Tool Shop Tool Maker

Flex-N-Gate; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, Vision and Dental insurance

Paid Vacation

12 Paid Holidays

Job summary

A leading automotive component manufacturer in Urbana is seeking a skilled Tool and Die Maker to maintain and troubleshoot stamping dies. The ideal candidate should have proven experience in tool making and welding skills, with strong problem-solving abilities. This role involves manual machining, training apprentices, and requires flexibility to work under pressure. The company offers competitive benefits including a 401(k) plan, medical insurance, and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in tool and die making, with understanding of stamping dies.
• Crane operator and forklift certifications or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on stamping dies and related equipment.
• Train apprentices in a four-year program.
• Read technical prints and use precision tools.
• Machine parts with manual mills and lathes.
• Troubleshoot production breakdowns.

Skills

Tool and die making

Welding (TIG, MIG, ARC)

Technical problem-solving

Manual machining tools

CNC operations knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Precision measuring tools

Job description

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry, recently ranked 10th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in Automotive News. A growing and vital company, Flex-N-Gate provides a great opportunity for hard-working and skilled individuals.

Job Title

Tool and Die Maker

Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Tool and Die Maker to join our team. 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 supporting equipment.
• Train apprentices in a four-year program, progressively delegating duties and responsibilities.
• Read and interpret technical prints and use precision measuring tools.
• Machine parts 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.

Ability to work an 8-hour shift with occasional overtime, including weekends. Shift includes two 10-minute breaks and a 20-minute paid meal break.

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.
• 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.

Work Environment

The work environment is representative of conditions typical for a manufacturing facility. Guardian West is not a climate-controlled facility. Safety precautions must always be followed to reduce exposure to hazards.

Why Join Us?

We offer a competitive pay rate, opportunities for skill development, and a dynamic work environment where your expertise as a Tool and Die Maker will directly contribute to the success of the team.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, Vision and Dental insurance
• Additional employee-sponsored benefits: Short Term and Long-Term disability, FSA & HSA accounts
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays

Guardian West is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for precision and quality, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our team!

Medical, dental, prescription, vision, life and disability insurance; and a flexible spending account; 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match; extensive safety training, new hire orientation, continuous learning and development programs and tuition reimbursement; paid holidays and vacation time.

What do our employees have to say?

“It engages you professionally, and provides learning opportunities.”

“Lots of growth opportunity.”

“The company’s young enough to be exciting, but old enough to be stable.”

Not just a job—a great place to work!

Flex-N-Gate is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.