Tool & Die Maker

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

About the Role:

Plan sequence of operation, layout, develop, fabricate, assemble, rework, repair, and prove tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. Investigate, analyze, and correct tooling problems in Manufacturing.

• Work from tool design prints, sketches, engineering information and/or utilize standard shop practice or established procedures; plan the sequence of operation, determine proper tools, equipment, and material types and sizes of tools, jigs, fixtures, and dies such as blanking, piercing, and forming dies for punch press, drop hammer, and hydro press; grinding, assembly and drill jigs; machine tool fixtures; and a variety of hand tools and machines or machine attachments, gauges, and templates. As required, supply information lacking on the design, print, or sketch. Work with supervisory, liaison, and engineering personnel to devise layouts and methods of producing tools or other fabrications.
• May suggest design improvements or material substitutions to proper personnel. Prepare sketches, and/or layout for machining tooling details.
• Perform as required, special assignments to fabricate and assemble parts of assemblies for special tooling and/or machines, and suggest changes in tool design, layout and fabrication involving practicability, economy, and process of manufacture. Coordinate with and assist tool design and production personnel to set up tooling prior to first piece inspection, and to effect necessary tool modification.
• May set up and operate machine tools for the machining of tools, dies, and fixtures. Perform rework, repair, and check functions of the level of difficulty described herein. Utilize shop mathematics including trigonometry.
• Act in a liaison capacity between Manufacturing, Experimental, Tool Design, and Tooling departments to assure economy and practicability of tooling and to solve complicated tooling problems.
• Investigate problems attributed to faulty tooling; check tools and/or materials to determine if malfunction is due to faulty design, improper construction or incorrect use of tools. Isolate problem and collaborate with cognizant personnel to initiate necessary action for its elimination such as ordering rework of tooling, tooling material substitution, and writing factory work orders, specifying what is to be done to increase efficiency and reduce cost of manufacture.
• Observe and analyze all types of assembly and fabrication tools while in process of manufacture, in tryout and in operation on a production basis, and may operate machines and/or equipment to determine if tooling, machines, equipment, or manufacturing processes are at fault. Recommend alternative corrective actions to resolve tooling problems.
• Prepare and maintain reports and records required to perform the duties described herein.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED equivalent
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in setting up and operating Manual lathes, Surface grinders, Jigbores, Jig mills, ProtoTRAK Mills and Lathes, Wire EDM, Horizontal mills
• Knowledge of how to set and use gauges such as calipers, bore micrometers, dial indicators, etc.
• Must be able to machine tool components within .0005 or better
• Ability to read and interpret CMM inspection reports
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints for datum lines and tolerances
• Ability to interpret GD&T
• Ability to develop tool and material list
• Understand and use measuring devices
• Use of advanced shop math
• Willing to work any shift

Preferred Qualifications:

• CNC/Master cam experience preferred, but not required
• Previous Tool and Die Maker experience
• Willing to work overtime as needed

Compensation Grade Range:


$28.35 - $49.31

Compensation and benefits may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market, location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience.

Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.


Benefits:


Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Sign on Bonus

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees


Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.


Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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