Precision Tooling and Mold Fabrication Specialist

STERIS - Operations; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market Competitive Pay

Extensive PTO and holidays

401(k) with company match

Maternity & Paternal Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

STERIS Maplewood seeks a Precision Tooling and Mold Fabrication Specialist to lead hands-on toolmaking, fixture construction, and repair from engineering drawings and 3D CAD.

You will collaborate with Molding, R&D, Automation, and Assembly to deliver prototype tooling, build new fixtures, and troubleshoot tooling issues to minimize downtime, while mentoring production machinists on grinders and EDM practices.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years hands-on toolmaker experience with strong troubleshooting background.
• Proficiency in CAD design and 3D modeling.
• Experience with GD&T and lean manufacturing practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical tooling support to Operations projects, R&D and NPD.
• Own hands-on toolmaking: fabricate, maintain and repair tooling from drawings and 3D CAD.
• Collaborate with Molding, R&D, Automation and Assembly to deliver on-time project outcomes.
• Design and build new tooling for instrument manufacturing, including fixtures and hand tools.
• Investigate and resolve tooling issues quickly to minimize downtime.
• Mentor production machinists on grinders and EDM best practices.

Skills

CAD design

3D modeling

GD&T

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SolidWorks

CNC

EDM equipment

Job description

Precision Tooling and Mold Fabrication SpecialistAt STERIS, our purpose is simple: help our Customers create a healthier and safer world. In our Maplewood operation, that mission comes to life in the toolroom—where precision, problem-solving, and craftsmanship power production, R&D, and New Product Development.A day in this roleIt’s 5:00 a.m. and you’re setting up the day’s work. You review 3D CAD models and engineering prints, plan a mold repair, and schedule a fixture build for an upcoming NPD trial. By mid-morning, you’re collaborating with Molding, R&D, Automation, and Assembly to align on a prototype jig. After lunch, a production line flags a tooling issue—you step in, diagnose the root cause (dull tool and an incorrect feature), and implement corrective action to minimize downtime. You close the day by updating project memos, estimating time and cost for an upcoming mold modification, and mentoring a production machinist on best practices for grinders and EDM.ScheduleMonday–Friday, 5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.What you will doProvide strategic technical tooling support to Operations projects, R&D, and New Product Development.Own hands-on toolmaking: fabricate, maintain, and repair instruments, fixtures, and tooling from engineering drawings and 3D CAD.Partner with Molding, R&D, Automation, and Assembly to deliver accurate, on-time project outcomes across STERIS Maplewood initiatives.Design and build new tooling for instrument manufacturing, including fixtures and hand tools for assembly.Investigate and resolve production tooling issues quickly to limit downtime.Plan mold builds and repairs by reading blueprints, sketches, and studying actual parts.Set up equipment based on print requirements, materials, tolerances, and machine capabilities.Contribute to product design with practical, equipment-driven solutions.Maintain a safe, organized work environment and follow all standards and procedures.Assist tool design with development and implementation of fixtures for new product lines.Support maintenance by making or modifying equipment components.Perform mathematical and statistical calculations (including trigonometry) to determine x/y coordinates and validate features.Document project updates and memos to keep leadership informed.Train and support production machinists; assess skills and delegate to meet deadlines.Troubleshoot issues such as improper tooling, dull tools, or incorrect features and implement preventative actions.Other duties as assigned.What you bringHigh School Diploma or GED.5+ years of hands-on toolmaker experience with strong troubleshooting background.CAD design experience; 3D modeling (SolidWorks a plus).Working knowledge of CNC and EDM (wire and sinker).Expertise in milling, turning, grinding, and general toolroom practices (lathes, grinders, mills).Experience with GD&T and engineering/statistical calculations.Preferred: 1 year in Design for Quality and Lean Manufacturing; toolmaking apprenticeship and related coursework.Strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills across Regulatory, QA/QC, Supply Chain, internal customers (Marketing, Customer Service, Sales), and external suppliers.Highly flexible, motivated self-starter with excellent problem-solving and time management.Proficient in Microsoft Office and discipline-specific software; strong organization, prioritization, and delegation skills.ProficienciesGD&TCAD Software and CAD DesignTool/Die/Mold setupBlueprint readingOperation of grinders, lathes, and millsWorking knowledge of CNC and EDMRewards and benefitsMarket Competitive PayExtensive Paid Time Off and (9) added holidaysLong/short Term disability coverage401(k) with company matchMaternity & Paternal LeaveAdditional add-ons benefits/discounts for programs such as Pet InsuranceTuition Reimbursement and continuing education programsExcellent opportunities for advancement and a stable, long-term career