Press Tool & Die Maker

AVNA; New Britain (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

AVNA is seeking a skilled Auto Press Tool & Die Maker to support high-volume manufacturing operations in New Britain, CT. The role focuses on building, repairing, troubleshooting, and optimizing progressive and compound dies used in mechanical stamping presses from 30 to 100 tons.

Ideal candidates bring strong toolmaking expertise, hands-on press knowledge, and the ability to diagnose tooling issues, improve cycle times, and maintain high-quality production with attention to safety and

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in tool and die making, preferably in metal stamping.
• Proficient with progressive dies and high-speed stamping operations.
• Experience reading blueprints, tooling prints and part drawings.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex tooling and perform precision fitting and adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Build, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain progressive and compound stamping dies
• Perform die setups, changeovers, and validation in mechanical presses
• Diagnose and correct tooling issues affecting part quality, press performance, and uptime
• Support production by responding quickly to die failures and process issues
• Perform preventive maintenance on tooling to maximize tool life and reliability
• Work with press operators and engineers to optimize cycle times, scrap reduction, and efficiency
• Inspect tooling and components using precision measuring instruments
• Assist with tryouts of new tooling and engineering changes
• Maintain proper documentation of tool repairs, improvements, and setups
• Safely handle and move tooling, die components, and materials
• Follow all company and safety procedures while maintaining a clean work environment

Skills

Toolmaking

Die making

Mechanical stamping

Blueprint interpretation

Quality workmanship

Tools

Surface grinders

Mills

Lathes

Hydraulics & pneumatics

Job description

Seeking a skilled Auto Press Tool & Die Maker to support high-volume manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for building, repairing, troubleshooting, and optimizing progressive and compound dies used in mechanical stamping presses ranging from 30 to 100 tons. The ideal candidate will combine strong toolmaking expertise with hands‑on press knowledge to ensure efficient, high-quality production.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain progressive and compound stamping dies
• Perform die setups, changeovers, and validation in mechanical presses
• Diagnose and correct tooling issues affecting part quality, press performance, and uptime
• Support production by responding quickly to die failures and process issues
• Perform preventive maintenance on tooling to maximize tool life and reliability
• Work with press operators and engineers to optimize cycle times, scrap reduction, and efficiency
• Inspect tooling and components using precision measuring instruments
• Assist with tryouts of new tooling and engineering changes
• Maintain proper documentation of tool repairs, improvements, and setups
• Safely handle and move tooling, die components, and materials
• Follow all company and safety procedures while maintaining a clean work environment

Requirements

• 5+ years experience in tool & die making, preferably in metal stamping
• Strong experience with progressive dies and high-speed stamping operations
• Working knowledge of mechanical presses, coil feed systems, and material handling equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot complex tooling and perform precision fitting and adjustments
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, tooling prints, and part drawings
• Proficient with manual machining equipment (surface grinders, mills, lathes)
• Familiarity with hydraulics, pneumatics, sensors, and press controls is a plus
• Strong understanding of inspection methods and gaging equipment
• Ability to lift moderate loads (up to ~40 lbs.) and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced production environment
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Dependable with strong work ethic and positive attitude
• High-volume manufacturing environment with exposure to stamping presses and machining operations
• Frequent interaction with production, engineering, and quality teams
• Hands‑on role requiring standing, lifting, and use of tools and equipment