Tool & Die Shop Manager

Sterling Engineering; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is seeking a Tool and Die Shop Manager to oversee daily operations in a busy tool and die shop. The successful candidate will manage a small team and maintain a hands-on role in machining and troubleshooting activities. Key responsibilities include designing tools for short-run work, setting up machinery, and ensuring quality standards. Strong leadership and technical expertise are critical for this role, alongside the ability to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Tool & Die Maker with hands-on machining skills.
• Experience managing a toolroom or small technical team is required.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the tool and die shop.
• Supervise and develop a small team of toolroom employees.
• Set up and operate milling and grinding machines.

Skills

Hands-on machining abilities

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Milling machines

Grinding machines

Job description

Salary: $90k-$125k/yr. based on experience

This role manages all daily operations of the tool and die shop while remaining fully hands-on in machining, troubleshooting, and toolmaking activities. The Tool and Die Shop Manager will supervise a small team of 10-20 employees (depending on temp staff), oversee workflow, ensure quality standards, and support continuous improvement across tooling processes. Responsibilities include designing and making tools for short-run/prototype work, setting up and troubleshooting kick presses, 4-slide, and punch press tooling, and performing precision grinding and machining. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and a self-directed work style are essential.

Job Duties:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the tool and die shop, ensuring productivity, quality, and safety
• Supervise and develop a team of two toolroom employees
• Maintain a hands-on role in machining, toolmaking, troubleshooting, and repairs
• Design and make tools primarily for short-run/prototype work
• Set up and troubleshoot kick presses, 4-slide, and punch press tooling
• Perform precision grinding and oversee grinding work performed by the team
• Set up and operate milling and grinding machines
• Interpret blueprints and engineering drawings to determine machining processes
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and drive corrective actions to reduce downtime
• Collaborate with engineers to optimize tool designs, processes, and production efficiency
• Lead continuous improvement efforts within the toolroom
• Maintain an organized, safe, and well-equipped tool and die department

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Tool & Die Maker with strong hands-on machining and grinding capabilities
• Prior experience managing or leading a toolroom or small technical team
• Proficiency with milling and grinding equipment
• Strong understanding of machining principles, materials, and tooling processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings (GD&T)
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to lead by example and maintain a high-performance culture

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.