Tool and Die Maker 3rd Shift

Flex-N-Gate; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 47,527,200 - 61,992,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Flex-N-Gate in Urbana, Illinois is seeking a skilled Tool and Die Maker to join our growing team. This role involves maintaining and troubleshooting stamping dies and related equipment. Candidates must demonstrate technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety.

The position offers a competitive starting pay rate of $34.50/hour with opportunities for increases. Applicants should possess relevant experience and be willing to train apprentices.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in tool and die making, with a strong understanding of stamping dies and equipment.
• Proficiency with manual machining tools and basic knowledge of CNC operations.
• Ability to work in small or uncomfortable positions during die repair.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and repair of stamping dies and support equipment.
• Train apprentices progressively in a four-year program.
• Read and interpret technical prints and use precision measuring tools.

Skills

Proven experience in tool and die making

Welding skills (TIG, MIG, ARC)

Strong troubleshooting skills

Manual machining tools proficiency

Basic understanding of CNC operations

Ability to operate overhead cranes and forklifts

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Manual mills

Lathes

Surface grinders

Drill presses

Saws

Job description

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry, recently ranked 10th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in “Automotive News.” A growing and vital company, Flex‑N‑Gate provides a great opportunity for hard‑working and skilled individuals.

Job Title

Tool and Die Maker

Pay

Starting Pay Rate: $34.50/hour (Increases to $35.00/hour after 3 months and $35.50/hour after 6 months)

Schedule

Sunday-Thursday 11:00pm-7:00am, with mandatory overtime as needed

Reports To

Tool and Die Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Tool and Die Maker to join our team. This role involves the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of stamping dies and related equipment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate technical expertise, strong problem‑solving skills, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and repair of stamping dies, and other support equipment.
• Train apprentices in a four‑year program, progressively delegating duties and responsibilities.
• Read and interpret technical prints and use precision measuring tools.
• Machine details using manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, and saws.
• Apply basic knowledge of 2‑ and 3‑axis CNC mills.
• Perform welding (TIG, MIG, ARC) and basic heat‑treating processes, and rebuild nitrogen springs.
• Understand die setups on presses, including tandem line and blanking operations.
• Troubleshoot and repair stamping during production breakdowns.
• Work in small or uncomfortable positions, including overhead reaching, during die repair inside presses.
• Operate overhead industrial cranes and forklifts.

Ability to work an 8‑hour shift with occasional overtime, including weekends. Shift includes two 10‑minute breaks and a 20‑minute meal break (paid). Employees get paid the entire time they are clocked in and do not clock out for breaks, if taken on campus!

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Tool Makers must provide their own tools.
• Proven experience in tool and die making, with a strong understanding of stamping dies and equipment.
• Proficiency with manual machining tools and a basic understanding of CNC operations.
• Welding skills (TIG, MIG, ARC) and knowledge of heat treating and nitrogen spring rebuilding.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work under pressure during production breakdowns.
• Crane operator and forklift certifications (or ability to obtain them).

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift heavy items (up to 50 pounds), though most lifting involves less than 10 pounds.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach above head and below shoulder level, and communicate effectively.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, and loud environments.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration.
• Ability to work in a non‑climate‑controlled environment.

Work Environment

• The work environment is representative of conditions typical for a manufacturing facility. Guardian West is not a climate‑controlled facility. Safety precautions must always be followed to reduce exposure to hazards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, vision, life and disability insurance; and a flexible spending account.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Extensive safety training, new hire orientation, continuous learning and development programs and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.

Flex‑N‑Gate is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.