Tool and Die Technical Instructor

Goodman Manufacturing; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodman Manufacturing in Wisconsin is seeking a Tool & Die Instructor to lead a 2-year apprenticeship, delivering classroom and hands-on training to develop skilled tooling technicians for HVAC manufacturing. You will design curriculum, supervise hands-on lab work, and partner with Production, Engineering, and EHS.

The role requires strong machining knowledge, teaching ability, and documentation of training hours while maintaining safety and quality standards in a fast-paced shop environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of instruction in tool and die or related technical training
• Experience mentoring apprentices in a shop or academic setting
• Strong knowledge of toolroom equipment and die making processes

Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver, and assess training modules for tool and die practices
• Lead hands-on instruction in a fully equipped toolroom environment
• Evaluate apprentice performance and maintain training records
• Prepare training facilities and lab prior to classes
• Ensure safety policies and quality standards are followed

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Machine shop practices

Die making knowledge

CNC tooling programming

Blueprints CAD/CAM reading

Measurement tools

Instruction & presentation

Time management

Troubleshooting machining

Mentoring apprentices

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical certifications preferred

Technical degree or 6+ years experience

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD/CAM software

EDMs

Machining centers & CNC

Job description

The Tool & Die Instructor directs and trains the Tool & Die apprenticeship pipeline. The role leads and delivers the 2-year apprenticeship training to ensure capability to maintain, repair, and improve production tooling for HVAC manufacturing, supporting safe, disruption-free output and quality. Responsibilities include instructing sharpening and fitting tooling; instructing on punch entry and pass line heights; timing progressive dies; sustaining forming stations; troubleshooting at the press; operating toolroom equipment; and designing/building jigs and fixtures. The position designs, develops, and delivers classroom and hands‑on instruction; evaluates apprentice competency; maintains documentation and standards aligned with Daikin’s T&D Trainer program; and partners with Production, Engineering, and EHS to build a safe, productive, and skilled workforce. This position requires the trainer to keep accurate records of training hours, as well as OJT hours.

Position Responsibilities may Include:

• Develop, deliver, and assess training modules aligned with the tool & die trade standards and organizational needs
• Lead hands‑on instruction in a fully equipped toolroom environment, deliver outcomes aligned with advanced tool and die competencies, and in conjunction with the DOL training requirements.
• Work with subject matter experts to develop or enhance curriculum as required
• Evaluate students’ performance on quizzes, tests, and advise students on academic performance
• Prepare training facility and lab prior to training classes
• Select equipment, materials, and supplies needed to run the tool & die lab; design learning materials used for lab assignments coordinated with lectures; distribute appropriate materials for student use
• Ensure apprentices adhere to company safety policies, procedures, and quality standards, including equipment and tools
• Facilitate the capstone project: lead trainees through design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of a die/tool from blueprint through final inspection
• Design die details and FAI engineering in CAD or Solid‑Works, etc.
• Run EDMs and Program EDMs / At a minimum must have knowledge of how EDM’s function
• Own 5S in shop and maintain tooling of apprentice equipment.
• Instruction on building Jigs & Fixtures
• Troubleshoot tooling problems at the press with students
• Escalate matters to manager when needed
• Perform additional projects/duties as assigned

Nature & Scope:

• Is recognized as a subject matter expert in job area
• Manages large projects or processes with limited oversight from manager
• Coaches, reviews, and delegates work to lower‑level professionals
• Problems faced are difficult and often complex

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Thorough knowledge of Machine Shop Practices: expert‑level setup, operation, and conversational programming of manual and CNC lathes, mills, and grinders; drill presses for drilling/tapping; saws, shears, and hand tools; metal/plastic forming equipment.
• Advanced knowledge in die making (able to repair and/or fabricate replacement tooling for molds and dies with tool room equipment excluding equipment limitations)
• Ability to set up, operate, and conversationally program conventional, manual, and computer‑numeric controlled (CNC) machines and equipment.
• Ability to fixture and design methods of manufacturing complex parts
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and CAD/CAM drawings
• Able to read micrometers, calipers, and precision measuring tools; compute/verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, alignments, clearances, and tolerances; inspect parts and finished dies for contour conformity, surface finish, and defects
• Deliver clear, engaging instruction with strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Effective organizational and time management skills, with ability to multitask and prioritize to manage multiple projects/assignments ensuring on‑time completion
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical business periodicals, professional journals and technical procedures
• Strong communication skills to facilitate understanding and problem solving with cross‑functional teams and convey technical concepts
• Attention to detail, ability to work independently and make competent decisions.
• Strong troubleshooting methodologies to resolve machining, tooling, and process issues
• Prior experience mentoring or training apprentices or junior technicians in a shop or academic setting
• Perform other duties as assigned

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience with technical skill instruction, including tool and die practices
• 3+ years of facilitating technical training
• 8+ years of Tool & Die work experience in sheet metal fabrication shop is required

Education/Certification:

• Technical certifications preferred
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Technical degree or a minimum of 6 years of progressive on the job experience

People Management: No

Physical Requirements / Work Environment:

Must be able to perform essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reports To: Manager, Technical Training

Qualifications

Behaviors

Preferred

Motivations

Education

Required

Technical/other training or better in Other.

Preferred

High School or better.

The Company provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of a person’s race, color, religion (including religious dress or grooming practices), creed, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, uniform service member or veteran status, ancestry, disability, physical or mental disability (including HIV/AIDS), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, request for protected leave, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age (over 40), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company will comply with all federal and state regulations and statutes pertaining to individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.