Tool & Die Maker III - Lead Tooling Innovation & Mentorship

Cadrex Dresser; Dresser (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision coverage

Employer-paid life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Paid time off and holidays

Remote work stipend (where applicable)

401(k) with employer match

Education support program

Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement

Referral bonuses

Bonus plan for all full-time employees

Job summary

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions seeks a Tool & Die Maker III to lead design, fabrication, maintenance, and continuous improvement of complex tooling and die systems. This expert-level role requires mastery in tool and die making, precision machining, CAD/CAM, and troubleshooting.

You will mentor junior machinists, collaborate with engineering and production teams, and drive tooling innovation to support operational excellence. Onsite position with potential growth in Wisconsin facilities.

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).

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate machine tools such as CNC and 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 for 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.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Precision machining

CAD/CAM proficiency

Education

High School Diploma

1-year technical certificate in metal trades

Tools

CNC machines

CNC programming

CAD software

Job description

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions seeks a Tool & Die Maker III to lead design, fabrication, maintenance, and continuous improvement of complex tooling and die systems. This expert-level role requires mastery in tool and die making, precision machining, CAD/CAM, and troubleshooting.

You will mentor junior machinists, collaborate with engineering and production teams, and drive tooling innovation to support operational excellence. Onsite position with potential growth in Wisconsin facilities.