Senior Toolroom Toolmaker

Illinois Tool Works Inc.; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages based on experience

Comprehensive health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching program

Profit Sharing

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. in Waterbury, CT seeks an experienced Toolmaker to manufacture, repair, and maintain precision tooling for deep draw stamping. You will read blueprints, plan setups, and operate manual mills and lathes while supporting CNC learning and mentoring apprentices.

The role emphasizes strong measuring skills, tool life improvement, and safety compliance. A journeyman license is preferred, with competitive wages and a benefits package. Proficiency with CAM is a plus.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in toolroom, tool & die, or precision machining preferred.
• Journeyman license preferred.
• Strong blueprint reading, mechanical aptitude, and precision measurement skills required.
• Experience with mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses required.
• CNC programming experience is a plus.
• G-code or MasterCAM experience is a plus.
• Ability to lift 40–60 pounds regularly.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling components, dies, fixtures, and gages.
• Read and interpret blueprints or work from instructions.
• Plan setup and operation of machine shop tools with material tolerances and feeds/speeds.
• Operate mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and other tools.
• Learn CNC equipment and expand toolmaking capabilities; CNC programming a plus.
• Inspect using precision measuring tools before, during, and after machining.
• Train and guide apprentice toolmakers in safe practices and tooling methods.
• Support tool repair and improve tooling reliability and uptime.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Machining

Precision measurement

Toolmaking

Training apprentices

Education

High School diploma / GED

Journeyman license preferred

Tools

Manual mills

Lathes

Grinders

Drill presses

CNC programming

Job description

Job Description:

Position Objective:

ITW Drawform is seeking an experienced Toolroom Toolmaker to manufacture, repair, and maintain precision tooling components, fixtures, gages, and die details for high-volume deep draw and stamping operations. The ideal candidate has strong hands‑on toolmaking, machining, blueprint reading, and precision measurement skills, and will help train and guide apprentice toolmakers.

2.0 Essential Functions:

• Manufacture, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling components, dies, fixtures, gages, and related toolroom components for deep draw stamping operations.
• Reads and interprets blueprints or works from verbal or written instructions or from the part to be copied or fitted.
• Plans the setup and operation of all types of machine shop tools, considering types of material, tolerances, types of cutting tools, coolants, lubricants, and machine tool feeds and speeds.
• Operate standard toolroom equipment such as manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, saws, and other conventional machine tools.
• Willing to learn CNC equipment (CNC lathe, Wire EDM, Machining Center) and expand toolmaking capabilities. Prior experience with CNC programming is a plus.
• Determines specifications for inspection of work, using precision measuring and gauging tools, performing required inspection before, during and after machining.
• Train, coach, and guide apprentice toolmakers in safe work practices, toolroom fundamentals, blueprint reading, precision measurement, and tool manufacturing methods.
• Support tool repair and improvement activities to improve tooling reliability, quality, uptime, and tool life.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain clean and organized work area

3.0 Qualifications:

• Minimum 10+ years of toolroom, tool & die, or precision machining experience preferred.
• Journeyman license preferred.
• Strong blueprint reading, mechanical aptitude, and precision measurement skills required.
• Experience with standard toolroom equipment such as mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses required.
• Experience with CNC programming & set up is a plus.
• Experience with G-code, MasterCAM or other CAM software is a plus
• High School diploma, GED or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to lift approximately 40-60 pounds on a regular basis.

4.0 Compensation & Benefits

ITW Drawform offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program designed to support employees' health, financial security, work-life balance, and continued development.

Benefits include:

• Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) matching program
• Profit Sharing
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program

Compensation Information:

36.00 - 44.00

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues' unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.