documentation related to repairs, modifications, and process improvements.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Minimum 2 years of CNC machine setup and operation experience.
- Previous Tool & Die Maker experience required.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, datum structures, and engineering tolerances.
- Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
- Experience using precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and dial indicators.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a manufacturing environment.
- Proficient in advanced shop mathematics and trigonometry.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
- Must be willing to work any shift.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing professional with experience in tool and die fabrication, CNC machining, tooling repair, and process improvement. This individual thrives in a fast-paced production environment and enjoys solving complex tooling and manufacturing challenges.