Tool Maker

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East is seeking a detail-oriented Tool Maker to join our Tool Room. You will create, repair, and maintain precision tooling, dies, jigs, and fixtures, reading blueprints and CAD data to drive accurate fabrication.

The role requires experience with metal stamping tooling, setup of manual and CNC machines, and strong problem-solving skills. A strong safety and quality mindset is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Completion of an apprenticeship or technical training in a Tool and Die program or equivalent work experience in toolmaking for metal stamping.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience with compound blanks, semi-blanks, progressive dies, secondary tooling, fixtures and gages.
• Proficient in toolroom equipment including grinders, mills, lathes, and CNC machining & turning centers.
• Strong understanding of die clearances, press setup, and material flow in stamping operations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, die designs, and GD&T specifications.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with high-strength steels and their impact on die wear and performance.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Interpret drawings, blueprints, and CAD files to plan tooling construction or repairs.
• Set up and operate manual and CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and surface finishers to fabricate die components.
• Assemble, fit, and test tools and dies to ensure proper function and fit.
• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on stamping tools and dies to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve tool performance and resolve stamping issues.
• Modify existing tools and fixtures to accommodate changes in design or production processes.
• Maintain detailed documentation of tool builds, repairs, and modifications.
• Ensure all work complies with company safety, quality, and production standards.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Independent work

Quality focus

Education

Tool & Die apprenticeship

Tools

Grinders

Mills

Lathes

CNC machines

CNC turning centers

Job description

Title:Tool Maker

Department:Tool Room

Position Type:Hourly / Full Time

Pay Rate:$30-$41/hour DOE

Work Schedule:6:00am – 4:30pm M-Th

Our client manufactures parts from a wide range of materials to customers in industries that include aerospace, computer, construction, dental, electronics, government, military, medical, recreation, and telecommunications. The Company prides itself on high quality products and dedicated customer service. Employees are guided by a set of core values that ensures a safe work environment, a team atmosphere, and focused growth opportunities.

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail‑oriented Toolmaker with a strong background in metal stamping to join our manufacturing team. The Toolmaker will be responsible for creating, repairing, and maintaining precision tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in the production process. This role requires excellent blueprint reading, machining, and problem‑solving skills to ensure the accurate fabrication of components.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD files to plan tooling construction or repairs.
• Set up and operate a variety of manual and CNC machines including mills, lathes, grinders, and surface finishers to fabricate precision die components.
• Assemble, fit, and test tools and dies to ensure proper function and fit.
• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on stamping tools and dies to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve tool performance and resolve stamping issues.
• Modify existing tools and fixtures to accommodate changes in design or production processes.
• Maintain detailed documentation of tool builds, repairs, and modifications.
• Ensure all work complies with company safety, quality, and production standards.

Requirements

• Completion of an apprenticeship or technical training in a Tool and Die program or equivalent work experience in toolmaking for metal stamping.
• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on experience working with compound blanks, semi‑blanks, progressive dies, secondary tooling, fixtures and gages.
• Proficient in the use of toolroom equipment, including grinders, mills, lathes, and CNC machining & turning centers.
• Strong understanding of die clearances, press setup, and material flow in stamping operations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, die designs, and GD&T specifications.
• Excellent problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with high‑strength steels and their impact on die wear and performance.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with in‑die sensors and die protection systems.
• Experience with Haas CNC machining & turning centers a plus
• Experience with CAD/CAM software
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.