Tool and Die Manager

ESPO Corporation; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 45,460 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Group Health and Dental Insurance

401k

Job summary

ESPO Corporation is seeking an experienced Tool and Die Manager for their Elk Grove Village location. This role involves leading precision forming operations in a high-impact manufacturing environment. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of Tool & Die experience and strong leadership skills to guide a small team while ensuring quality and efficiency.

The position offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits including PTO, health and dental insurance, and 401k plans.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Tool & Die, Toolmaking, or Precision Machining experience.
• Proven expertise in forming operations and progressive manufacturing processes.
• Experience working in high mix, tight-tolerance manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for all forming operations.
• Lead the setup and operation of milling and grinding equipment.
• Support continuous improvement in process efficiency and tools.

Skills

Tool & Die expertise

Engineering drawing interpretation

Precision machining

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Milling machines

Surface grinders

Precision fixturing

Job description

Job Title: Tool and Die Manager- Forming Operations

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL area

Job Type and Duration: Direct Hire

Pay range: $33-38/hr (negotiable depending on experience)

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Tool & Die Manager – Forming Operations to lead and execute precision forming and stamping operations facility. This is a high-impact, hands‑on leadership role replacing a long‑standing technical expert who has supported this operation for nearly two decades. This position owns the complete forming process—from reviewing etched blanks and engineering drawings through tooling strategy, setup, machining, and final formed parts. You will lead a small skilled team while remaining directly involved on the floor in a high‑mix, low‑volume precision manufacturing environment. Parts produced support advanced industries including aerospace, electronics, medical, and industrial technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for all forming and tool & die operations at the Elk Grove facility
• Review engineering drawings and specifications to determine optimal forming, machining, and tooling methods
• Lead the setup and operation of milling, grinding, and related precision machining equipment
• Determine machining processes, tooling strategies, and forming or stamping methods for complex etched metal blanks
• Partner closely with client's etching facility to ensure seamless handoff from blank to final formed component
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of 2 experienced Tool & Die professionals
• Maintain high standards for precision, tolerances, and surface finishes
• Troubleshoot forming and tooling challenges with a root‑cause mindset
• Support continuous improvement in process efficiency, tooling design, and workflow
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and documentation standards

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of Tool & Die, Toolmaking, or Precision Machining experience
• Proven expertise in forming operations and progressive manufacturing processes
• Strong ability to interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering documentation
• Hands‑on experience with:
  • Milling machines
  • Surface and tool grinding
  • Precision fixturing and setups
• Deep understanding of:
  • Machining principles
  • Metal properties & materials
  • Forming techniques
• Experience working in high mix, tight‑tolerance manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while leading others
• Strong problem‑solving and technical decision‑making skills

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Comfortable being hands‑on while leading a small technical team
• Strong communicator between engineering, production, and operations
• Detail‑oriented with a craftsmanship mindset
• Reliable, steady leadership presence with long‑term mindset

Preferred Experience (Nice to Have)

• Background supporting aerospace, electronics, or medical device components
• Experience with etched or chemically processed metal parts
• Previous experience leading a small specialty machining group
• 4‑slide tooling and setup

Contact

ESPO Corporation
630‑789‑2525
www.espocorp.com

ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401k after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.