Tool and Die Manager- Forming Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Tool and Die Manager- Forming Operations
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL area
Job Type and Duration: Direct Hire
Pay range: $40-50/HR

Position Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Tool & Die Manager – Forming Operations to lead and execute precision forming and stamping operations facility.
This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role replacing a long-standing technical expert who has supported this operation for nearly two decades.
This position owns the complete forming process —from reviewing etched blanks and engineering drawings through tooling strategy, setup, machining, and final formed parts. You will lead a small skilled team while remaining directly involved on the floor in a high-mix, low-volume precision manufacturing environment .
Parts produced support advanced industries including aerospace, electronics, medical, and industrial technologies .
Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for all forming and tool & die operations at the Elk Grove facility
• Review engineering drawings and specifications to determine optimal forming, machining, and tooling methods
• Lead the setup and operation of milling, grinding, and related precision machining equipment
• Determine machining processes, tooling strategies, and forming or stamping methods for complex etched metal blanks
• Partner closely with client's etching facility to ensure seamless handoff from blank to final formed component
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of 2 experienced Tool & Die professionals
• Maintain high standards for precision, tolerances, and surface finishes
• Troubleshoot forming and tooling challenges with a root-cause mindset
• Support continuous improvement in process efficiency, tooling design, and workflow
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and documentation standards

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of Tool & Die, Toolmaking, or Precision Machining experience
• Proven expertise in forming operations and progressive manufacturing processes
• Strong ability to interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering documentation
• Hands-on experience with:
• • Milling machines
  • Surface and tool grinding
  • Precision fixturing and setups
• Deep understanding of:
• • Machining principles
  • Metal properties & materials
  • Forming techniques
• Experience working in high mix, tight-tolerance manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while leading others
• Strong problem-solving and technical decision-making skills

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Comfortable being hands-on while leading a small technical team
• Strong communicator between engineering, production, and operations
• Detail-oriented with a craftsmanship mindset
• Reliable, steady leadership presence with long-term mindset

Preferred Experience (Nice to Have)

• Background supporting aerospace, electronics, or medical device components
• Experience with etched or chemically processed metal parts
• Previous experience leading a small specialty machining group
• 4-slide tooling and setup

\nCompany Description

ESPO Engineering, established in 1965, is a premier Technical Recruiting and Staffing firm.

ESPO employees may enjoy a full range of benefits from 401(k), Premium Health Insurance, Dental, Disability, Direct Deposit, PTO time and Holiday Pay. Apply now and see why so many professionals choose ESPO to help advance their careers.
View jobs:

Company Description

ESPO Engineering, established in 1965, is a premier Technical Recruiting and Staffing firm. \r\n\r\nESPO employees may enjoy a full range of benefits from 401(k), Premium Health Insurance, Dental, Disability, Direct Deposit, PTO time and Holiday Pay. Apply now and see why so many professionals choose ESPO to help advance their careers. \r\nView jobs: