Toolmaker

Position Overview

The Toolmaker will perform a wide variety of skilled toolroom tasks including trim die fabrication, tight tolerance machining, tool repair and maintenance, and collaboration with engineering teams to improve tooling performance and manufacturability. This role requires strong technical expertise, independent problem-solving skills, and experience working with both manual and CNC equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate trim dies and precision tooling from prints and specifications

• Perform tight tolerance machining using toolroom equipment including lathes, mills (manual and CNC), and surface grinders

• Program and operate CNC machining centers and work with solid models

• Repair, maintain, and modify existing tooling and equipment

• Assist with tooling and equipment fabrication or upgrades to improve productivity and reduce costs

• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and technical documentation, including tolerance requirements

• Apply knowledge of metallurgy to recommend appropriate tooling materials

• Account for secondary finishing operations such as heat treating and tempering when fabricating tooling

• Maintain documentation and associated paperwork supporting ISO/TS-16949 requirements

• Maintain reasonable inventory levels of tool steels and die sets

• Collaborate with Engineering on tooling design improvements and process enhancements

• Work with outside vendors and contractors as needed

• Follow safe work practices and maintain a clean, organized toolroom environment

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in toolmaking, machining, and tool design

• Strong experience operating manual and CNC toolroom equipment including lathes, mills, and surface grinders

• Ability to work independently on complex tooling projects

• Strong blueprint reading and technical interpretation skills

• Understanding of metallurgy and secondary finishing processes preferred

Education & Experience (one of the following):

• Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program with 3–5 years of progressive tool fabrication experience, OR

• 2-year tooling/machining degree or certificate with 5–7 years of experience, OR

• 8–10 years of progressive experience in a toolroom environment