Tool & Die Maker Journeyman

Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement contributions

Employee stock purchase

Education reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Simpson Strong-Tie in Stockton, CA is seeking a Tool and Die Maker Journeyman to support progressive dies, tooling, and prototypes in a fast-paced sheet metal facility. You will machine parts, assemble dies from CAD designs, and verify dimensions to spec.

Candidates should have 10 years of die shop experience, strong measurement and math skills, and a clear commitment to safety. The role offers a long-term career with competitive pay, rewards, and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience in a tool and die shop with progressive dies and tools.
• Basic knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Safety: able to promote a safe work environment.
• Reading and interpreting production drawings and prints.
• Strong math and measurement skills; able to use calipers, micrometers, etc.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the building of progressive stamping dies and tooling.
• Machine parts using lathe, mill, drill press, and grinder.
• Set up and use grinding wheels for surface and form grinding.
• Hand grind, polish, and finish die components.
• Assemble dies from 2D/3D CAD designs.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances with precision measuring tools.
• Collaborate with management and design during tryouts.
• Maintain tooling drawing files and records.
• Train apprentices and helpers.

Skills

Die making

Machinery knowledge

Safety

Communication

Reading prints

Independence

Equipment operation

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees. Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures. Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

YOU

The Tool and Die Maker Journeyman supports product development and manufacturing by constructing and repairing progressive dies, machining parts, and making prototypes as required by our fast‑paced, high‑volume sheet metal manufacturing operation. Simpson is a growing and innovative market‑leader offering a long‑term career with competitive pay and benefits and support for continuing development.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (% of Time)

• Lead and support the building of Progressive stamping dies or other tooling. Standard shop practices and previous experience are applied while following and validating the design provided.
• Machine parts by using lathe, mill, drill press, surface grinder, and other typical shop equipment.
• Select, dress, set up, and use grinding wheels for surface grinding, and form grinding.
• Hand grind, polish and finish die components.
• Assemble dies using the designs provided in 2D and/or 3D CAD format.
• Confirm assembly by verifying dimensions, clearances, and alignment of parts and components with micrometers, thickness gauges, gauge blocks, dial indicators, and other measuring tools and processes. (70%)
• Provide input as needed during the development of progressive die function and structure by studying prints of dies, product, and prototypes while applying knowledge of sheet metal manufacturing processes, machining and assembly methods, and shop mathematics. (10%)
• Confirm performance of die by installing die in a press, checking clearances, inspecting operation of die, adjusting, and comparing finished product to specifications. Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments so the progressive die produces a finished good that matches the production drawing and intent.
• Communicate and collaborate with shop management, team members and design to resolve any issues during the tryout process.
• Maintain tooling drawing files and records per shop practice. (10%)
• Participate in the training of Helpers and Tool & Die Apprentices by teaching them the skills required and giving them feedback as they are learning and progressing. (10%)

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 10 years’ experience in a tool and die shop with progressive dies and tools
• Manufacturing process knowledge: Demonstrates a basic knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacturing and distribution of goods.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Safety: Able to consistently prioritize safety by demonstrating safe work practice by promoting a safe work environment.
• Customer service skills: Applies customer service principles and processes on the job and with others.
• Communication skills: Speaks in the most effective way to relay information. Listens and asks questions to ensure understanding. Ability to communicate effectively about project status and challenges.
• Written comprehension: Able to read and understand prints, information and ideas presented in writing. Able to read production drawings and diagrams and interpret information from work orders applicable to the manufacturing of products.
• Self‑management skills: Uses time efficiently to complete tasks.
• Ability to work independently: Follows both written and oral instructions, including safety guidelines, work instructions, and company policies.
• Equipment and tools: Able to operate a forklift. Able to read a tape measure to within 1/32”. Knowledge of measuring tools such as a tape measure, caliper and micrometer.
• Computer Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft environment and AutoCAD.
• Team Dynamics: Team player with the ability to interact effectively with other technicians, employees and vendors.
• Math: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Quality Control Analysis: Conducting inspections of product to evaluate quality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, see, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. This role operates large equipment while standing for approximately 8-12 hours, regularly twisting and bending in a repetitive motion. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and heavier weights with proper equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The job may risk exposure to heat and/or cold, loud noise levels, vibration, and moving mechanical parts.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

This position typically does not require travel.

WORK STATUS & LOCATION

This full‑time, non‑exempt position is located in Stockton, CA.

RELOCATION

Relocation is not available for this position.

PAY

$45.60 / hour

REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG‑TIE

We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first‑rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.

Quarterly Bonuses/Commission: You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue — directly or indirectly – and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.

Benefits:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• retirement contributions
• employee stock purchase and bonus plans
• pay for holidays
• vacation
• sick days
• funerals and jury duty
• years of service awards
• employee discounts
• employee referral bonuses
• charitable contribution matching
• education reimbursement
• and more.

View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/.

In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs.

Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful drug screen and criminal background check, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.