Tool & Die Maker - 1st Shift

Generac Power Systems Inc; Beaver Dam (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac Power Systems Inc. Beaver Dam, WI is seeking a Tool & Die Maker to support the production of alternators. You will diagnose and redesign tooling, fixtures, and machine components, driving improvements with minimal direction.

The role requires advanced blueprint reading, GD&T, and experience with both manual and CNC machining. You will own tooling performance, mentor others, and uphold safety standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 5+ years of Tool & Die Maker, toolroom, or precision machining experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot complex mechanical systems and proprietary equipment
• Proven capability to redesign and fabricate machine components with little or no assistance
• Advanced blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills
• Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification or completed apprenticeship
• Experience supporting alternator, motor, or other rotating equipment manufacturing
• Background in automated or semi-automated assembly processes
• Demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement or equipment reliability initiatives

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain dies, fixtures, gauges, jigs, and specialized tooling used in alternator manufacturing
• Troubleshoot highly complex, proprietary machinery and custom-built equipment
• Diagnose root causes related to alignment, tolerance stack-up, wear, vibration, heat, and mechanical interaction
• Independently redesign and rework machine assemblies or components when standard repairs are insufficient
• Perform precision fitting, grinding, machining, and hand work to extremely tight tolerances
• Operate manual and CNC machining equipment including mills, lathes, grinders
• Manufacture replacement parts and custom components using prints, sketches, measurements, or reverse engineering
• Interpret complex blueprints, GD&T, and engineering intent to ensure functional accuracy
• Take full ownership of tooling and machine performance within assigned manufacturing areas
• Proactively identify chronic equipment issues and lead permanent corrective actions
• Design and implement improvements that increase uptime, reduce scrap, and improve process stability
• Challenge existing designs and processes, proposing innovative mechanical solutions without reliance on external support
• Support new product introductions and process changes by designing or modifying tooling and machine components
• Provide expert-level guidance to Maintenance, Engineering, and Production when complex mechanical decisions are required
• Adhere to all safety standards including machine guarding, LOTO, and toolroom best practices
• Document tool modifications, machine changes, and improvement actions to support long-term reliability
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to align improvements with process intent and production goals
• Mentor and support skill development within the toolroom and broader operations team

Skills

Tool & Die Maker

Troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

GD&T interpretation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Grinders

CNC machining

Job description

We are Generac, a leading energy technology company committed to powering a smarter world. Over the 60 plus years of Generac’s history, we’ve been dedicated to energy innovation. From creating the home standby generator market category, to our current evolution into an energy technology solutions company, we continue to push new boundaries.

1st Shift: Monday - Thursday 5:00AM - 3:30PM

The Tool & Die Maker at the Beaver Dam facility plays a critical, highly autonomous role in supporting the production of alternators through expert-level tooling, machine troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. This position is responsible for diagnosing and resolving complex issues on proprietary manufacturing equipment, often where documentation is limited or non-existent. The role requires the ability to independently redesign, modify, and improve machine assemblies, tooling, and components to enhance reliability, quality, and throughput. The Tool & Die Maker is expected to operate as a technical authority within the facility, driving improvements with minimal direction and strong ownership of outcomes.

Core Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain dies, fixtures, gauges, jigs, and specialized tooling used in alternator manufacturing
• Troubleshoot highly complex, proprietary machinery and custom-built equipment unique to Generac operations
• Diagnose root causes related to alignment, tolerance stack-up, wear, vibration, heat, and mechanical interaction
• Independently redesign and rework machine assemblies or components when standard repairs are insufficient
• Perform precision fitting, grinding, machining, and hand work to extremely tight tolerances

Machining & Fabrication Expertise

• Operate manual and CNC machining equipment including mills, lathes, grinders
• Manufacture replacement parts and custom components using prints, sketches, measurements, or reverse engineering
• Interpret complex blueprints, GD&T, and engineering intent to ensure functional accuracy

Continuous Improvement & Technical Ownership

• Take full ownership of tooling and machine performance within assigned manufacturing areas
• Proactively identify chronic equipment issues and lead permanent corrective actions
• Design and implement improvements that increase uptime, reduce scrap, and improve process stability
• Challenge existing designs and processes, proposing innovative mechanical solutions without reliance on external support
• Support new product introductions and process changes by designing or modifying tooling and machine components
• Provide expert-level guidance to Maintenance, Engineering, and Production when complex mechanical decisions are required

Safety, Documentation & Collaboration

• Adhere to all safety standards including machine guarding, LOTO, and toolroom best practices
• Document tool modifications, machine changes, and improvement actions to support long-term reliability
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to align improvements with process intent and production goals
• Mentor and support skill development within the toolroom and broader operations team

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 5+ years of Tool & Die Maker, toolroom, or precision machining experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot complex mechanical systems and proprietary equipment
• Proven capability to redesign and fabricate machine components with little or no assistance
• Advanced blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification or completed apprenticeship
• Experience supporting alternator, motor, or other rotating equipment manufacturing
• Background in automated or semi-automated assembly processes
• Demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement or equipment reliability initiatives

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and work at machines for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and handle precision components safely
• Comfortable working around machining equipment, rotating machinery, oils, coolants, and metal chips

What Success Looks Like at Beaver Dam

Proprietary alternator production equipment operates with high reliability and repeatability Chronic tooling and machine issues are eliminated through effective redesign, not temporary fixes Continuous improvement efforts result in measurable gains in uptime, quality, and throughput The Tool & Die Maker is trusted as a primary technical problem-solver and improvement leader

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. As one of the leaders and largest suppliers of power generation equipment and technology, the work we do touches millions of lives. Employees at Generac are encouraged to be innovative and are valued as an integral part of our global team. Our challenging goals develop knowledgeable employees dedicated to helping continue Generac’s success. Generac provides individuals the opportunity to work in a fast-paced agile work environment where their work makes a difference in people’s lives and their own.