Tool & Die Maker

W3Global; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

W3Global in Elk Grove Village, IL is seeking a skilled Tool & Die Maker to design, build, repair and maintain tooling for short-run and prototype production. You will read blueprints, operate mills and grinders, and collaborate with Engineering to improve tooling performance.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of Tool & Die experience, focusing on precision, GD&T, and independence to work with minimal supervision. This on-site role offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Tool & Die Maker experience preferred.
• Prototype and short-run tooling experience preferred.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Design and manufacture tooling, dies, fixtures, and related components for short-run and prototype production.
• Set up and operate milling machines, surface grinders, and related machine shop equipment.
• Build, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot tooling for presses.
• Perform precision grinding operations to meet tolerances and finishes.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Inspect completed work with micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and comparators.
• Diagnose tooling and production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams to improve tooling performance.
• Maintain documentation related to tooling design, modifications, and repairs.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean work area.

Skills

Milling

Grinding

GD&T interpretation

Tool design

Independence

Teamwork communication

Quality focus

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tool & Die Apprenticeship, Technical Certificate, or equivalent experience

Tools

Manual milling machines

Surface grinders

Engine lathes

Job description

• The Tool & Die Maker is responsible for designing, building, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting tooling used in short-run and prototype manufacturing operations.
• This position requires expertise in milling, grinding, tool and die design, and press tooling.
• The Tool & Die Maker will independently set up and operate equipment, interpret engineering drawings, and collaborate with engineering personnel to develop efficient tooling solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision.

Job Summary

• The Tool & Die Maker is responsible for designing, building, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting tooling used in short-run and prototype manufacturing operations.
• This position requires expertise in milling, grinding, tool and die design, and press tooling.
• The Tool & Die Maker will independently set up and operate equipment, interpret engineering drawings, and collaborate with engineering personnel to develop efficient tooling solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manufacture tooling, dies, fixtures, and related components for short-run and prototype production.
• Set up and operate milling machines, surface grinders, and related machine shop equipment.
• Build, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot tooling for kick presses, four-slide machines, and punch presses.
• Perform precision grinding operations to achieve required tolerances and surface finishes.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Inspect completed work using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and comparators.
• Diagnose tooling and production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with Engineering and Production teams to improve tooling performance and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to tooling design, modifications, and repairs.
• Follow all safety procedures, quality standards, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Tool & Die Apprenticeship, Technical Certificate, or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of Tool & Die Maker experience preferred, with prototype and short-run tooling required, with kick presses, four-slide tooling, and punch press tooling preferred.

Equipment

• Manual milling machines
• Surface grinders
• Engine lathes
• CNC programming and CNC machining experience are not required for this position.
• Required hands‑on skills include:
• Form grinding
• Operating manual milling machines
• Operating manual lathes
• Tooling assembly, repair, and maintenance

Skills

• Strong proficiency in milling and grinding operations.
• Thorough understanding of machining practices, tooling design, and metalworking processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and precision.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (based, commensurate with experience) with opportunities for performance -based incentives.
• Comprehensive Benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off.