Class A Mold Maker

AVNA; Berlin (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

AVNA in Berlin, Connecticut seeks a Class A Mold Maker to build, modify, and repair high-precision molds. The ideal candidate will have extensive machining capabilities and a strong understanding of mold design.

Your role includes operating CNC mills/lathes, performing complex mold repairs, and collaborating with teams to optimize designs. A Journeyman toolmaker certification and 5–10 years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of mold-making experience, preferably with complex, high-precision molds.
• Ability to independently program, set up, and operate CNC equipment and EDM systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Build new molds from start to finish, including machining, fitting, assembly, and qualification.
• Interpret highly detailed engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
• Perform complex mold repairs and lead mold trials to ensure functionality.

Skills

Machining capability

Mold design understanding

Troubleshooting skills

Project leadership

Education

Journeyman toolmaker certification

Tools

CNC equipment

EDM systems

Precision measuring tools

Job description

The Class A Mold Maker is a top-tier, highly skilled tooling professional responsible for building, fitting, modifying, and repairing complex molds to the highest precision standards. This role requires expert-level machining capability, strong understanding of mold design, and the ability to work independently from concept through completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Build new molds from start to finish, including machining, fitting, assembly, polishing, and final qualification.
• Interpret highly detailed engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and GD&T specifications with minimal supervision.
• Set up and operate advanced machining equipment, including CNC mills/lathes, surface grinders, EDM (sinker and wire), and high-precision manual equipment.
• Perform complex mold repairs and engineering changes, including troubleshooting parting line issues, venting, gating, runners, slides, lifters, and hot-runner systems.
• Diagnose root causes of mold defects (flash, galling, cooling issues, alignment failures, etc.) and implement corrective actions.
• Lead mold trials, ensuring tools run correctly and meet all dimensional, cosmetic, and functional requirements before release to production.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, and processing teams to optimize mold design for manufacturability, quality, and cycle time.
• Maintain detailed documentation and mold history, including preventive maintenance actions and repair logs.
• Ensure all work complies with tight tolerances, quality standards, and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Journeyman toolmaker certification or equivalent high-level training required.
• 5–10+ years of mold-making experience, preferably with complex, high-precision molds.
• Mold design and mold construction
• Tool steels, heat treating, and material properties
• Tight-tolerance machining and finishing practices
• Ability to independently program, set up, and operate CNC equipment and EDM systems.
• High proficiency with precision measuring tools (micrometers, indicators, gauge blocks, optical comparators).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to lead projects, mentor junior mold makers, and coordinate work with engineering.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with medical injection molds.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Mastercam, or Siemens NX.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Precision toolroom within a manufacturing facility.
• Requires standing, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working with machinery, oils, coolants, and fine-detail components.
• Overtime may be required based on production needs.