Progressive Stamping Tool and Die Maker

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

Job summary

CSS Metal Shaped Solutions in Connecticut seeks a skilled Tool & Diemaker to service and maintain production tools, fabricate fixtures, and assist in set-up to keep production on schedule.

You will work with senior diemakers to introduce new tools into production, coach apprentices, and help standardize tooling inventory while applying GD&T and ISO standards. Overtime may be required to meet job estimates.

Qualifications

• Journeyman certificate or 5+ years equivalent experience.
• Hands-on tooling fabrication, troubleshooting, repair, and setup.
• Ability to read blueprints; strong GD&T knowledge.
• Working knowledge of ISO standards; practical SPC use.
• Experience in Medical/Aerospace environments (ISO13485 & AS9100).
• Lean tools such as Kaizen, Kanban, SMED, 5S.
• Progressive stamping background preferred.
• Self-starter with production-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Service and maintain production tools in-press; complete pre-run maintenance and readiness checks.
• Fabricate tools, components, fixtures, and gauges per direction from leadership.
• Coach apprentices; share know-how on setup and repair best practices.
• Record Tool History and Setup data with accuracy and clarity.
• Notify the Supervisor of needed machine or tooling maintenance.

Skills

Journeyman certificate

5+ years experience

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Lean tools

ISO/SPC basics

Tooling fabrication

Troubleshooting

Tools

ISO standards

SPC on the shop floor

Job description

Location: Connecticut (onsite). Open to relocating or a 6+ month assignment? CSS can help with housing, meal stipends, and travel so your transition is smooth.Day-in-the-LifeWhen you arrive, production is counting on you. You begin at the press, servicing production tools already cycling and performing pre-run checks so the line is ready to hit quoted rates. A call comes in from the Automatic Power Press area—there’s a tool that needs attention. You step in, diagnose the issue, and restore production capability. Later, you move into the toolroom to fabricate a precision fixture and a set of gauges, then huddle with a Senior Tool & Diemaker to walk a new tool into its first production run. Along the way, you document Tool History and Setup details, flag any machine or tool maintenance needs to the Supervisor, and work with set-up associates to stabilize a tricky run. Before the shift wraps, you update job travelers when operations change, and you help standardize component inventory so the next build starts right.Purpose of the RoleSupport production by maintaining and implementing tooling and machine maintenance practices that keep schedules on track while driving continuous improvement in quality, cost, and lead time for CSS customers.Where You’ll ContributeService and maintain production tools in-press; complete pre-run maintenance and readiness checks.Fabricate tools, components, fixtures, and gauges per direction from area leadership or a Senior Tool & Diemaker.Coach apprentices; share know-how on setup, repair, and best practices.Record Tool History and Setup data with accuracy and clarity.Notify the Supervisor of needed machine or tooling maintenance on production tools.Partner with a Senior Tool & Diemaker to introduce new tools into production.Help standardize tooling component inventory and contribute to tooling project development.Assist set-up associates with setup issues and tools running in production.Support managers on Metal Stamping and Fourslide projects.Submit updates/corrections to job travelers when operations change or are added.Departments and ReportingDepartments: Automatic Power Press, New Tools, Secondary Power Press, FourslideReports to (New Tools): Director of Engineering / Department SupervisorReports to (APP): Department Supervisor / Assistant Supervisor / Senior Tool & Diemaker / Technical LeadReports to (SECPP): Department Supervisor / Assistant Supervisor / Technical LeadReports to (Fourslide): Department Supervisor / Assistant Supervisor / Senior Tool & Diemaker / Technical LeadGoal for the DepartmentMeet quoted/job estimates for Service–Setup and Production Rate on all tooling.What You BringJourneyman certificate or 5+ years equivalent experience.Hands-on experience in component/tooling fabrication, troubleshooting, repair, and setup.Ability to read and interpret blueprints; strong command of GD&T.Safe operation of forklifts, pallet jacks, overhead cranes, and similar material handling to move tools and loads.Progressive stamping background (required).Working knowledge of ISO standards; practical use of SPC on the production floor.Familiarity with Medical and Aerospace environments (ISO13485 & AS9100).Understanding of Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineering; Lean tools such as Kaizen, Kanban, SMED, 5S.Exposure to concurrent engineering and Design for Manufacturability/Assembly.Knowledge of production standards, cost of quality, and manufacturing methods.Self-starter with a strong work ethic and production-oriented mindset.Physical RequirementsVisual acuity (corrected) to read directions and prints and to inspect parts to specification.Manual dexterity for precision machine work.Frequent stooping and bending as part of daily tasks.Ability to lift and move objects between positions and elevations.Lift up to 35 lbs unassisted.Work PracticesFollow company policies, environmental and safety standards, and maintain good housekeeping.Assist in developing and implementing Lean projects.Be ready to assist or instruct colleagues when needed; other duties as assigned.Consistent attendance is essential; willingness to work overtime to meet business needs.ProficienciesGD&TTroubleshooting SkillsAdvanced Inspection & Gauge MeasurementMinister PressesStrip ReadingJob Number: 51-4111.00