Tool & Die Maker

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Tool & Die Maker to support precision manufacturing operations within the aerospace and industrial manufacturing industries.

This position will be responsible for building, maintaining, repairing, and modifying tooling, dies, fixtures, and precision components used in high-volume manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in tool and die making, precision machining, metal forming, and manufacturing tooling, with experience supporting aerospace fasteners, cold heading, stamping, or other precision metalworking processes.

• Build, repair, maintain, and modify precision tools, dies, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment components.

• Manufacture tooling used in cold heading, metal forming, stamping, and precision machining operations.

• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T specifications, and technical documentation.

• Set up and operate manual machining equipment, including mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses.

• Perform precision grinding, fitting, polishing, and assembly of tooling components.

• Troubleshoot tooling issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.

• Inspect tooling and finished components to ensure compliance with dimensional tolerances and quality standards.

• Use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, and optical comparators.

• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on production tooling to minimize downtime.

• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, machinists, maintenance technicians, and production personnel.

• Assist with tooling improvements to increase productivity, reduce scrap, and improve tool life.

• Maintain accurate tooling records, maintenance documentation, and repair histories.

• Follow established safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

• 3–5+ years of experience as a Tool & Die Maker, Toolmaker, or Precision Machinist with tooling fabrication experience.

• Strong knowledge of tool and die construction, maintenance, repair, and modification.

• Experience operating manual mills, lathes, grinders, and other precision machining equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.

• Experience working with tight tolerances and precision measuring instruments.

• Understanding of machining processes, tooling materials, heat treatment, and metalworking techniques.

• Ability to troubleshoot tooling problems and independently perform repairs.

• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams.

• Experience within aerospace, defense, fastener manufacturing, or high-volume precision manufacturing.

• Experience with cold heading dies, punches, forming dies, and progressive dies.

• Knowledge of carbide tooling, tool steels, and specialty alloys.

• Experience with CNC machining, EDM, or wire EDM equipment.

• Familiarity with precision grinding, jig grinding, and tooling assembly.

• Experience supporting fastener manufacturing, forging, stamping, or metal forming operations.

• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards, including AS9100.

• Completion of a Tool & Die Maker apprenticeship or formal machining training program.

• Experience improving tooling performance, reducing downtime, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.