Tool & Die Maker III - 1st Shift

Cadrex; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions seeks a senior Tool & Die Maker III to lead design, fabrication, and maintenance of complex tooling and die systems. You will mentor junior machinists, collaborate with engineering, and drive tooling innovations for operational excellence.

The role requires mastery across precision machining, CAD/CAM, and troubleshooting, with strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration. Onsite environment with standard workweek.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; metal trades certificate preferred.
• 5+ years in tool & die building/maintenance is advantageous.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret specifications clearly.
• Experience with CNC machinery and basic Cad software is useful.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC and manual mills, lathes, drills, and grinders per specs.
• Plan machining, layout, and assembly for progressive and stage tooling.
• Develop build schedules to meet timelines and budgets.
• Troubleshoot die issues and adjust to meet quality standards.
• Lead cross-functional teams on complex die, fixture, or machine builds.

Skills

Tool & Die Making

CNC Machining

CAD/CAM

Mentoring/Leadership

Blueprint Reading

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma

Metal trades certificate

Tools

CAD/CAM Software

CNC Machines

Measuring Tools

Job description

Description

OVERVIEW

Cadrex is searching for a Tool & Die Maker III who is responsible for leading the design, fabrication, maintenance, and continuous improvement of complex tooling and die systems. This expert-level position requires mastery in all aspects of tool and die making, including precision machining, CAD/CAM, and troubleshooting. The Tool & Die Maker III plays a critical role in mentoring junior team members, collaborating with engineering and production teams, and driving tooling innovation to support operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and operate machine tools such as CNC & manual mills, lathes, drills, and grinders to machine parts to specifications
• Computes dimensions, plans or schedules machining, layout, and assembly operations of new progressive and stage tooling
• Develop and coordinate build schedules to meet established timelines
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex die issues, making precise adjustments to meet or exceed production quality and efficiency standards
• Perform advanced preventative and corrective die maintenance tasks with a high level of independence and accuracy
• Fits and assembles mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical components into tooling as required new and existing applications
• Ability to build jigs, gauges, and fixtures from verbal or written instruction
• Lead cross-functional teams in the execution of complex die, fixture, or machine builds, ensuring alignment with technical and production requirements
• Champion and guide continuous improvement initiatives across production departments, identifying and implementing process and tooling enhancements
• Serve as mentor and technical resource for less experienced machinists and tool & die makers

Requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years’ experience in building/maintaining metal stamping and progressive dies preferred
• Basic blueprint reading and interpretation
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair tools and equipment
• Prior experience with CNC machines, programming, or Cad software useful but not required
• Collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment while demonstrating the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks
• Continuously assesses personal skill development, actively seek opportunities for growth, and share expertise to support team success
• Proficient with basic computer skills for documentation of work orders and maintenance logs
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods (8-9 hours per day)

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma
• One year certificate or diploma from a college or technical school in metal trades preferred

LOCATION

• Onsite

SCHEDULE

• Monday-Friday

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

CORE VALUES

• Safety first, rising to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and doing the right thing

TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees

ABOUT US

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for a variety of end markets, including electrical transmission and distribution, warehouse automation, technology, aerospace & defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Monterrey Mexico, CADREX offers numerous in-house manufacturing capabilities, including laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, complex assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing capabilities for mid- to high-volume production. For more information, visit www.cadrex.com.

Cadrex provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.