Tool and Die Maker

Tool and Die MachinistThe Tool and Die Machinist works from a wide range of prints, sketches, drawings, manuals, formulas, and verbal instructions to perform mold maintenance, fitting, assembling, and CNC and manual machining. This role maintains precise tolerances, applies electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic standards to molds and related apparatus, troubleshoots basic electronic and hydraulic issues, and supports safe and efficient production processes. The machinist contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, adheres to established quality policies, and performs housekeeping functions before and after each job.ResponsibilitiesInterpret and work from blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, formulas, and verbal instructions to meet specific mold and tooling requirements.Perform mold maintenance, fitting, assembling, and both CNC and manual machining operations on lathes, mills, grinders, and related equipment.Maintain tolerances within specified levels to ensure accuracy and quality of tools, dies, and molds.Apply electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic standards to molds and other apparatus as required.Troubleshoot basic electronic and hydraulic problems related to tooling, molds, and associated equipment.Instruct, guide, and verify work performed by others when directed, supporting skill development and quality standards.Provide safe tools, fixtures, and processes that support efficient and reliable production operations.Load and unload tools and equipment from transports in a safe and organized manner.Train employees as needed on tooling, machining practices, and safe work procedures.Comply with all safe practices when working with large tools and moving mechanical equipment.Understand and follow company quality policies, procedures, and directives in daily work.Support and practice continuous improvement initiatives to enhance processes, quality, and efficiency.Perform housekeeping functions before and after each job to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.Essential SkillsProven experience operating manual machines, including lathes and mills, in a production or toolroom environment.Hands-on experience with tooling or mold work, including tool and die, die repair, and mold repair.Strong manual machining skills using lathes, mills, grinders, and Bridgeport-style equipment.Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately.Proficiency using precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers to verify tolerances.Knowledge of die maintenance, stamping tools, and general tooling practices.Experience with surface grinding and related machining operations.Troubleshooting skills for basic electronic and hydraulic issues affecting molds and tooling.Ability to maintain tight tolerances and high-quality standards in machining and assembly work.Understanding of electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic standards as they apply to molds and tooling.Commitment to following safety procedures, especially when working with large tools and moving mechanical parts.Ability to train and instruct others on machining techniques and safe work practices.Additional Skills & QualificationsAssociate degree or equivalent education in machining or tool and die is preferred.Familiarity with CNC machining in addition to manual machining operations.Experience working with stamping dies and related maintenance activities.Comfort working with various tooling, including dies, molds, and fixtures in a production environment.Ability to support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute ideas to enhance processes.Why Work Here?You will join an organization with over six decades of experience in the plastic injection molding industry, built on shared values of trust, pride, credibility, fairness, respect, innovativeness, responsiveness, and camaraderie. The company focuses on recruiting and retaining people who embrace these values, supporting a vision of world-class performance. With a single, well-established location and a team of over 250 employees, there are diverse opportunities across production and office roles. The culture emphasizes promotion from within, along with education and training to help employees grow and build long-term careers. A balanced total compensation package combines competitive wages with exceptional benefits, reinforcing a commitment to stability, development, and work-life balance.Work EnvironmentThis position is available on 1st shift (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) and 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.). Work takes place near moving mechanical parts and equipment in an environment that can include dirt, dust, high heat and humidity, vibrations, moving hazards, oil, detergents, and working at heights. The noise level is generally moderate to high, typical of an active manufacturing facility with machining and molding operations. Employees regularly use manual and CNC machining equipment, lathes, mills, grinders, and precision measuring tools, and are expected to follow all safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment suited to a busy industrial setting.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of West Des Moines, IA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $32.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in West Des Moines, IA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.