Tool & Die Maker/Repair

Flex N Gate; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

401(k) retirement savings with company

Extensive safety training & ongoing ed

Holidays & vacation time

Job summary

Flex-N-Gate is seeking a skilled Tool Maker in Grand Rapids, MI, to build, repair, and maintain tooling for automotive component manufacturing. You will read engineering drawings, work with CAD files, and support production teams to minimize downtime while upholding quality standards.

The position requires a high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and safe working practices. The role operates on a 3rd shift (9pm–5:30am) Sun–Thu, with opportunities for safety training and ongoing

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manufacture new tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds from blueprints or CAD designs.
• Repair and maintain tooling to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.
• Operate manual and CNC machines including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM.
• Perform precision measurements with micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Interpret complex drawings, CAD files, and work instructions.
• Support production teams with timely tooling solutions.
• Comply with quality systems and procedures.
• Build dies from blueprints and supervisor directions.
• Collaborate with other departments to resolve tooling issues.
• Maintain housekeeping in the tool room and wear PPE.

Skills

Time Management

Development & Learning

Problem Solving

Accountability

Research Analysis

Decision Making

Consultation

Ethics & Integrity

Planning & Organizing

Mathematical Reasoning

Enforcing Rules & Regulations

Coaching & Mentoring

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tool & Die apprenticeship program or equivalent

Tools

Lathe

Milling Machines

Surface Grinders

EDM Machines

Job description

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. 3rd Shift (9pm - 5:30am ) Sun - Thu

Core Competencies

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

Flex-N-Gate Training Requirements

• CHRF.00003 New Employee Orientation
• Advanced Product Quality Planning
• Control Plan
• Crane Operator Training
• Die Cart Training
• Electronic ECN Training
• Fall Protection
• Gas Air Monitoring
• Hazard Communication
• Hot Work Permit
• Inspection Standards
• Ladder Safety & Inspection
• Lock Out Tag Out Affected Employees
• Machine Guarding
• PFMEA Overview
• Power Press
• Scissor Lift Training
• Used Oil/Universal Waste
• Quality Management Systems - CQAM.00001 Quality Management Systems Manual
• ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and applicable Customer Specific Requirements

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.

Working Conditions

• Some travel may be required.
• On-call from the plant by cell phone after hours.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Position will require sitting, walking or standing for 40+ hours per week.
• Overtime, including weekend work, as required.
• Physical ability to lift 30lbs.
• May be required to use PPE.
• Exposure to an industrial manufacturing environment potentially including: sparks, dust, oil, high noise levels, vibrations, flashing lights, exposure to moving mechanical parts, odors, fumes, and/or airborne particles.

This job description is not inclusive. The duties, experience, functions, and any other descriptions herein may be changed at any time and other duties may be assigned as necessary. The Company reserves the right to add, delete, or otherwise alter these responsibilities when and as necessary.

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.