Tool & Die Maker

Leoforce; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Life insurance

Paid time off

Incentives

Job summary

Leoforce is seeking an experienced Tool & Die Maker with a solid background in precision machining, tooling, and metal forming. This role focuses on manufacturing, modifying, troubleshooting, and maintaining dies and fixtures used in prototype and low-volume production.

You will read blueprints and GD&T, perform close-tolerance grinding, and partner with Engineering to develop practical tooling solutions. The position emphasizes hands-on problem solving, quality, and growth within a stable

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Tool & Die apprenticeship, technical training, or comparable hands-on experience preferred.
• Approximately 5+ years of Tool & Die experience preferred.
• Experience supporting prototype and short-run manufacturing.
• Strong milling and surface grinding capabilities.
• Experience with punch press tooling, kick presses, and/or four-slide tooling is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of machining, die construction, tooling principles, and metal-forming processes.
• Ability to interpret complex prints and GD&T requirements.
• Comfortable working to tight tolerances and inspecting completed work.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, repair, and maintain dies, fixtures, and custom production tooling.
• Machine precision tooling components using mills, surface grinders, and other conventional shop equipment.
• Support tooling used with punch presses, kick presses, four-slide equipment, and similar metal-forming machinery.
• Perform close-tolerance grinding and finishing operations.
• Troubleshoot tooling failures, dimensional concerns, and production issues.
• Make adjustments and repairs necessary to return tooling to proper operation.
• Read and work from blueprints and GD&T.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and comparators.
• Partner with Engineering and Production to develop practical tooling solutions and improve existing designs.
• Document tooling repairs, modifications, and improvements.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and quality-focused work environment.

Skills

Tooling experience

Milling

Surface grinding

GD&T interpretation

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tool & Die apprenticeship

Tools

Punch press tooling

Kick presses

Four-slide tooling

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Tool & Die Maker with a strong background in precision machining, tooling, and metal forming applications. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems at the bench and machine, working from prints, and taking tooling projects from concept or repair through successful production.

The Tool & Die Maker will manufacture, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain dies, fixtures, and specialized tooling used primarily in prototype and lower-volume production. You'll work independently on milling and grinding equipment while partnering with engineering and production personnel to resolve tooling challenges and improve manufacturability.

What you'll be doing:

• Build, modify, repair, and maintain dies, fixtures, and custom production tooling
• Machine precision tooling components using mills, surface grinders, and other conventional shop equipment
• Support tooling used with punch presses, kick presses, four-slide equipment, and similar metal-forming machinery
• Perform close-tolerance grinding and finishing operations
• Troubleshoot tooling failures, dimensional concerns, and production issues
• Make adjustments and repairs necessary to return tooling to proper operation
• Read and work from blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, and GD&T
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, comparators, and other precision inspection tools
• Partner with Engineering and Production to develop practical tooling solutions and improve existing designs
• Document tooling repairs, modifications, and improvements
• Maintain a safe, organized, and quality-focused work environment

What we're looking for:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Tool & Die apprenticeship, technical training, or comparable hands-on experience preferred
• Approximately 5+ years of Tool & Die experience preferred
• Experience supporting prototype and short-run manufacturing
• Strong milling and surface grinding capabilities
• Experience with punch press tooling, kick presses, and/or four-slide tooling is highly desirable
• Solid understanding of machining, die construction, tooling principles, and metal-forming processes
• Ability to interpret complex prints and GD&T requirements
• Comfortable working to tight tolerances and inspecting completed work
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with engineering and production teams

A bit about us:

We are a well-established precision manufacturing organization supporting customers that demand tight tolerances, dependable quality, and creative manufacturing solutions. Our team produces specialized metal components for highly regulated and technical industries, including aerospace, defense, electronics, medical, and industrial markets.

With a strong focus on quality, continuous improvement, and skilled craftsmanship, we offer an environment where experienced Tool & Die professionals can take ownership of their work and collaborate directly with engineering and production teams.

Why join us?

• $30.00 - $42.00/hour, based on experience
• 1st shift schedule
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Performance-based incentive opportunities
• Stable, established precision manufacturing environment
• Variety of prototype and short-run work
• Opportunity to build, troubleshoot, repair, and improve tooling rather than simply running repetitive production
• Collaborative environment with Engineering and Manufacturing

If you're a hands-on Tool & Die Maker who enjoys solving difficult tooling problems and takes pride in precision work, I'd love to connect.

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