Mold Tool Maker

Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Standard in Spartanburg, SC is seeking a skilled Mold Tool Maker to maintain and repair over 100 injection molds. Focus is on repair, PM, engineering change modifications, and spotting in new molds or details.

You will operate manual toolroom equipment (mills, lathes, grinders), perform TIG and laser welding for tool repair, and conduct precise hand finishing and bench assembly to keep production running smoothly.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of dedicated experience in plastic injection mold repair or toolmaking.
• Proficiency in TIG welding and precision laser welding for tool steels.
• Experience operating manual toolroom equipment (mills, lathes, grinders).
• Ability to read 2D engineering drawings and tool schematics.
• Expert use of precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, indicators).
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting to identify wear and defects.

Responsibilities

• Mold Repair: Diagnose and repair damaged, worn, or malfunctioning injection molds.
• Engineering Changes: Modify mold components to reflect design updates.
• Spotting & Fitting: Spot in and fit new molds and details for precise shut-offs.
• Manual Machining: Set up and operate mills, lathes, and grinders (no CNC).
• Precision Tooling Welding: TIG and laser welding to repair tool details.
• Hand Bench Work: Polish, fit, deburr, and assemble complex mold components.
• Preventative Maintenance: Teardown, clean, inspect, and lubricate per schedule.

Skills

Mold repair

TIG welding

Manual machining

Reading blueprints

Precision measurement

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Surface grinders

Job description

Job Description: The Cooper Standard Spartanburg, SC manufacturing plant is looking to hire a Toolmaker! Position Summary We are seeking a skilled Mold Tool Maker to maintain, repair, and modify our inventory of over 100 active plastic injection molds. In this role, you will not build new molds from scratch. Instead, you will focus on mold repair, preventative maintenance, engineering change modifications, and spotting in new molds or details.

Key Responsibilities

• Mold Repair: Diagnose and repair damaged, worn, or malfunctioning injection molds to minimize production downtime.
• Engineering Changes: Modify existing mold components and details to reflect engineering design updates.
• Spotting & Fitting: Spot in and fit new molds, core/cavity inserts, and replacement details to ensure precise shut-offs.
• Manual Machining: Set up and operate manual toolroom machinery including mills, lathes, and grinders (no CNC operation required).
• Precision Tooling Welding: Perform high-precision TIG and micro-laser welding to repair parting lines, gates, and worn tool details.
• Hand Bench Work: Execute precise hand polishing, fitting, deburring, and bench assembly of complex mold components.
• Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine mold teardowns, cleanings, inspections, and lubrication per production schedules.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of dedicated experience in plastic injection mold repair or toolmaking.
• Welding Skills: Proven proficiency in both TIG welding and precision laser welding for tool steels.
• Machining Skills: Strong competency operating manual toolroom equipment (mills, lathes, surface grinders).
• Technical Literacy: Ability to read and accurately interpret 2D engineering drawings, blue prints, and tool schematics.
• Precision Measurement: Expert use of precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges.
• Problem Solving: Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills to identify tool wear, flashing issues, and parting line defects.

Physical Requirements

Ability to safely lift and maneuver heavy mold components up to 50 lbs. Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for prolonged, intricate bench work.

Position Type: Regular Additional Locations: Additional Information:

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws.

We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging.

We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers.

Remote Status: On-site Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich. USA, is a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry.

Products include sealing, fuel and brake delivery, and fluid transfer systems.

Cooper Standard employs approximately 24,000 people globally and operates in 21 countries around the world.

For more information, please visit www.cooperstandard.com.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran VEVRAA Federal Contractor