Tool & Die Technician Intern

Kirkhill Inc.; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkhill, Inc. seeks a Tool & Die Technician Intern to support the maintenance team in learning how to repair, troubleshoot, and improve tooling, dies, jigs, and fixtures.

Under supervision, you will gain hands-on experience with machine shop equipment, preventive maintenance, and basic tool fabrication. You will observe safe operations, learn to read blueprints, and collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to gain cross-department exposure.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a technical program, vocational school, or engineering/manufacturing program.
• Interest in machining, tooling, manufacturing, or mechanical systems.
• Basic mechanical aptitude or experience from school projects preferred.
• Willingness to learn and take direction from experienced technicians.

Responsibilities

• Assist technicians in repairing and maintaining tooling, dies, jigs, fixtures, and machine shop equipment.
• Participate in preventive maintenance tasks for tooling and equipment while being supervised.
• Learn how to diagnose mechanical issues and observe corrective actions taken by experienced technicians.
• Help disassemble, inspect, and reassemble basic tooling components while shadowing senior staff.
• Receive training on operating manual machines such as mills, grinders, lathes, and drill presses.
• Practice reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings with guidance.
• Support simple fabrication or modification tasks under supervision.
• Use precision measuring tools after instruction to verify dimensions.
• Assist with die setups or changeovers by observing and performing basic tasks.

Skills

Machining curiosity

Hand tools familiarity

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Follow instructions

Education

Technical program enrollment

Job description

Position Summary

The Tool & Die Technician Intern supports the maintenance team in learning how to repair, troubleshoot, and improve tooling, dies, jigs, and fixtures. Under close supervision, the intern will gain hands-on experience with machine shop equipment, preventive maintenance practices, and basic tool fabrication. This internship is designed to develop foundational skills while supporting safe and efficient operations within the manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist technicians in repairing and maintaining tooling, dies, jigs, fixtures, and machine shop equipment.
• Participate in preventive maintenance tasks for tooling and equipment while being supervised.
• Learn how to diagnose mechanical issues and observe corrective actions taken by experienced technicians.
• Help disassemble, inspect, and reassemble basic tooling components while shadowing senior staff.
• Receive training on operating manual machines such as mills, grinders, lathes, and drill presses.
• Practice reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings with guidance.
• Support simple fabrication or modification tasks under supervision.
• Use precision measuring tools after instruction to verify dimensions.
• Assist with die setups or changeovers by observing and performing basic tasks.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and learn proper safety procedures, including lockout/tagout.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams as needed to gain cross-department exposure.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a technical program, vocational school, or engineering/manufacturing program.
• Interest in machining, tooling, manufacturing, or mechanical systems.
• Basic mechanical aptitude or experience from school projects preferred.
• Willingness to learn and take direction from experienced technicians.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Curiosity about mechanical systems and machining.
• Beginning familiarity with hand tools and shop equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to follow instructions carefully in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work around machinery, noise, and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to use hand and power tools safely.

Work Environment

Manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery, noise, oils, lubricants, and varying temperatures. Overtime and occasional weekend work may be offered based on machine shop needs.

Kirkhill, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All successful candidates must submit to post offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen and background check as a condition of employment.