Tool & Die Maker

Smallpartsinc; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Smallpartsinc is seeking a Tool & Die Technician responsible for hands-on fabrication and upkeep of dies, jigs, fixtures, cutting tools, and gauges used across Production. You will work from blueprints and engineering specs, analyze metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to exacting standards.

The role requires independent expertise and close collaboration with Production Setup personnel, plus the ability to document work, report discrepancies, and assist in

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate's Degree preferred.
• Relevant machine setup/trade experience and/or training (level varies by classification).
• Ability to precision grind and hold .0002 in steel and carbide.
• Able to read, write, and speak fluent English; read blueprints.
• Ability to apply mathematics including probability, statistics, geometry, trig, fractions, percentages, ratios.
• Ability to measure parts with calipers, micrometers, and various gauges.

Responsibilities

• Maintains dies, tools, and gauges; performs reconstruction and repair of tooling used in Production.
• Builds new dies and tools from basic to complex specifications; may work alone or with assistants.
• Documents work, reports discrepancies, and modifies tooling procedures as approved.
• Maintains clean, safe work area and supports training of other Tool & Die staff.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Mathematics

Quality inspection

Manual dexterity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Plex ERP system

SPC software

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Tool & Die technician owns the hands‑on fabrication and upkeep of dies, jigs, fixtures, cutting tools, and gauges used across Production. Working from blueprints and engineering specifications, this individual analyzes metal stock, sets up and operates machine tools, and fits and assembles parts to exacting standards. The role requires both independent expertise and close collaboration with Production Setup personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

(Other duties may be assigned)

Die Maintenance & Repair

• Performs maintenance, reconstruction, and repair of tools and dies used in Production, including regrinding angles and radii
• Performs basic die service: cleaning and checking all punches, inserts, die rails, crowders, liner pins, springs, and related components; repairs dies and die parts as warranted
• Interprets die strips to identify problems and effects repairs to correct them
• Makes spare parts and maintains adequate supply of tooling components on hand

New Build & Complex Work

• Builds new dies and tools ranging from basic to highly complex in nature, fabricated to customer and engineering specifications
• Works alone or with assigned assistants to complete difficult tooling builds quickly and efficiently

Documentation & Communication

• Identifies and reports errors or discrepancies found in blueprints
• Reports the need for modifications of tooling and die maintenance procedures; performs approved modifications when authorized
• Maintains die maintenance records and documents work performed
• Maintains work area in a clean and safe manner

Collaboration & Training

• Works with Production Setup personnel to assist with sampling jobs and troubleshooting
• Assists in diagnosing problems preventing statistical capability
• Assists in the training and development of other Tool & Die employees

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate's Degree from a two-year college or technical school preferred
• Relevant machine setup/trade experience and/or training (level varies by classification: C = 6 mo–2 yrs; B = 2–6 yrs; A = 4–8 yrs); or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to precision grind and hold .0002 in steel and carbide
• Able to read, write, and speak fluent English
• Must have mechanical aptitude
• Must be able to read blueprints
• Ability to apply mathematics including probability, statistics, geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions
• Ability to measure parts with calipers, micrometers, and various job-specific gauges

Preferred

• Able to navigate the Plex ERP system
• Good understanding of SPC and ability to use SPC software
• Working knowledge of heat treating procedures; ability to operate furnace

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to stand and walk for sustained periods; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
• Regularly lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds (Heavy work classification: up to 100 lbs occasionally, up to 50 lbs frequently)
• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; noise level in the work environment is usually loud
• Subject to noise, vibration, and hazards including proximity to moving mechanical parts and exposure to high heat or chemicals
• Visual acuity required to operate machine tools and perform skilled trades tasks at or within arm's reach