Tool and Die Maker Apprentice

Whirlpool, Inc.; Racine (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation in Racine, WI is offering an apprenticeship pathway toward becoming a skilled Tool and Die Maker. You will assist in layout, fabrication, and repair of dies, jigs, and gauges under supervision, applying shop math and metal properties to produce high-precision tooling.

The role covers learning with lathes, mills, shapers, and grinders, reading blueprints, and understanding processes from material prep to final assembly.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in shop math, geometry and trigonometry for angles/tolerances.
• Basic machine shop skills or CNC experience required.
• Previous experience with toolroom machinery preferred.
• ISE specific understanding of modern punch press principles.
• Strong reading/interpretation of blueprints and good troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Study blueprints, sketches, and 3D models to visualize products and materials needed.
• Learn layout, computation of dimensions and efficient assembly methods.
• Set up and operate machine tools to machine parts to exact specs.
• Prepare material stock by measuring, marking, and scribing.
• Fit and assemble parts into complex mechanisms using hand tools and grinders.
• Verify dimensions and clearances with dial indicators and micrometers.
• Assist in heat treating of tools or parts to achieve required hardness.
• Support wiring and hydraulic connections for equipment installation.
• Assist in sketching designs for specialty tools and recommend improvements.

Skills

Shop math

CNC experience

Toolroom machinery

Punch press principles

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Requisition ID: 72351

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 41,000 employees, and 35 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

This role in summary

This position builds the foundation for progression into a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. The Tool and Die Apprentice assists in the assessment, layout, fabrication, and repair of metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, and gauges. Under the direct supervision of a Journeyman, you will learn to apply shop mathematics, metal properties, and advanced machining procedures to create and maintain the high-precision tooling required for production. This role is a path toward becoming a skilled Tool and Die Maker through hands-on technical training and theoretical study.

Your responsibilities will include

• Specifications & Visualization: Assist in studying blueprints, sketches, and 3D models to visualize finished products and determine the necessary materials and machinery required for fabrication.
• Layout & Computation: Learn to compute dimensions, plan layouts, and determine the most efficient assembly methods and sequences of operations.
• Precision Machining: Set up and operate a variety of machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, shapers, and grinders, to machine parts to exacting specifications.
• Material Preparation: Measure, mark, and scribe metal stock for machining; learn to identify and apply the correct metal properties for specific tooling applications.
• Fitting & Assembly: Smooth flat and contoured surfaces using scrapers and abrasive stones; fit and assemble parts into complex mechanisms using hand tools and power grinders.
• Quality Verification: Learn to verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances using high-precision instruments such as dial indicators, gauge blocks, thickness gauges, and micrometers.
• Heat Treatment: Assist in the heat‑treating of tools or parts to achieve required hardness and durability.
• Advanced Systems: Assist in connecting wiring and hydraulic lines for the installation of electrical and hydraulic components.
• Design & Modification: Over time, learn to examine used dies and jigs to recommend design modifications for improved function; assist in sketching designs for specialty tools from general descriptions.

Minimum requirements

Education: High School Diploma or GED required.

• Strong foundation in shop math, including geometry and trigonometry, for calculating angles and tolerances.
• Basic machine shop skills or CNC experience.
• Previous experience with toolroom machinery.
• ISE specific - Understanding of modern punch press principles.
• Strong communication skills, ability to read and interpret blueprints, and strong troubleshooting skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand and walk for the duration of an 8- to 12-hour shift on concrete shop floors.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs. Must be able to use hoists and cranes to position and secure heavy machined parts on worktables or surface plates.
• High level of manual dexterity for handling small components, scribing fine lines, and performing delicate assembly work.
• Frequent bending, squatting, and reaching; ability to work at various heights to secure parts in vises, V-blocks, and angle plates.
• Must have excellent near-vision for reading blueprints and using precision measuring tools.

Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation

See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers. Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.