Tooling & Production Support Specialist

The Tooling & Production Support Specialist is responsible for managing, maintaining, and distributing all consumable tooling and tool holding assets to support production. This role plays a critical part in minimizing downtime, ensuring tooling availability, and maintaining an organized, efficient tool crib operation. This position supports both 1st and 2nd shift operations.

This individual will also support plant-wide chip management and assist in maintaining a clean and safe manufacturing environment.

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Responsibilities:

Tooling Inventory & Control

• Track and maintain inventory of all consumable tooling (cutting tools, inserts, drills, end mills, etc.)
• Monitor usage rates and replenish stock to prevent production shortages
• Track recycled tooling and carbide return programs
• Maintain accurate records of tool usage, scrap, and inventory levels

Toolholder Management

• Track and maintain all toolholders (heat shrink, hydraulic, collet, etc.)
• Inspect toolholders for wear, damage, and runout issues
• Ensure toolholders are clean, organized, and ready for production use

Tool Assembly & Presetting

• Assemble tooling per engineering setup sheets

Build tools using:

• Heat shrink systems
• Hydraulic toolholders
• Standard collet/ER systems
• Verify tool lengths, offsets, and configurations match setup requirements
• Ensure tools are production-ready prior to delivery

Production Support

• Deliver tooling to machining cells across the plant
• Pick up used, worn, or damaged tooling for evaluation/replacement
• Work closely with machinists, setup personnel, and engineering to resolve tooling issues quickly

Chip Management

• Empty chip bins daily (minimum once per morning and as needed throughout the day)
• Coordinate chip removal and recycling processes
• Maintain cleanliness around chip handling areas

Organization & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient tool crib
• Identify opportunities to reduce tooling costs and improve efficiency
• Support implementation of standardized tooling systems and controls

Experience:

Required

• Familiarity with cutting tools, inserts, and toolholders
• Experience reading setup sheets or basic blueprints
• Strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Basic computer skills (inventory tracking systems, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and be on feet for extended periods

Preferred (Not Required)

• Prior tool crib or inventory experience
• CNC machining or manufacturing experience

Work Environment

• Manufacturing shop floor environment (CNC machining)
• Exposure to cutting fluids, metal chips, and moving equipment
• PPE required per company policy

This position involves access to technical data and information governed by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) . Under ITAR, candidates must be U.S. persons to be eligible for this role.

A U.S. person is defined as a:

• U.S. citizen ,
• Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) , or
• Individual granted asylum or refugee status under U.S. law.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements cannot be considered.