Mold Tool Maker

Cooper Standard; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Standard's Spartanburg, SC plant is seeking a skilled Mold Tool Maker to maintain and repair over 100 active plastic injection molds. The role focuses on repair, preventive maintenance, engineering change modifications, and spotting in new molds.

You will operate manual toolroom equipment (mills, lathes, grinders) and perform TIG and micro-laser welding, bench work, and routine teardowns per production schedules, contributing to minimized downtime and high-quality tooling.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Mold repair to minimize production downtime.
• Modify existing mold components for design updates.
• Spot in and fit new molds, core/cavity inserts, and replacement details.
• Set up and operate manual toolroom machinery (mills, lathes, grinders).
• Perform TIG and micro-laser welding to repair tool details.
• Hand bench work: polishing, deburring, and assembly of mold components.
• Conduct preventive maintenance: teardowns, cleaning, inspections, lubrication per schedule.

Skills

Mold repair

TIG welding

Laser welding

Manual toolroom machining

Reading blueprints/drawings

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Surface grinders

Micrometers

Calipers

Indicators

Height gauges

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

Remote Status

On-site

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. 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. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing [e-mail] with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.