Tool & Die Maker, 1st Shift

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

IDEAL Industries, Inc. has built a reputation for over a century by crafting iconic tools and practical technology required in aerospace, data communications, electrical, wire processing and construction. The global family of IDEAL brands includes IDEAL Electrical, Anderson Power, and Enatel. A vibrant and dynamic company, IDEAL is best known for our wire connectors, the gold standard for making electrical connections around the world. Nearly every commercial jet is assembled using IDEAL wire strippers and, as part of the critical equipment on NASA missions, our tools help NASA astronauts fly to the moon. Most important our products benefit skilled tradespeople who reach for IDEAL tools every day.

IDEAL is propelled by the concept of Building an IDEAL World. Our family-run business is committed to building ideal relationships with customers, employees, and communities by crafting some of our industry’s most innovative and trusted tools.

IDEAL is seeking an experienced Tool and Die Maker with a strong work ethic and knowledge of progressive stamping tools. The position is responsible for maintaining, assembling, troubleshooting and repairing custom tools in a toolroom environment working side by side with other Ideal Tool and Die Makers.

This is a FIRST SHIFT position, working Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm in Sycamore, Illinois. 

Responsibilities

• Actively engage in responsibilities and initiatives to ensure a safe work environment. 
• Promote and contribute to the continuous improvement of company policies, processes and procedures.
• Perform a variety of complex tasks with minimal supervision to include but is not limited to, routine and complex repairs to progressive stamping dies.
• Monitor work visually and dimensionally referring to blueprints, engineering specifications, and job instruction sheets.
• Analyze and evaluate detailed strip layouts, die designs and engineering specifications to establish the assembly of complex tools.
• Dress and or sharpen both carbide and tool steel tooling.
• Evaluate and implement die clearances, progressions and die timing.
• Perform checks and inspections on dies for wear and maintenance issues. Evaluate problems and implement immediate solutions to reduce recurrence and downtime. 
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and sharpening of progressive stamping tools.
• Perform tool setting procedures to include the transfer of tools to the press from the toolroom or tool rack.
• Operate material and tool handling equipment to include but is not limited to die carts, lift trucks, and overhead/jib cranes.
• Perform the setup and operation of manual toolroom equipment such as grinders, drills, mills, lathes, and other various hand tools.
• Initiate, manage, and complete projects within general tolerances of the metal trades industry in relation to quality and time.
• Operate and utilize comparators and microscopes to inspect production components.
• Maintain physical/electronic records using digital logs and die cards.
• Train and instruct apprentices and/or team members when needed.
• Regularly practice 6S principles and adhere to lean guidelines.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented workplace, which may include other duties as assigned.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned. 

Qualifications

Skills/Competencies Required: 

• Possess in-depth knowledge in math and interpreting technical drawings. 
• Possess in-depth knowledge in the operation of manual mills, lathes, and surface grinders. 
• Demonstrate familiarity of high-speed complex dies. 
• Exhibit creative problem-solving, effective prioritization, and adaptability.
• Follow directions, both verbal and written, including multi-step directions for complex tasks.
• Read and follow job instructions, complete written forms, and effectively communicate with customers, management, suppliers, and other employees. 
• Use visual acuity and hand dexterity to handle parts, supplies, tools, and other related work materials.
• Use color and depth perception for selected tasks. 
• May require overtime or on-call shifts.

Education/Experience:  

• High School diploma or GED.

• Journeyman Tool and Die Maker certification is required.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally and items weighing up to 30 pounds frequently.
• Observe details at close range, such as documents, computer screens, tools, products, and machines. 
• Frequent movement about work area.

Work Environment:  

The physical demands below are required to perform the essential functions of the position. 

• Must perform efficiently in a manufacturing environment constantly.
• Frequently movement about work area.
• Frequently use production machinery.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment.
• Hot/cold temperatures based on seasonal variations
• Humidity, noise, odors, dust

Compensation Disclosure:

The expected rate of pay for this position is between $30.65/hr and - $36.06/hr. This range represents a good faith estimate for the position, and actual compensation will be based on numerous factors including knowledge, location, skills, training, and experience. 

IDEAL employees enjoy a wide range of valuable benefits including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Education Reimbursement
• Wellness Programs
• 401k with Company Match
• Cash Balance Pension Plan

IDEAL values rest, personal time and community involvement facilitating these through several paid time off programs including:

• Vacation
• Personal Days
• Volunteer Time
• Holidays
• Parental Leave

IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. is proud to be one of Newsweek’s Global Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces and an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We know when you honor relationships, success for all will follow.  To learn more about us, visit