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Tool Maker

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Wauconda, IL

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$29–$39 Per Hour
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Bandsaw, Corporate Event Management, Dental Insurance, Die Design, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Identify Issues, Lathe, Machining Operations, Manufacturing, Mathematics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Physical Demands, Problem Solving Skills, Punch Press, Quality Assurance, Retirement Plan, Safety/Work Safety, Schedule Development, Systems Maintenance, Team Player, Technical Operations, Technical/Engineering Design, Time Management, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Wauconda, IL
POSTED
30+ days ago
UPDATED: | 2/21/26 Job Description Tool Maker Department: Tool Room Date: Jan 21, 2026 Schedule: Monday – Friday 6:00am – 2:30pm Hours per week: 40 Reporting Relationships: Director of Operations Salary / Hourly: Non-Exempt Primary purpose of job: Responsible for making and repairing all tools, dies, and fixtures for punch press operations and other related metal fabricating machines. Supports the Stamping Department by ensuring all dies meet production standards which accomplish “on-time-delivery” and “quality assurance” goals established by upper management. Essential functions of job: Understand all department policies, procedures, and guidelines while maintaining a safe and clean work environment Maintain a clean and safe work area Maintain die PM system, including detailed work instructions and manage on schedule completion of PM activities Maintain die spare parts lists and ensure parts are set up and in stock Identify and implement proactive systems to achieve consistent reduction in stamping defects and productivity concerns Trouble shoot die problems on the shop floor and minimize downtime during production. Work closely with the Tool Design Engineers while building new tools, fixtures, die components, or sample parts per customer’s request Perform Punch Press set up duties as needed. Other duties as assigned. Required skills and abilities: Ability to follow instructions and procedures Skilled in use of calipers, micrometers, height gages, and pin gages Proficient in GD&T and advanced math skills Proficient in the use of mills, grinders, drill presses, band saws and lathes Must be able to effectively set up all types of stamping presses on the shop floor. Must have own tools Demonstrates a strong “team player” mentality Strong analytic problem-solving skills Able to work well under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines Remain engaged, proactive, and positive in tough circumstances, owning assignments and taking full accountability for their success Fluent with common MS office programs (Word, Excel,Outlook) Education and Experience: HS Diploma or GED Minimum 5 years completed Tool Room apprenticeship or equivalent experience Experience in stamping set-up and DRAW work a plus Physical Demands: This position requires 20% clerical and planning and 80% material handling, technical machine operation, and/or troubleshooting dies. Safety glasses, hearing protection, and proper foot protection must be worn. Ability to lift weights up to 45 lbs. Progression Opportunities: Die Designer, Tool Room Manager Job Title: Tool MakerLocation: Wauconda, IL 60084Job Type: Direct-HireSchedule: M-F, 6:00 AM- 2:30 PMSalary: $62k-$83k ($29-$39/hr)Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, company events, and many more. Responsibilities: Responsible for making and repairing all tools, dies, and fixtures for punch press operations and other related metal fabricating machines. Supports the Stamping Department by ensuring all dies meet production standards which accomplish “on-time-delivery” and “quality assurance” goals established by upper management. Maintain die PM system, including detailed work instructions and manage on schedule completion of PM activities Maintain die spare parts lists and ensure parts are set up and in stock Identify and implement proactive systems to achieve consistent reduction in stamping defects and productivity concerns Trouble shoot die problems on the shop floor and minimize downtime during production. Work closely with the Tool Design Engineers while building new tools, fixtures, die components, or sample parts per customer’s request Perform Punch Press set up duties as needed. Qualifications:HS Diploma or GED Minimum 5 years completed Tool Room apprenticeship or equivalent experience Experience in stamping set-up and DRAW work a plus Ability to follow instructions and procedures Skilled in use of calipers, micrometers, height gages, and pin gages Proficient in GD&T and advanced math skills Proficient in the use of mills, grinders, drill presses, band saws and lathes Must be able to effectively set up all types of stamping presses on the shop floor. Must have own tools Demonstrates a strong “team player” mentality Strong analytic problem-solving skills Able to work well under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines Remain engaged, proactive, and positive in tough circumstances, owning assignments and taking full accountability for their success Fluent with common MS office programs (Word, Excel,Outlook)

About the Company

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Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:

 

  • Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.

 

  • Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.

 

Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1969
WEBSITE
http://www.sterling-engineering.com