Tool Maker

Flex-N-Gate; Illinois; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company is seeking a skilled Tool and Die Maker to join their team on the 2nd shift. Responsibilities include maintenance and repair of stamping dies, training apprentices, and operating manual machining tools. Ideal candidates should have proven experience in tool and die making, troubleshooting skills, and welding capabilities. The position offers an 8-hour shift with occasional overtime and a robust work environment involving exposure to mechanical parts and heavy lifting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in tool and die making with understanding of stamping dies.
• Crane operator and forklift certifications or ability to obtain them.
• Ability to work under pressure during production breakdowns.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and repair of stamping dies.
• Train apprentices in a four-year program.
• Machine details using manual mills, lathes, and other tools.

Skills

Tool and die making

Troubleshooting

Welding (TIG, MIG, ARC)

Manual machining

CNC operations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Manual mills

Lathes

Surface grinders

Drill presses

Saws

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Tool and Die Maker to join our team on 2nd shift. This role involves the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of stamping dies and related equipment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate technical expertise, strong problem‑solving skills, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and repair of stamping dies and other support equipment.
• Train apprentices in a four‑year program, progressively delegating duties and responsibilities.
• Read and interpret technical prints and use precision measuring tools.
• Machine details using manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, and saws.
• Apply basic knowledge of 2‑ and 3‑axis CNC mills.
• Perform welding (TIG, MIG, ARC) and basic heat‑treating processes, and rebuild nitrogen springs.
• Understand die setups on presses, including tandem line and blanking operations.
• Troubleshoot and repair stamping during production breakdowns.
• Work in small or uncomfortable positions, including overhead reaching, during die repair inside presses.
• Operate overhead industrial cranes and forklifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Tool Makers must provide their own tools.
• Proven experience in tool and die making, with a strong understanding of stamping dies and equipment.
• Ability to work an 8‑hour shift with occasional overtime, including weekends. Shift includes two 10‑minute breaks and a 20‑minute meal break (paid). Employees get paid the entire time they are clocked in!
• Proficiency with manual machining tools and a basic understanding of CNC operations.
• Welding skills (TIG, MIG, ARC) and knowledge of heat treating and nitrogen spring rebuilding.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work under pressure during production breakdowns.
• Crane operator and forklift certifications (or ability to obtain them).

Physical Demands

Occasionally lift heavy items (up to 50 pounds), though most lifting involves less than 10 pounds.

Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach above head and below shoulder level, and communicate effectively.

Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, and loud environments.

Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration.

Ability to work in a non‑climate‑controlled environment.