Precision Tool & Die Maker — Progressive Stamping and Fourslide

CSS Metal Shaped Solutions; Farmington (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CSS Metal Shaped Solutions in Farmington, CT, is seeking a Precision Tool & Die Maker to maintain tooling and implement machine maintenance systems that keep production on schedule.

You will fabricate tools, train apprentices, document Tool History, and collaborate with engineering leads to launch new tools in production areas. The role emphasizes quality, lean methods, and safety.

Qualifications

• Journeyman certificate or 5+ years equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience fabricating components/tooling, troubleshooting, repair, and set-up.
• Ability to read and apply blueprints and GD&T for production manufacturing.
• Capable of safely operating forklifts, pallet jacks, overhead cranes, etc.
• Progressive stamping background required.
• Working knowledge of ISO quality standards and practical SPC use in production.
• Familiarity with medical and aerospace environments (ISO13485 & AS9100).
• Understanding of Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineering; Lean methods (Kaizen, Kanban, SMED, 5S).
• Knowledge of concurrent engineering and design for manufacturability/assembly.
• Experience with production standards, cost of quality, and manufacturing methods.

Responsibilities

• Service production tools in-press and execute pre-run maintenance to ensure production capability.
• Fabricate tools, components, fixtures, and gauges as directed by the area supervisor or Senior Tool & Diemaker.
• Train and mentor apprentices; accurately document Tool History and set-up information.
• Notify the Supervisor when production tooling requires machine or tool maintenance.
• Collaborate with the Senior Tool & Diemaker to launch new tools into production areas.
• Assist with standardizing tooling component inventory and support tooling project development.
• Help set-up associates resolve tool set-up and running issues.
• Support company managers on metal stamping and fourslide projects.
• Update Supervisors on needed corrections to job travelers for operation changes/additions.
• Willing to work overtime to meet business needs.

Skills

Blueprint reading

GD&T interpretation

Troubleshooting

Tooling fabrication

Lean manufacturing

Forklift operation

Education

Journeyman certificate

5+ years equivalent experience

Tools

Overhead cranes

Pallet jacks

Job description

Precision Tool & Die Maker — Progressive Stamping and FourslideSOC / Job Number: 51-4111.00Departments: Automatic Power Press (APP), New Tools, Secondary Power Press (SECPP)A day in this roleAs the plant comes online, you’re at the press verifying a tool is truly production-ready—performing pre-run maintenance, checking clearances, and confirming quality at first piece. You collaborate with a Senior Tool & Diemaker to introduce a new tool into a production cell, documenting Tool History and set-up details so the next run is faster and cleaner. Midday, you partner with set-up associates to troubleshoot a progressive die that’s not hitting rate, and you flag the Supervisor about both tool maintenance and machine service needs. Before shift-end, you fabricate a small fixture, standardize a component choice for the tooling inventory, and update job travelers with required changes or added operations. Along the way, you coach an apprentice, keep 5S standards tight, and support managers on an active metal stamping and fourslide project.Purpose of the positionSupport operations by maintaining and implementing tooling and machine maintenance systems that keep production on schedule while continually improving quality, cost, and lead time for CSS customers.Reporting linesNew Tools: Director of Engineering / Department SupervisorAPP: Department Supervisor / Assistant Supervisor / Senior Tool & Diemaker / Technical LeadSECPP: Department Supervisor / Assistant Supervisor / Technical LeadFourslide: Department Supervisor / Assistant Supervisor / Senior Tool & Diemaker / Technical LeadWhat you’ll doService production tools in-press and execute pre-run maintenance to ensure production capability.Fabricate tools, components, fixtures, and gauges as directed by the area supervisor or Senior Tool & Diemaker.Train and mentor apprentices; accurately document Tool History and set-up information.Notify the Supervisor when production tooling requires machine or tool maintenance.Collaborate with the Senior Tool & Diemaker to launch new tools into production areas.Assist with standardizing tooling component inventory and support tooling project development.Help set-up associates resolve tool set-up and running issues.Support company managers on metal stamping and fourslide projects.Update Supervisors on needed corrections to job travelers for operation changes/additions.How success is measuredMeet quoted/job estimates for service, set-up, and production rate on all tooling.Work practicesAdhere to company policies, environmental and safety standards, and high housekeeping standards.Assist with Lean initiatives (Kaizen, Kanban, SMED, 5S).Provide assistance or instruction to other personnel as needed.Perform other duties as required; attendance is essential.Willing to work overtime to meet business needs.QualificationsJourneymen certificate or 5+ years equivalent experience.Hands-on experience fabricating components/tooling, troubleshooting, repair, and set-up.Ability to read and apply blueprints and GD&T for production manufacturing.Capable of safely operating forklifts, pallet jacks, overhead cranes, etc., to move tools and loads.Progressive stamping background required.Working knowledge of ISO quality standards and practical SPC use in production.Familiarity with medical and aerospace environments (ISO13485 & AS9100).Understanding of Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineering; Lean methods (Kaizen, Kanban, SMED, 5S).Knowledge of concurrent engineering and design for manufacturability/assembly.Experience with production standards, cost of quality, and manufacturing methods.Self-starter with strong work ethic and production mindset.Physical requirementsVision (corrected) sufficient to read directions/prints and closely inspect parts to spec.Manual dexterity to operate machinery for precision work.Frequent stooping and bending.Ability to lift and move items vertically and horizontally; lift up to 35 lbs unassisted.ProficiencyMetal Stamping & Forming (Progressive Die)This summary outlines the primary functions of the role and does not list every task that may be required.