Metal Stamping Toolroom Machinist (Progressive Tooling)

Wiegel; Wood Dale (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiegel in Wood Dale, IL is seeking a die maintenance and machining professional to build, repair, and maintain progressive stamping dies, fixtures, and precision tooling for continuous-run punch press operations.

The role involves translating drawings into machining steps, setting up and operating CNC-equipped machines, and performing routine to complex repairs while ensuring safety and quality. Strong measuring skills and knowledge of GD&T are essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on proficiency with machinery and equipment used to fabricate and repair dies.
• Ability to read Blueprints, Piece Prints, and GD&T to ensure correct tolerances.
• Advanced math skills for feeds, speeds, distances, and geometry.
• Experience using measurement tools like calipers, micrometers, thread gauges.

Responsibilities

• Translate engineering drawings into actionable machining steps and provide manufacturability feedback.
• Operate grinders, drills, mills, lathes, and hand tools to machine close-tolerance parts and prototypes.
• Disassemble, inspect, clean, and repair dies; implement countermeasures to reduce recurrence.
• Plan multi-step setups to achieve required machining outcomes and verify with gauges.
• Document repairs and changes, and train peers on machining and die maintenance.

Skills

CNC machining

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Precision measurement

Tools

CNC programs and control panels

Job description

Where you’ll work: Wood Dale, IL

Who you’ll partner with: Tool Room Manager

Is this you?

• Do you see possibilities in every blueprint—spotting ways to improve a die before it hits the press?
• Are you energized by diagnosing a damaged die, fixing it right the first time, and preventing repeat issues?
• Do you enjoy planning machining sequences, executing precise setups, and verifying tolerances with micrometers and calipers?

If so, you’ll thrive building, repairing, and maintaining progressive stamping dies, fixtures, and precision tooling for continuous-run punch press operations—while backing up teammates across the tool room as needed.

What you’ll do

• Translate engineering drawings and blueprints into action; offer design feedback to enhance manufacturability
• Run grinders, drills, mills, lathes, and hand tools to machine close-tolerance parts, sharpen tools, and fabricate prototypes
• Receive and inspect dies; disassemble with hand/power tools; clean thoroughly; perform routine to complex repairs; implement countermeasures to reduce recurrence
• Plan operations and complete multi-step setups to achieve required machining outcomes
• Validate die and part specifications with micrometers, calipers, and fixed/adjustable gauges
• Safely handle tooling using a die lifter, lift truck, and overhead/jib crane; practice safe lifting at all times
• Troubleshoot production lines, dies, and mechanical tooling; conduct routine operator maintenance: lubrication, oil checks, greasing, spill cleanup, scrap removal
• Champion safety and housekeeping; wear required PPE; keep your work area neat; engage in safety activities
• Document repairs, engineering changes, and quality results; notify leadership or take corrective action to maintain quality and throughput
• Train peers on machining, die maintenance, and repair; suggest process and design improvements, including revisions to customer designs that leverage existing tooling
• Monitor and maintain inventory of spare die components and supplies
• Accurately complete all paperwork; follow all company policies, including safety and attendance
• Invest in your skills and department processes; collaborate to resolve daily issues; perform other duties as assigned

What you bring

• Hands-on proficiency with assigned machinery and equipment; experience with CNC programs and control panels
• Ability to read Blueprints, Piece Prints, and GD&T
• Advanced math skills for feeds, speeds, distances, print conversion, and geometry
• Skilled with measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, etc.
• Understanding of machining behavior of diverse raw materials
• Strong communication; able to follow and give written and verbal instructions

Physical demands & environment

• Sedentary position
• Ability to travel using public and private transportation
• 20/20 vision required with or without correction
• Use of hands 100% of the workday
• Standing or walking approximately 25% of the workday
• Frequent twisting, bending, and leaning
• Primarily office environment with occasional exposure to loud noises, dust, solvents, coolants, and oils

Core proficiencies

• Troubleshooting Skills
• Metal Stamping & Forming (Progressive Die)
• Tool/Die/Mold Repair Skills
• Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience
• Blueprint Reading

Classification

FLSA

Non-Exempt