Tool & Die Maker

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Tool & Die Maker / Die Setter to support our manufacturing operations by building, maintaining, setting up, and troubleshooting tooling used in roll forming and production processes. This hands-on position is responsible for fabricating and repairing tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures while also setting up production equipment, operating overhead cranes, and running production lines to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, experience with roll forming or stamping operations, and the ability to troubleshoot tooling issues that impact production.

Essential Responsibilities

Tool & Die Maintenance

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, and specifications to determine tooling dimensions and tolerances.
• Build, modify, repair, and maintain dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and other production tooling.
• Inspect finished tooling to verify dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Troubleshoot tooling problems and perform corrective repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain tooling maintenance records and documentation.

Die Setup & Production Support

• Set up, install, and align dies in production equipment according to setup specifications.
• Install and adjust roll forming cassettes and tooling for proper operation.
• Load steel coils onto mandrels using an overhead crane and feed material into the production line.
• Perform trial runs following die setups to verify proper operation and product quality.
• Make adjustments to tooling and equipment to maintain dimensional accuracy and production efficiency.
• Inspect tooling before, during, and after production to identify wear or damage.
• Recommend repairs and preventative maintenance for tooling and related equipment.

Production Operations

• Operate and monitor assigned production line.
• Ensure production meets quality, safety, and productivity standards.
• Troubleshoot tooling, die, and machine issues to minimize downtime.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Production, Engineering, and Quality departments to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Operate an overhead crane safely to move tooling, dies, and steel coils.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Completion of a Tool & Die apprenticeship program or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.

• Experience as a Tool & Die Maker, Die Setter, Tool Technician, Die Maintenance Technician, Maintenance Technician, or similar role.

• Experience with roll forming, metal fabrication, stamping, or other die-based manufacturing operations.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, setup sheets, engineering drawings, and schematics.

• Strong understanding of geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T).

• Experience using manual machine tools including:- Lathes

  • Milling machines
  • Surface grinders
  • Drill presses

• Experience performing complex bend setups and roll forming operations.

• Experience operating overhead cranes.

• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical problem-solving skills.

• Ability to lift and move heavy tooling and materials.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in roll forming manufacturing.
• Welding or fabrication experience.
• Preventive maintenance experience on tooling and production equipment.
• Forklift certification (preferred).
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.

You should be proficient in:

• Metal Stamping & Forming (Progressive Die)
• Tool/Die/Mold Repair Skills
• Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
• Manual Grinder
• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
• Jig Grinder