05021 - Tool & Die Maker – Manual Machining

Tool & Die Maker – Manual Machining Employment Type: Direct Hire Position Type: Full-Time Work Location: Erlanger, Kentucky Work Arrangement: Onsite Salary Range: $68,000–$100,000 annually, depending on experience Experience Required: Minimum 5 years of experience machining, building, modifying, or repairing tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Tool & Die Maker with a strong background in traditional manual machining, tool building, fixture fabrication, and tool and die repair. This hands-on tool shop position involves building, modifying, repairing, and maintaining tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures. The ideal candidate will have broad manual machining skills and a thorough understanding of the complete toolmaking process. The selected candidate will work from blueprints and technical drawings, troubleshoot tooling problems, perform precision machining, and build or repair tooling with minimal supervision. Candidates should bring direct toolmaking and repair experience beyond CNC production machine operation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Use manual machining equipment to build and modify fixtures, tools, and machine components.
• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures.
• Disassemble tooling and fixtures, complete necessary repairs, and reassemble components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Perform drilling, tapping, deburring, and other manual machining operations.
• Perform welding and fabrication work as required.
• Inspect completed tools and dies for damage, imperfections, fit, and proper operation.
• Plan machining and repair processes and determine appropriate next steps.
• Adjust machining parameters as necessary to produce parts within specifications.
• Use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, scales, and tape measures.
• Test and inspect equipment, tooling, and machines to ensure proper setup and operation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and tooling issues.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and a clean, organized work area.
• Work independently and collaboratively with other members of the shop team.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Tool & Die Maker or Toolmaker.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience machining, building, modifying, or repairing tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Strong hands-on manual machining experience.
• Thorough knowledge of machine-shop practices, machining principles, and machine tool operations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Experience using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and height gauges.
• Working knowledge of shop mathematics, handbook formulas, and trigonometry.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Welding and fabrication skills.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Erlanger, Kentucky.

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad toolroom experience spanning tool building, modification, maintenance, and repair.
• Experience as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker, Tooling Technician, or Jig & Fixture Maker.
• Extensive manual machining experience involving precision tooling and fixtures.

Work Environment

• Onsite tool shop and manual machining environment in Erlanger, Kentucky.
• Hands-on work involving tools, dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, and machine components.
• Regular use of manual machining equipment, welding equipment, hand tools, and precision measuring instruments.
• Work includes tooling disassembly, repair, reassembly, inspection, and troubleshooting.
• Combination of independent work and collaboration with shop team members.

Key Competencies

• Tool and die making
• Manual machining
• Tooling repair and modification
• Jig and fixture fabrication
• Blueprint and schematic interpretation
• Precision measurement
• Machining process planning
• Welding and fabrication
• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Shop mathematics and trigonometry
• Attention to detail
• Independent work
• Teamwork and communication
• Tool and work area organization