Tool and Die Maker

Stanley Black & Decker; Sedalia (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanley Black & Decker is seeking a Tool and Die Maker for 1st shift in Sedalia, MO. You will build, repair, and maintain tooling, dies, fixtures, and gauges, reading blueprints and ensuring precise tolerances. Work with machining equipment and collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve tooling performance.

The role emphasizes quality, safety, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to contribute to cost reductions and tooling reliability in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training or apprenticeship in tool making, machining, or die work.
• 3–5 years in tool making, die maintenance, machining, or related manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read blueprints, technical drawings, and part specifications.
• Experience operating manual machine shop equipment.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, dies, fixtures, jigs, and gauges to support production requirements.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and perform corrective actions to minimize downtime and maintain product quality.
• Set up and operate mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and saws.
• Read and interpret blueprints, tool drawings, sketches, and specifications.
• Inspect tooling with micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges.
• Support die maintenance, preventive maintenance, and tooling changeover activities.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and maintenance to improve tooling performance.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training or apprenticeship in toolmaking

Tools

CNC equipment

EDM

CAD drawings

Manual machine shop equipment

Job description

Tool and Die Maker - 1st shift

Make Your Mark. Shape Your Future.

It takes great people to achieve greatness. People with a sense of purpose and integrity. People with a relentless pursuit of excellence. People who care about making things better For Those Who Make The World. Sound like you? Join our top-notch team of 54,000+ professionals in 60 countries who are making their mark on some of the world's most beloved brands, including DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, BLACK+DECKER, IRWIN, LENOX and more.

Job Summary

The Tool Maker / Tool & Die Technician is responsible for building, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting tooling, dies, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and related production support equipment used in manufacturing operations. This role applies strong mechanical aptitude, machining skills, and blueprint interpretation to support production efficiency, quality, and safety. The technician works independently on standard assignments and supports more complex tooling projects under limited supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, dies, fixtures, jigs, and gauges to support production requirements.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and perform corrective actions to minimize downtime and maintain product quality.
• Set up and operate manual machining equipment such as mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and saws.
• Perform fitting, assembly, alignment, and adjustment of tooling components to required tolerances.
• Read and interpret blueprints, tool drawings, sketches, and specifications.
• Inspect tooling and components using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges.
• Support die maintenance, preventive maintenance, and tooling changeover activities.
• Work with engineering, production, and maintenance teams to improve tooling performance and manufacturability.
• Assist in root cause analysis of tooling failures, wear patterns, and dimensional issues.
• Recommend tooling improvements to enhance safety, quality, uptime, and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities.
• Follow all safety procedures, housekeeping expectations, and company policies.
• Support continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives within the tool room and production areas.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands‑on experience in tool making, machining, or tool and die work.
• 3-5 years of experience in tool making, die maintenance, machining, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to read blueprints, technical drawings, and part specifications.
• Experience operating manual machine shop equipment.
• Working knowledge of tool steels, die components, machining methods, and precision measurement techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and dimensional issues in tooling and dies.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Journeyman certification or completion of a formal Tool & Die apprenticeship.
• Experience with stamping dies, molds, fixtures, or assembly tooling.
• Familiarity with CNC equipment, EDM, or CAD drawings.
• Welding, polishing, or heat‑treat knowledge.
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Tool and die repair
• Precision machining
• Blueprint reading
• Troubleshooting and problem‑solving
• Preventive maintenance
• Precision measurement
• Mechanical aptitude
• Quality focus
• Team collaboration
• Safety awareness

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a manufacturing plant or tool room environment.
• Role requires standing for extended periods, lifting tooling components, and working with machinery and sharp tools.
• Use of personal protective equipment is required.
• Overtime or flexible hours may be needed to support production schedules or urgent tooling repairs.

Performance Measures

• Tooling uptime and readiness
• Quality and accuracy of tool repairs.
• Response time to tooling issues.
• Preventive maintenance completion.
• Scrap and rework reduction related to tooling.
• Safety and housekeeping performance

What You'll Receive

You’ll have a competitive wage and a great benefits plan: Medical, dental, life, vision, wellness program, disability, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off and tuition reimbursement.

Discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and other partner programs.

All qualified applicants to Stanley Black & Decker are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran's status or any other protected characteristic.

We Don't Just Build The World, We Build Innovative Technology Too.

Joining the Stanley Black & Decker team means working in an inn