Master Tool/Die Maker II

Winnebago Industries; Forest City (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Forest City is seeking a Tool & Die Maker responsible for designing, fabricating, and maintaining precision tooling. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure tooling accuracy and support production needs. Preferred candidates will have 2+ years of related experience, proficiency in CNC operations, and a technical college degree in a related field. This role offers opportunities for hands-on fabrication work in a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a Tool & Die Maker or equivalent role.
• Strong background in building and maintaining weld fixtures.
• Experience with precision measurement tools is essential.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, and repair weld fixtures and assembly jigs.
• Fabrication and integration of components for custom machines.
• Ensure all tooling and fixtures meet quality standards.

Skills

Proficiency in manual and CNC machining operations

Strong mechanical aptitude

Ability to read and interpret complex engineering prints

Education

AS or equivalent Technical college degree in Tool & Die or Advanced Machining

Tools

Precision measurement tools (micrometers, indicators, height gages)

Job description

Position Summary

The Tool & Die Maker is responsible for the design, fabrication, assembly, maintenance, and repair of precision tooling with an emphasis on weld fixtures, jigs, gauges, and special‑purpose machinery. This role supports production and engineering teams by ensuring tooling is accurate, reliable, and optimized for manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Tooling & Fixture Fabrication

• Build, modify, and repair weld fixtures, holding fixtures, inspection gauges, and assembly jigs.
• Machine precision components using mills, lathes, grinders, and CNC equipment.
• Fit, assemble, and verify tooling to ensure dimensional accuracy and function per engineering specifications.

Special Machine Support

• Fabrication, build, and integration of components for custom and special‑purpose machines, including mechanical assemblies, pneumatic systems, and automation components.
• Collaborate with engineering to interpret machine designs, prints, and concepts to produce supporting tooling.

Blueprints & Engineering Collaboration

• Read and interpret complex drawings, 3D models, and engineering specifications.
• Provide manufacturability feedback to engineering for fixture design improvements.
• Work closely with welders, machinists, and maintenance personnel.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Troubleshoot fixture issues related to alignment, wear, repeatability, and ergonomics.
• Perform maintenance on existing tooling, documenting repairs and improvements.
• Recommend design enhancements to improve durability, accuracy, or ease of use for weld fixtures and machine tooling.

Quality & Safety

• Ensure all tooling and fixtures meet quality standards and support production requirements.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, following company safety policies and best practices.
• Verify fixture accuracy using measurement instruments (CMM experience is a plus).

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a Tool & Die Maker, Toolmaker, or equivalent role.
• Strong background in building and maintaining weld fixtures, including locating schemes and clamping strategies.
• Proficiency in manual and CNC machining operations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering prints.
• Experience with precision measurement tools (micrometers, indicators, height gages, etc.).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• AS or equivalent Technical college degree in Tool & Die or Advanced Machining.
• Knowledge of special machine assemblies, and pneumatic systems.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software or 3D model viewing tools.
• Welding experience or ability to perform minor weld repairs (optional but beneficial).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and performing hands‑on fabrication tasks.
• Ability to safely operate shop machinery and power tools.

Competencies

• Precision and attention to detail
• Mechanical reasoning
• Collaboration and communication
• Root‑cause problem solving

Efficiency and craftsmanship