Tool & Die Maker

Flex--n--gate; Salem (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

Flex-N-Gate is seeking a Tool Maker to build, repair, and maintain precision tools, dies, fixtures and molds used in automotive component production. You will read blueprints or CAD designs and produce tooling that meets exacting standards, collaborating with Engineering, Production and Maintenance.

The role requires craftsmanship, attention to detail, and safe, efficient operation of manual and CNC machines while maintaining quality systems and working in a team-driven environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a Tool & Die apprenticeship program or equivalent technical training.
• 3+ years of experience as a Tool Maker, preferably in an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Possess a Provincial Trade License or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture new tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds based on blueprints or CAD designs.
• Repair and maintain existing tooling to ensure optimal performance and minimal production downtime.
• Operate a variety of manual and CNC machines including lathes, mills, surface grinders, and EDM machines.
• Perform precision measurements using micrometers, calipers, and gauges to verify dimensions.
• Interpret complex technical drawings, CAD files, and work instructions.
• Support production teams by providing timely and effective tooling solutions.
• Comply with all quality systems and procedures.
• Builds dies from blueprints, drawing, last off status cards and supervisor lineups.
• Work with other departments to resolve Tooling problems.
• Maintain good housekeeping in the tool room work area.
• Work and dress safely (i.e., wear proper protective equipment, demonstrate safe use of all machinery and equipment, etc.).
• Responsible for working in a safe manner, and following all Health and Safety procedures.

Skills

Time Management

Development and Continual Learning

Problem Solving

Accountability and Dependability

Research Analysis

Decision Making and Judgement

Providing Consultation

Ethics and Integrity

Mathematical Reasoning

Enforcing Laws, Rules and Regulations

Coaching and Mentoring

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tool & Die apprenticeship program or equivalent technical training

3+ years experience as a Tool Maker

Provincial Trade License or equivalent experience preferred

Tools

CNC machines

Lathes

Mills

Surface grinders

EDM machines

Job description

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry, recently ranked 10th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in “Automotive News.” A growing and vital company, Flex-N-Gate provides a great opportunity for hard-working and skilled individuals.

Summary

The Tool Maker is responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining precision tools, dies, fixtures, and molds used in the production of automotive components. This role requires a high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the ability to work from engineering drawings and specifications to produce tooling that meets exacting standards. Working closely with Engineering, Production, and Maintenance teams, the Tool Maker ensures that all tooling supports efficient, safe, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

Core Competencies

• Time Management
• Development and Continual Learning
• Problem Solving
• Accountability and Dependability
• Research Analysis
• Decision Making and Judgement
• Providing Consultation
• Ethics and Integrity
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Enforcing Laws, Rules and Regulations
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Communication
• Teamwork

Job Duties

• Manufacture new tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds based on blueprints or CAD designs.
• Repair and maintain existing tooling to ensure optimal performance and minimal production downtime.
• Operate a variety of manual and CNC machines including lathes, mills, surface grinders, and EDM machines.
• Perform precision measurements using micrometers, calipers, and gauges to verify dimensions.
• Interpret complex technical drawings, CAD files, and work instructions.
• Support production teams by providing timely and effective tooling solutions.
• Comply with all quality systems and procedures.
• Builds dies from blueprints, drawing, last off status cards and supervisor lineups.
• Work with other departments to resolve Tooling problems.
• Maintain good housekeeping in the tool room work area.
• Work and dress safely (i.e., wear proper protective equipment, demonstrate safe use of all machinery and equipment, etc.).
• Responsible for working in a safe manner, and following all Health and Safety procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a Tool & Die apprenticeship program or equivalent technical training.
• 3+ years of experience as a Tool Maker, preferably in an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Possess a Provincial Trade License or equivalent experience preferred.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, prescription, vision, life and disability insurance; and a flexible spending account
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Extensive safety training, new hire orientation, continuous learning and development programs and tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation time

What do our employees have to say?

“It engages you professionally, and provides learning opportunities.”

“Lots of growth opportunity.”

“The company’s young enough to be exciting, but old enough to be stable.”

Not just a job—a great place to work!

Flex-N-Gate is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.