Tool Room Technician

Gates Corporation; Rochester Hills (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) company match

Job summary

Gates is seeking a Tool Room Technician to perform skilled machining, maintenance, and repair of tooling, fixtures, and precision components. The role involves following detailed instructions, interpreting drawings, and applying GD&T concepts to ensure tight tolerances.

You will support engineering and production teams, assist with prototype builds, and maintain documentation in a safe, organized tool room environment.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent with technical training in machining, tool and die, or related field.
• 4-8 years in tool room, machining or manufacturing maintenance environment.
• Proficient with manual machining equipment and reading technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance, repair, and minor modification of tooling and gauges.
• Execute machining operations on lathes, mills, and grinders per drawings.
• Interpret drawings and ensure components meet tolerances.
• Use precision measurement tools to verify dimensions and quality.
• Record activities and maintain documentation per procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized tool room environment.

Skills

Manual machining

Reading drawings

GD&T understanding

Precision measurement

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Technical machining training

Tool & die related training

Tools

CNC machining (support)

Maintenance systems

Work order tracking tools

Job description

Position Summary

The Tool Room Technician performs skilled machining, maintenance, and repair of tooling, fixtures, and precision components to support manufacturing, engineering, and prototype activities. This role executes assigned tasks with a high degree of accuracy and consistency, working within established processes and procedures. The position requires technical competence, attention to detail, and the ability to resolve routine tooling issues while escalating more complex problems to senior technicians or engineers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance, repair, and minor modification of tooling, fixtures, and gauges used in manufacturing and prototype environments
• Execute machining operations using manual equipment such as lathes, mills, and grinders, following detailed instructions and drawings
• Interpret basic technical drawings and specifications to produce or repair components within defined tolerances
• Use precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, etc.) to verify dimensional accuracy and compliance
• Support engineering and production teams by completing assigned tooling tasks and adjustments in a timely manner
• Assist with prototype builds, tooling setups, and simple modifications under the direction of senior technicians or engineers
• Record work performed, including maintenance and repair activities, in accordance with established documentation practices
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the tool room
• Identify and report tooling issues, defects, or process deviations and elevate as appropriate
• Follow all safety, quality, and operational standards consistently

Requirements and Preferred Skills

Education & Experience

• 4-8 years of experience in a tool room, machining, or manufacturing maintenance environment
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Technical training in machining, tool & die, or related field preferred

Required Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency operating manual machining equipment (lathe, mill, grinder)
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings and work instructions
• Basic understanding of GD&T and dimensional tolerancing
• Skilled in the use of precision measurement instruments
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to follow standard work processes and safety protocols
• Effective communication and collaboration with engineering and production teams
• Basic troubleshooting skills for tooling and equipment issues

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a prototype or development-focused environment
• Exposure to CNC machining or programming (support-level, not primary responsibility)
• Familiarity with tooling maintenance systems or work order tracking tools
• Basic welding or fabrication skills

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and technical center setting
• Exposure to machining equipment, tooling operations, and prototype development activities
• Requires adherence to strict safety standards and use of PPE
• May involve standing for extended periods and handling precision components

Pay & Benefits

• Full-Time
• Hourly: $25.00 - $29.00
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for (3 or 2) weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.