Tool and Die Maker

Stoughton Trailers; Stoughton (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoughton Trailers is seeking a Tool and Die Maker to design, build, and repair dies, fixtures, and production tooling within a precision manufacturing environment in Wisconsin. The role requires setting up CNC and manual machines, reading blueprints, and maintaining tight tolerances to 0.0005 inches.

You will troubleshoot tooling, support continuous improvement, and uphold safety and quality standards while working in a team-driven shop focused on craftsmanship and reliability.

Qualifications

• Completion of a technical school machine tool apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience.
• Minimum of 10,000 hours of machining experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, repair dies, fixtures, gauges, and production tooling.
• Set up, program, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment (mills, lathes, grinders).
• Read, interpret, and verify blueprints, sketches, and specifications; maintain tolerances to 0.0005 inches.
• Troubleshoot tooling and production equipment to minimize downtime; support continuous improvement.

Skills

Machining operations

Tooling design

Hydraulics & pneumatics

Mechanical aptitude

Mathematics & precision

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

Technical school machine tool apprenticeship

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Grinders

Presses

Job description

Description

Stoughton Trailers is a trusted, industryleading trailer manufacturer with strong Wisconsin roots and a commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. Tooling accuracy and equipment reliability are essential to maintaining product quality and efficient production.

Position Details

Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 5:30 AM-4:00 PM

Shift: 2nd Shift

Overtime: Required as business needs

What You’ll Do

You will support manufacturing operations by designing, building, and maintaining precision tooling and solving complex production challenges.

Tooling Design, Build & Repair

• Design, manufacture, assemble, repair, modify, and sharpen dies, fixtures, gauges, and production tooling
• Maintain and repair production equipment to ensure proper fit, function, and uptime
• Select appropriate materials and prepare metal surfaces through cleaning, deburring, and finishing
• Support new tooling development and modification of existing tools to improve performance

Machining & Technical Operations

• Set up, program, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment, including:
• Mills
• Lathes
• Grinders
• Presses and related tooling
• Read, interpret, and verify blueprints, sketches, and specifications
• Perform layouts, machining, and inspections to tight tolerances (0.0005 inches)
• Use precision measuring instruments and gauges to verify dimensional accuracy throughout the process

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

• Troubleshoot tooling and production equipment issues to minimize downtime
• Support manufacturing teams with rootcause problem solving
• Identify and implement improvements to tooling, fixtures, and processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts focused on quality, efficiency, and safety

Safety, Quality & Professional Expectations

• Perform all tasks in a safe, efficient, timely, accurate, and highly productive manner
• Follow all safety policies and procedures
• Maintain reliable attendance and support mandatory overtime as required
• Work effectively in a teamoriented, qualitydriven environment

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• Completion of a technical school machine tool apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience
• Minimum of 10,000 hours of machining experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of:
  • Machining operations and cutting tools
  • Tooling design and fabrication
  • Hydraulics, pneumatics, and metalforming processes
• Advanced mechanical aptitude and problemsolving skills
• Strong math skills and ability to work with precision measurements
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship

Work Environment & Physical Expectations

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is performed in a manufacturing/tool room environment and may involve standing for extended periods, handling raw materials and tooling, exposure to machines, noise, and lifting of tooling and components. Additional details are outlined in the applicable Physical Demands Checklist.

Why This Role Matters

The Tool and Die Maker plays a critical role in ensuring manufacturing precision, equipment reliability, and product quality. By designing and maintaining highquality tooling and solving complex production challenges, this role directly supports safe operations, consistent output, and longterm manufacturing excellence. It is an essential position for skilled machinists who take pride in accuracy, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.