Tool Maker

Keystone Distinction Group; Hastings (MI); On-site; USD 41,328 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Career Advancement Opportunities

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in Hastings, Michigan is seeking an experienced Toolmaker to build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling for high‑volume manufacturing. You will interpret blueprints, set up manual and CNC tooling, and perform precision surface grinding while ensuring tight tolerances.

The role requires a Tool & Die/Toolmaker apprenticeship with 4+ years of experience, strong measurement skills, and the ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues.

Qualifications

• Must read and interpret complex blueprints and drawings.
• Experience operating manual machines and CNC tooling.
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments and tolerances.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience building and repairing dies, fixtures, and tooling.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling and dies.
• Interpret drawings and determine machining methods and materials.
• Plan precision machining, bench work, and assembly of tooling components.
• Set up and operate mills, lathes, drills, grinders, and CNC tool room equipment.
• Inspect tooling and machined parts for conformance to specs.
• Diagnose tooling failures and implement repairs to minimize downtime.
• Perform preventive maintenance and keep the tool room organized and safe.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

Manual machine tools

CNC tool room equipment

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Die/Tool repair

Surface grinding

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tool & Die/Toolmaker apprenticeship

4+ years Toolmaker experience

Tools

CNC tool room equipment

Mills and lathes

Grinders

Job description

Our client is a global leader in fire protection and suppression technologies with more than a century of manufacturing excellence. Due to continued business growth, increased production volumes, and ongoing investment in manufacturing operations, they are seeking experienced Toolmakers to join their team.

As a Tool Maker, you will be responsible for building, repairing, modifying, and maintaining precision tooling that supports high-volume manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate is a skilled machinist with experience in tool room operations, precision machining, blueprint interpretation, and troubleshooting complex tooling issues while maintaining the highest quality standards.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and growing manufacturer that offers long-term career progression, modern equipment, and a strong commitment to employee development and workplace safety.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling, including dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, mechanisms, and production tooling used in manufacturing operations.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints, and technical specifications to determine machining methods, material requirements, and the sequence of operations.
• Plan and perform precision machining, bench work, fitting, assembly, and finishing of tooling components while maintaining tight dimensional tolerances.
• Set up, operate, and maintain a variety of manual machine tools, including mills, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, as well as CNC tool room equipment.
• Perform precision surface grinding to achieve required finishes, dimensional accuracy, and part quality.
• Machine complex components requiring advanced setups, precision measurements, and creative problem‑solving techniques.
• Install, adjust, troubleshoot, and test tooling in production equipment during tryouts and trial runs to ensure proper performance.
• Assemble tooling, dies, and mechanical components while verifying dimensions, alignment, fit, and functionality using precision measuring instruments.
• Inspect completed tooling and machined parts to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, quality standards, and manufacturing specifications.
• Mark, measure, lay out, and prepare raw materials for machining operations using appropriate measuring and layout tools.
• Diagnose tooling failures, identify root causes of wear or damage, and implement effective repairs to minimize production downtime.
• Perform preventive maintenance and modifications to existing tooling to improve reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized tool room while following company safety procedures and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and related industrial maintenance experience.
• Completion of a recognized Tool & Die/Toolmaker apprenticeship with at least four (4) years of Toolmaker experience, or eight (8) years of progressive Toolmaker experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience as a Toolmaker, Tool & Die Maker, Tool & Die Technician, Precision Machinist, CNC Toolmaker, Mold Maker, or similar role within a manufacturing or tool room environment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Experience operating manual machine tools and CNC tool room equipment.
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments and maintaining tight machining tolerances.
• Strong troubleshooting, mechanical aptitude, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality workmanship.
• Experience building and repairing production dies, fixtures, and tooling.
• Surface grinding experience.
• CNC programming or editing experience.
• Welding or fabrication experience.

  Shift Schedule: Various Shifts Available (1st 2nd)

  Rate: $30.00 - $35p/h D.O.E ($2.00 p/h premium for 2nd shift)

  Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with Company Match, Paid Time Off + More & Career Advancement Opportunities

  Location: Hastings, Michigan