Injection Mold Toolmaker & Machining Specialist

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Join a well-established manufacturer as the go-to expert keeping high-volume production molds and tooling in peak condition. In this hands-on role, you’ll build, refurbish, and fine-tune precision tooling while partnering closely with production and engineering to eliminate downtime and lift throughput.

A day in the life

• Construct, rework, and upgrade production molds, tooling, fixtures, and related components that keep the line moving.
• Run manual mills, engine lathes, grinders, drill presses, band saws, and EDM equipment to machine tight-tolerance parts.
• Translate prints, models, blueprints, and technical specs (including GD&T) into accurate components that meet tolerance.
• Execute preventative maintenance on molds and tooling to extend service life and performance.
• Diagnose root causes of tooling failures and complete repairs quickly to cut downtime.
• Troubleshoot in-press mold issues and recommend/implement corrective actions while tooling is installed on production equipment.
• Service and repair hot runner systems and associated mold components as needed.
• Produce accessories such as electrodes, custom fixtures, and workholding to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Support prototype modifications and incorporate engineering changes during iterations.
• Verify parts with precision metrology tools—calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gauges—to confirm dimensional accuracy.
• Document work orders, PM activities, inspections, and tooling history with accuracy and clarity.
• Participate in tooling reviews and collaborate with engineering on design improvements for reliability and manufacturability.
• Maintain a safe, organized, 5S-oriented workspace and follow established safety procedures.
• Pitch in on additional machining and tooling projects as assigned.

What you’ll bring

• Hands-on experience building, repairing, and maintaining production molds or tooling in a manufacturing environment.
• Deep knowledge of manual machining processes—milling, turning, grinding, drilling—and EDM methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with precision inspection equipment to verify critical dimensions.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills for production tooling and mold-related issues.
• Understanding of preventative maintenance for molds and tooling.
• Welding experience is a plus.
• CAD familiarity (SolidWorks or similar) preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving mindset.

Proficiencies

• CNC Tooling
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Manual Machining Skills
• Injection Molding Experience
• Manual lathe
• Manual mill
• Tool and die
• Surface grinder

Machines & technologies you’ll use

• Surface Grinder
• Manual Grinder
• Manual Vertical Mill