Tool Maker

Software Placement Group, SPG; Hastings (MI); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Software Placement Group, SPG in Hastings, MI seeks an experienced Toolmaker to build, repair, and maintain precision tooling for high‑volume production. You will read engineering drawings, plan machining sequences, and set up manual and CNC equipment to meet tight tolerances.

The ideal candidate has a Tool & Die Apprenticeship or equivalent with 4+ years of Toolmaker experience and proven ability to troubleshoot tooling issues while supporting continuous improvement and safe operations in a

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Completion of Tool & Die or Toolmaker Apprenticeship with 4 years experience or 8 years progressive Toolmaker experience

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling (dies, molds, jigs, fixtures)
• Interpret drawings, CAD prints, and specs to determine machining methods
• Plan and perform precision machining, bench work, fitting, assembly, and finishing
• Set up, operate, and maintain mills, lathes, drill presses, grinders, and CNC tooling
• Perform precision surface grinding to required tolerances
• Diagnose tooling failures and perform repairs to minimize downtime
• Maintain clean, safe Tool Room and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist with additional Tool Room projects as required

Skills

Reading blueprints

CNC Tool Room

Precision measurement

Machining center setup

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Quality workmanship

Education

Tool & Die Apprenticeship

Tools

Manual machine tools

CNC equipment

Job description

Location: Hastings, Michigan | Schedule: Full-Time, Direct-Hire, various shifts available, on-site | Compensation: $30.00 - $37.00 p/h D.O.E + Shift Premiums

Overview

An established global manufacturing business with more than a century of operating history is expanding its Tool Room team at its manufacturing facility in Hastings, Michigan. As demand grows and production volumes increase, the company continues to invest in its manufacturing operations and is seeking an experienced Toolmaker to build, repair, and maintain the precision tooling that keeps high-volume production running smoothly.

What you'll do

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

Required qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industrial experience
• Completion of a recognized Tool & Die or Toolmaker Apprenticeship with a minimum of four (4) years' Toolmaker experience, or eight (8) years of progressive Toolmaker experience within a manufacturing environment
• Previous experience as a Toolmaker, Tool & Die Maker, Tool & Die Technician, Precision Machinist, CNC Toolmaker, Mold Maker, or similar precision manufacturing role
• Experience building and repairing production dies, fixtures, molds, and precision tooling
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints, and technical documentation
• Experience operating manual machine tools and CNC Tool Room equipment
• Proficient using precision measuring instruments while maintaining tight machining tolerances
• Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality workmanship
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team environment

Compensation and benefits

• Pay rate: $30.00 - $37.00 p/h D.O.E + Shift Premiums
• Full-Time, Direct-Hire position with various shifts available
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off plus more, and career advancement opportunities

Why this role

This is an opportunity to join a stable and expanding manufacturer offering long-term career progression, modern equipment, and a strong commitment to employee development, continuous improvement, and workplace safety.