Die Maintainer

DURHAM Manufacturing; Durham (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Bonus opportunities

Paid time off

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonus

Job summary

The Durham Manufacturing Company in Durham, CT is seeking an experienced Die Maintainer with a focus on troubleshooting, proactive maintenance, and continuous improvement. This role supports our succession planning and offers growth opportunities within the organization.

You will diagnose and resolve die issues on the line, inspect dies after use, repair and adjust tools, and collaborate with production and cross-functional teams to improve uptime, quality, and safety.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of tool & die maintenance experience.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to read blueprints and machine parts.
• Proactive, self-driven mindset with ownership of tasks.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve die issues on production lines quickly and effectively.
• Identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Perform thorough die inspections after use and prevent recurring issues.
• Disassemble, repair, sharpen, and reassemble dies; adjust dies in presses.
• Build and maintain jigs, fixtures, and tooling as needed.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area (7S).
• Collaborate with production, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Read blueprints

Teamwork

Communication

Ownership mindset

Job description

Durham Manufacturing Company - Durham, CT

Position Overview

The Durham Manufacturing Company is seeking an experienced Die Maintainer with a strong focus on troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and proactive maintenance.

This role is part of our succession planning strategy, and we are looking for someone with the drive, initiative, and desire to grow within the organization. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who wants to take ownership, expand their skillset, and contribute to the long-term success of our operations.

Key Responsibilities

Troubleshooting & Problem Solving (HIGH PRIORITY)

• Diagnose and resolve die issues during production quickly and effectively
• Identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions
• Support production teams in minimizing downtime

Proactive Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Perform thorough die inspections after each use to ensure readiness for future production
• Take a proactive approach to prevent recurring issues-not just react to breakdowns
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and uptime
• Continuously look for ways to enhance tooling performance

Tool & Die Work

• Disassemble, repair, sharpen, and reassemble dies
• Machine new or replacement parts from blueprints
• Adjust dies in presses to ensure proper operation
• Build and maintain jigs, fixtures, and tooling as needed

Quality & Safety

• Inspect all work for accuracy and quality
• Report non-conforming conditions immediately
• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area (7S)

Collaboration

• Work closely with production, supervisors, and cross-functional teams
• Communicate issues, improvements, and production status effectively

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of tool & die maintenance experience
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
• Demonstrated ability to improve efficiencies and reduce downtime
• A proactive, self-driven mindset with a sense of ownership
• Interest in growth and long-term development (succession potential)
• Ability to read blueprints and machine parts
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Why Join Durham Manufacturing?

At Durham, we invest in our people and provide opportunities for growth and advancement.

Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (United Healthcare, Delta Dental, VSP Vision Care)
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
• Annual bonus and profit sharing opportunities
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement / continuing education program
• Employee referral bonus up to $2,000

Our Core Values

• Be eager to learn
• Deliver above and beyond
• Be a team player
• Focus on solutions
• Embrace change