Tool Maker

OPW Global; Whitsett (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

OPW Global is seeking a Tool Maker to design, fabricate, repair, and maintain precision tooling and fixtures for manufacturing operations. The position requires interpreting drawings, selecting machining methods, and operating CNC and manual machines to produce high-precision components.

The role collaborates with Engineering, Production, and Maintenance to resolve tooling issues, implement improvements, and ensure safe, efficient production.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years in tool making or precision machining.
• Experience setting up and operating manual and CNC equipment.
• Experience with tool room equipment such as mills, lathes, grinders, saws.
• Experience programming CNC equipment using G-code and M-code.
• Strong knowledge of tooling, materials, and machining processes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, blueprints, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret drawings to determine dimensions, tolerances, materials, and machining needs.
• Plan and perform machining operations to fabricate, modify, repair, or maintain tooling and fixtures.
• Set up and operate manual and CNC machine tools (mills, lathes, grinders, saws).
• Program CNC equipment using G-code and M-code.
• Design or modify jigs and fixtures to support manufacturing operations.
• Inspect using calipers, micrometers, gauges to verify specifications.
• Troubleshoot tooling and machining issues and implement repairs.
• Support engineering and production to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

Skills

CNC machining

Manual machining

CNC programming

Blueprint interpretation

Precision measurement

Tooling design

CAD/CAM experience

5-axis machining

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Grinders

Saws

Job description

What You'll Get To DoThe Tool Maker is a highly skilled machining professional responsible for designing, fabricating, modifying, repairing, and maintaining precision tooling, fixtures, gauges, and related components used to support manufacturing operations. This position interprets engineering drawings and specifications, determines appropriate machining methods, and operates manual and CNC equipment to produce precision components.

What You'll Get To DoThe Tool Maker is a highly skilled machining professional responsible for designing, fabricating, modifying, repairing, and maintaining precision tooling, fixtures, gauges, and related components used to support manufacturing operations. This position interprets engineering drawings and specifications, determines appropriate machining methods, and operates manual and CNC equipment to produce precision components. The Tool Maker works closely with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and CNC machining personnel to troubleshoot tooling and manufacturing issues, develop solutions, and ensure tooling supports safe, efficient, and consistent production.

How You'll Do It

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, models, and specifications to determine dimensions, tolerances, materials, and machining requirements.
• Plan and perform machining operations required to fabricate, modify, repair, or maintain tooling, fixtures, gauges, prototypes, and production components.
• Set up and operate manual and CNC machine tools, including mills, lathes, grinders, saws, and other tool room equipment.
• Program CNC equipment using applicable G-code and M-code programming.
• Design, build, modify, and repair jigs, fixtures, cutting tools, templates, and other tooling used to support manufacturing operations.
• Machine components to specified dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes using appropriate tooling and machining methods.
• Perform precision inspection using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring equipment to verify conformance to specifications.
• Fit, assemble, grind, shim, and adjust components to achieve proper fit, alignment, and functionality.
• Troubleshoot tooling, fixture, and machining issues and make necessary modifications or repairs to support production.
• Conduct test runs and validate completed tooling to ensure parts meet dimensional and functional requirements.
• Support production and engineering teams in resolving tooling-related quality, efficiency, and manufacturability issues.
• Safely lift, position, and secure workpieces using appropriate material-handling equipment.
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and basic upkeep of assigned tool room equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with established safety and 6S requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, productivity, tooling performance, and manufacturing processes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required

What You Bring to the Role:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Five or more years of experience in tool making, precision machining, or a closely related machining environment.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating both manual and CNC machining equipment.
• Experience with tool room equipment such as mills, engine lathes, surface grinders, ID/OD grinders, saws, and related equipment.
• Experience programming CNC equipment using G-code and M-code.
• Strong working knowledge of cutting tools, machining processes, materials, and basic tool grinding.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, and gauges.

Preferred

• Technical or trade school training in machining, tool and die, or a related discipline; Associate degree preferred.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software.
• Experience with simultaneous 5-axis machining.
• Experience designing or fabricating jigs, fixtures, gauges, or other production tooling.