Tool & Die Maker

Gilder Search Group; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group in Cleveland seeks an experienced Tool & Die Maker to maintain, repair, and build custom tooling, fixtures, and machine parts, supporting production and minimizing downtime through skilled craftsmanship.

You will read blueprints, operate tool room equipment, and mentor apprentices while collaborating with the tooling engineer and production manager. A technical degree or related hands-on experience is required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or two years of related hands-on experience.
• Formal Tool Maker apprenticeship or vocational training is preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics and technical documents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare production tooling aligned with scheduling.
• Perform preventive maintenance on tooling and replace worn components.
• Disassemble and reassemble molds, jigs, tools and fixtures for spot repairs.
• Set tooling into production presses when required.
• Draft manual blueprints and drawings using basic measuring tools.
• Mentor apprentices and journeymen in the tool room.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Leadership

Problem solving

Technical reporting

Welding

Basic computer skills

Education

Associate degree or two years related hands-on experience

Tool Maker apprenticeship or vocational training

Tools

Surface grinders

Lathes

Manual mills

Wire EDM

CNC mills

AutoCAD

Job description

Title: Tool & Die Maker

Shift: 1st Shift, Monday – Thursday 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Possible overtime on Fridays and Saturdays)

Salary: $35.00+ per hour, dependent on experience

Tool & Die Maker Role:

Our client is seeking an experienced Tool & Die Maker to maintain, repair, troubleshoot, and build custom tooling, fixtures, and machine parts to support ongoing manufacturing operations. This role exists to minimize shop floor downtime, ensure tooling accuracy, and support production scheduling through expert tool room craftsmanship and preventative maintenance.

Tool & Die Maker Responsibilities:

• Prepare production tooling in alignment with facility production scheduling
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on tooling, including sharpening, grinding, and replacing worn components
• Execute spot repairs on tooling by disassembling molds, jigs, tools, and fixtures, followed by precise reassembly
• Set tooling into production presses when required
• Design and fabricate custom production fixturing and tooling components
• Troubleshoot complex tooling issues both inside and outside of the press
• Draft manual blueprints and technical drawings of existing tooling on paper using basic measuring instruments
• Operate standard tool room equipment, including surface grinders, lathes, manual mills, drill presses, and breaks
• Utilize welding and basic metal fabrication techniques to execute tooling repairs and modifications
• Guide, mentor, and direct tool room apprentices and lower-level journeymen

Tool & Die Maker Reporting Relationships:

Reports directly to the Tooling Engineer and Production Manager. Provides daily guidance and leadership to apprentices and journeymen within the tool room.

About You:

• Possess an Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year technical school, or two years of related hands-on experience
• Hold documented completion of a formal Tool Maker apprenticeship or vocational training program
• Demonstrate proficiency operating standard tool room machinery such as surface grinders, lathes, manual mills, wire EDM, and CNC mills
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, blueprints, complex schematics, safety rules, and operating procedures
• Demonstrate hands-on skill in basic welding and metal fabrication techniques
• Maintain personal ownership of standard professional hand tools
• Demonstrate leadership skills required to direct and support apprentices and shop floor personnel
• Possess basic computer skills and the ability to write routine technical reports
• Experience or familiarity with 2D AutoCAD software is a plus

Next Steps:

If you are a detail-oriented technician and a natural problem solver, we would like to hear from you.

Additional Information:

• Equal Opportunity Employer: Our client provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
• Physical Demands: This position requires standing, walking, bending, and manual dexterity for extended periods, as well as lifting and handling heavy tooling, plates, and fixtures.
• Work Environment: Standard manufacturing tool room environment. Schedule is primarily four 10-hour days (Monday–Thursday), with mandatory or voluntary overtime on Fridays and Saturdays as production needs require.

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