Tool and Die Maker

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.; Sedalia (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage

Benefits plan

Tool discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Stanley Black & Decker in Sedalia, MO seeks a Tool Maker / Tool & Die Technician to build, repair, and maintain tooling and dies. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, precision fitting, and ensuring production quality.

You will read blueprints, use mills and lathes, and collaborate with engineering and maintenance. The position requires 3–5 years in tooling or related manufacturing, strong mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety practices.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training or apprenticeship in tool making or machining preferred.
• 3–5 years in tool making, die maintenance, machining, or related manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• Experience operating manual machine shop equipment.
• Knowledge of tool steels, die components, machining methods, and precision measurement.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, dies, fixtures, jigs, and gauges.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and implement corrective actions.
• Set up and operate mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and saws.
• Fit, assemble, align, and adjust tooling components to tolerances.
• Read blueprints and tool drawings; interpret specifications.
• Inspect tooling with micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges.
• Support die maintenance and tooling changeovers; preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and maintenance to improve tooling.
• Assist root cause analysis of tooling failures and wear patterns.
• Recommend tooling improvements for safety, quality, uptime, and efficiency.
• Maintain records of repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities.
• Follow safety, housekeeping, and company policies; support continuous improvement.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Machining

Tooling knowledge

Reading drawings

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Manual machines (mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses)

Precision measuring tools

Micrometers and calipers

CAD drawings familiarity

Job description

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 receive 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.

Benefits & Perks

You’ll get a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical, dental, life, vision, wellness program, disability, retirement benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Paid Time Off, including paid vacation, holidays & personal days, and tuition reimbursement. And, of course, discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and products and well as discount programs for many other vendors and partners.

All Qualified Applicants

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.

EEO Statement

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.

Accommodation and Contact

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete an application or access our website, please contact us at [phone] or at [e-mail]. Due to volume, we cannot respond to unrelated inquiries about the status of a completed application or resetting an account password.

Know Your Rights

Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov).

Company Statement

For the builders and protectors, for the makers and explorers, for those shaping and reshaping our world through hard work and inspiration, Stanley Black & Decker provides the tools and innovative solutions you can trust to get the job done—and we have since 1843.