05021 - Tool & Die Maker – Manual Machining

Crafted Staff; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 68,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Crafted Staff is 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 role focuses on building, repairing, and maintaining tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures from blueprints, with emphasis on accuracy and problem-solving.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of hands-on experience machining, building, modifying, or repairing tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures, and be

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as Tool & Die Maker or Toolmaker.
• Proven hands-on manual machining experience.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Welding and fabrication skills.

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 repairs, and reassemble components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Perform drilling, tapping, deburring, and other manual machining operations.
• Weld and fabricate as required.
• Inspect tools and dies for damage, fit, and operation.
• Plan machining and repair processes and select steps.

Skills

Manual machining

Tool & Die making

Blueprint reading

Tool repair

Welding & fabrication

Precision measuring

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Height gauges

Measuring tape

Job description

Tool & Die Maker - Manual Machining

Salary: $68,000-$100,000 per year, based on experience
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

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 is a hands-on tool shop position for someone with proven experience building, modifying, repairing, and maintaining tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures. The ideal candidate has broad manual machining skills and understands the complete toolmaking process—not just CNC machine operation.

If you are an experienced Toolmaker or Tool & Die Maker who can work from blueprints, troubleshoot tooling problems, perform precision machining, and build or repair tooling with minimal supervision, this may be a strong fit.

What You'll Do

• 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
• 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 understand 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 or as part of a team
• Good verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Ideal Background

The strongest candidates will have a traditional, hands-on tool and die / toolroom machining background with experience building and repairing tooling rather than experience limited primarily to CNC production machining.

Relevant experience may include work as a:

• Tool & Die Maker
• Toolmaker
• Journeyman Tool & Die Maker
• Tooling Technician
• Jig & Fixture Maker
• Manual Machinist with extensive tool and die experience

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Tool & Die Maker who enjoys hands-on machining, fabrication, troubleshooting, and building or repairing precision tooling.