Tool & Die Maker

Associated Metal Forming Technologies; Morton Grove (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Metal Forming Technologies in Morton Grove, IL, is seeking a Die Maker to build, repair, and maintain precision tooling. Responsibilities include reading blueprints, setting up and operating CNC, lathe, mill, grinder, and EDM machines, machining components, and verifying tolerances with precision measuring tools.

Ideal candidates have experience in tool and die making, machining, and blueprint interpretation, with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in tool and die making, machining, and blueprint interpretation.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Read specifications and blueprints to plan operations.
• Set up and operate machine tools (CNC, lathe, mill, grinder, EDM).
• Machine and assemble components to specifications and verify tolerances.
• Maintain and repair tooling; support production quality and continuous improvement.

Skills

Die making

Machining

Blueprint interpretation

Quality inspection

Education

High School diploma or GED

Trade school / apprenticeship

Tools

CNC

Lathe

Milling machine

Grinder

EDM

Job description

Position Summary

Position Title: Die Maker

Reports To: Tool Room Supervisor

Sko-Die (AMFT) is hiring a skilled Die Maker to build, repair, and maintain precision tooling for manufacturing. Responsibilities include reading blueprints, setting up and operating machine tools (CNC, lathe, mill, grinder, EDM), machining and assembling components, and verifying tolerances using precision measuring instruments. Ideal candidates have experience in tool and die making, machining, and blueprint interpretation, with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills. This role supports production quality, tooling performance, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Summary

Analyzes variety of specifications, lays out metal stock, sets up and operates machine tools, and fits and assembles parts to fabricate or repair cutting tools, fixtures, gauges, or machinists' hand tools, applying knowledge of tool design, shop mathematics, metal properties, and layout, machining, and assembly procedures. The Die Maker will oversee or perform the following job functions.

Job Functions

• Reads and interprets specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, or tool description, and plans sequence of operations
• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock to lay out work pieces for machining
• Have knowledge of Set-ups and/or operating machine tools, such as lathe, milling machine, machining center, EDM Wire machine, and grinder, to machine parts to specifications, and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications
• Positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable, using devices such as vises, V-blocks, and angle plates
• Fits and assembles parts into assemblies or mechanisms, using hand tools
• Verifies dimensions and alignment, using measuring instruments such as micrometers, height gauges, and gauge blocks
• Examines standard tools and modifies tools as required
• Develops specifications from general descriptions and draws or sketches tool to be fabricated, using drafting tools or computer and software programs
• Communicates with co-workers and supervisor to receive instructions and coordinate activities
• Inputs labor into the data collection terminals
• Perform daily and weekly tasks – PM checks, maintaining coolant levels, general housekeeping of work area and ensuring all safety devices are operational
• (May) heat treats tools or parts

Job Requirements

• Requires a High School diploma or G.E.D. with a minimum of 3 years of trade school, vocational education, apprenticeship or work experience in production die building and repair
• Near acuity and accommodation are required for reading machine dial gauges, blueprints, and precision measuring instruments used in the inspection of parts
• Ability to read and understand machine controls and computer screens
• Ability to monitor machine sounds to identify and diagnose changes in order to take appropriate action

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

the employee is subject to:

• High noise levels from operating machines
• Physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts
• Breathing fumes, dust and mist
• Skin exposure to oils and cutting fluid
• Required to stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to the floor
• Required to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or
• Required to exert 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or
• Required to exert up to 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects