Tool Maker

smithandwessoncareers; Maryville (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

smithandwessoncareers in Tennessee seeks a Tool Maker to craft tooling from engineering drawings using manual machines and occasional CNC tools. You will read blueprints, set up tools, sharpen tooling, and maintain dies to support mold and production processes.

The role requires an apprenticeship background, solid math and geometry skills, and the ability to work across tooling disciplines. Knowledge of hydraulic/air clamping and basic computer use is valued.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship training program required.
• Experience varies by Tool Maker level (I, II, or III).
• Read blueprints and use measuring devices to create or modify tooling.
• Basic math and geometry knowledge used for tolerances and layouts.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and air clamping systems is a plus.
• Must read/write/interpret English; basic computer skills preferred.
• Injection molding tooling experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work from engineering drawings to mark out designs on raw materials and shape tooling with manual machines (lathes, milling machines, grinders, jig borers, jig grinders) and occasional CNC use.
• Read blueprints and use measuring devices to make or modify tooling for new or old job prints.
• Ensure tools and tool holders are sharpened and in good condition; order replacements as needed to maintain stock.
• Create die making items and maintain existing dies (punches, dies, steel rule dies, die sets).
• Assist production by troubleshooting machining processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering to develop prototype tooling and parts.
• Set up and operate tool room equipment; manage tool room checkout in the system.
• Use hydraulic and air clamping systems as needed; follow quality standards and inspection reporting.

Skills

Mathematics & measurements

Blueprint reading

English literacy

Basic computer skills

Mold/tooling experience

Education

Apprenticeship training program

Tools

Surface grinder

CNC machines

Wire EDM

RO grinders

Jig grinders

Lathes

Milling machines

Hydraulic clamping systems

Air clamping systems

Job description

Use appropriate equipment such as surface grinder, CNC, wire EDM, RO GRINDERS, and equipment to create and make tooling to match part drawings. With the proper equipment have the ability to create angles, radius, on all tooling to create a high quality, tight tolerance parts. These duties are to be performed within quality and production standards.

Education and Experience:

• Years of experience required varies based on Tool Maker I, II, or II
• Education: Apprenticeship training program

Competencies and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to interpret bar graphs. Good working knowledge of Algebra and Geometry.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and air clamping systems a plus
• Must be able to read, write and interpret English language
• Basic computer skills preferred
• Injection molding tooling experience preferred

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work from engineering drawings to mark out design on raw materials; cutting into shape using manually controlled machine tools (such as lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, jig borers and jig grinders) along with hand tools. Some tasks may be required to be completed utilizing CNC machines and operator performed programming
• Read blueprints and use necessary measuring devices to make, or modify existing tooling, tools for new or old job prints
• Make sure tools are sharpened and tool holders in good working condition before being placed back on shelf or in tool drawers. Repair or requisition replacement parts, tooling or hardware as needed to maintain adequate stock
• Will be required to make Die Making items and maintain existing dies; this could include punches, dies, steel rule dies and die sets
• Assist production areas in troubleshooting machining processes and equipment problem
• Work closely with engineering in creating proto-type tooling and parts
• Check tooling in and out of tool room computer
• Set-up and operate all tool room
• Utilize hydraulic and air clamping systems on occasion
• Must be able to understand and perform to quality standards, methods, usage of inspection devices and reporting as required
• Perform specialty operations as requested by mold makers and tool management (EDM, Bridgeport, grinding, polishing, etc)
• Help fine-tune molds based on feedback from molding department and requests from mold makers
• Repair molds based on feedback from molding department
• Change mold versions

NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Physical Demands:

• Works in a manufacturing environment
• Able to lift and move up to 55 pounds occasionally
• Able to stand, sit, stoop, squat and walk

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

Within any of our facilities, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing and distribution operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards.

The following Personal Protective Equipment is required: Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor. The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

Updated 9/21/2026