Tool and Mold Maker

Cross Technology Inc.; East Bend (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cross Technology Inc. is seeking a Tool & Mold Maker to design, build, repair, modify and maintain precision molds and tooling used in rubber and plastics molding.

This role combines advanced machining, toolmaking, fitting, assembly, inspection and troubleshooting to ensure high-quality tooling. The Mold Maker will reverse engineer tooling when drawings aren’t available and collaborate with Engineering, Molding, Quality, and Production to meet dimensional, functional, and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Tool & Die, Machining Technology, or related technical training preferred.
• 5+ years of mold making, tool making, machining, or tool & die experience.
• Strong experience with mold repair and maintenance.
• Experience building precision tooling and fixtures.
• Advanced blueprint reading.
• Expert knowledge of machining processes and tooling.
• Ability to hold tight tolerances consistently.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Build new molds, mold components, inserts, cores, cavities, and related tooling from engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Reverse engineer components when original drawings, CAD models, or specifications are unavailable.
• Develop sketches, drawings, or CAD models from measured components.
• Assemble molds and verify proper fit, alignment, and operation.
• Maintain close dimensional tolerances and required surface finishes.
• Inspect and measure existing molds, tooling, and components to determine dimensions and features.
• Recreate dimensions, geometry, tolerances, and functional characteristics from existing parts or tooling.
• Machine complex components using CNC mills, CNC lathes, manual equipment, grinding equipment, and EDM.
• Perform fitting, spotting, polishing, grinding, and hand-finishing operations.
• Use precision measurement equipment, optical inspection equipment, CMM data, and other methods to capture component geometry.
• Identify tooling wear and determine original design intent where possible.
• Work with Engineering and Quality to establish replacement dimensions and acceptance criteria.
• Maintain documentation for reverse-engineered tooling and components.
• Manufacture tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and machine components from engineering drawings.
• Build and assemble tooling to required specifications and tolerances.
• Machine precision components using CNC and manual machine tools.
• Perform surface grinding, fitting, assembly, and adjustment of tooling components.
• Modify existing tooling to support engineering changes and process improvements.
• Diagnose tooling issues and identify root causes of failures.
• Troubleshoot mold-related production problems.
• Repair damaged tooling, molds, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on tooling and molds.
• Maintain tooling inventory and documentation.
• Troubleshoot tooling-related production problems.
• Assist machinists and engineers with setup and tooling improvements.
• Support prototype development and new product introductions.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance productivity and quality.
• Work with engineering and quality on tooling-related projects.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Conduct inspections to ensure tooling meets specifications.
• Maintain accurate tooling records and revision controls.

Skills

Mold making

Machining technology

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Detail oriented

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CNC mills

CNC lathes

Grinding equipment

EDM

Job description

The Tool & Mold Maker is responsible for designing, manufacturing, repairing, modifying, and maintaining precision molds, dies, inserts, fixtures, and related tooling used in rubber and plastics molding operations. This position combines advanced machining, toolmaking, fitting, assembly, inspection and troubleshooting skills.

The Mold Maker also performs reverse engineering of existing molds, tooling, and components when original drawings, CAD models, or specifications are unavailable or require updating. The position works closely with Engineering, Molding, Quality, and Production to develop tooling that meets dimensional, functional, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Mold Manufacturing

• Build new molds, mold components, inserts, cores, cavities, and related tooling from engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Reverse engineer components when original drawings, CAD models, or specifications are unavailable.
• Develop sketches, drawings, or CAD models from measured components.
• Assemble molds and verify proper fit, alignment, and operation.
• Maintain close dimensional tolerances and required surface finishes.
• Inspect and measure existing molds, tooling, and components to determine dimensions and features.
• Recreate dimensions, geometry, tolerances, and functional characteristics from existing parts or tooling.
• Machine complex components using CNC mills, CNC lathes, manual equipment, grinding equipment, and EDM.
• Perform fitting, spotting, polishing, grinding, and hand-finishing operations.
• Use precision measurement equipment, optical inspection equipment, CMM data, and other methods to capture component geometry.
• Identify tooling wear and determine original design intent where possible.
• Work with Engineering and Quality to establish replacement dimensions and acceptance criteria.
• Maintain documentation for reverse-engineered tooling and components.

Tooling Fabrication

• Manufacture tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and machine components from engineering drawings.
• Build and assemble tooling to required specifications and tolerances.
• Machine precision components using CNC and manual machine tools.
• Perform surface grinding, fitting, assembly, and adjustment of tooling components.
• Modify existing tooling to support engineering changes and process improvements.

Tool & Mold Repair & Maintenance

• Diagnose tooling issues and identify root causes of failures.
• Troubleshoot mold-related production problems.
• Repair damaged tooling, molds, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on tooling and molds.
• Maintain tooling inventory and documentation.

Production Support

• Troubleshoot tooling-related production problems.
• Assist machinists and engineers with setup and tooling improvements.
• Support prototype development and new product introductions.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance productivity and quality.
• Work with engineering and quality on tooling-related projects.

Quality Responsibilities

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Conduct inspections to ensure tooling meets specifications.
• Maintain accurate tooling records and revision controls.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Tool & Die, Machining Technology, or related technical training preferred.
• 5+ years of mold making, tool making, machining, or tool & die experience.
• Strong experience with mold repair and maintenance.
• Experience building precision tooling and fixtures.
• Advanced blueprint reading.
• Expert knowledge of machining processes and tooling.
• Ability to hold tight tolerances consistently.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during shifts.
• Frequent bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to work in manufacturing conditions including heat, noise, and moving machinery