Tooling and Die Department Supervisor

KI USA; Berea (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

KI USA in Berea, KY seeks a Working Supervisor for the Tool and Die department. You will oversee daily toolroom operations and actively perform hands-on machining, tool building, and repairs alongside the team. Regular shift is 8am–5pm, with extra time as needed and some weekends.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years in tool and die and 3–7 years in supervisory roles, plus strong leadership and problem-solving abilities to drive quality and on-time production.

Qualifications

• 3–7+ years of supervisor or lead experience in similar capacity.
• 5–7+ years of tool and die machinist experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and design schematics.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and operate large machinery.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on Production: Construct, modify, and repair complex tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds using manual and CNC machines.
• Team Leadership: Assign daily tasks, coordinate shift workflows, and guide tool and die team.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose tooling failures on the production floor and manage preventive maintenance programs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with production, engineering, and maintenance departments to minimize equipment downtime.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce plant safety rules, OSHA standards, and 5S cleanliness guidelines in the toolroom

Skills

Leadership experience

Tool and die machining

Blueprint reading

CNC and manual machining

Geometric measurement

Micrometers & calipers

Problem solving

Tools

CNC machines

Manual machines

Measuring tools

Heat-treating knowledge

Job description

KI USA is looking for a Working Supervisor for the Tool and Die department. The supervisor oversees the daily operations of a toolroom while actively performing hands-on machining, tool building, and repair tasks alongside the team. Supervisor works with and reports to department manager. Regular shift is 8am-5pm, with additional time worked as needs arise and some weekends as required.

Ideal candidate has strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and 5-7 years of experience in tool and die making and 3-7 years of supervisory or lead experience in Tool and Die or similar background.

Responsibilities, included but not limited to:

• Hands-on Production: Construct, modify, and repair complex tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds using manual and CNC machines.
• Team Leadership: Assign daily tasks, coordinate shift workflows, and guide tool and die team.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose tooling failures on the production floor and manage preventive maintenance programs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with production, engineering, and maintenance departments to minimize equipment downtime.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce plant safety rules, OSHA standards, and 5S cleanliness guidelines in the toolroom

Qualifications

• 3–7+ years of supervisor or lead experience in similar capacity.
• 5–7+ years of tool and die machinist experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and design schematics.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and operate large machinery.

Required Skills

• Previous Supervisor or Lead experience in similar.
• Mechanical aptitude: Deep knowledge of shop practices, metal types, and heat-treating processes.
• Math proficiency: Strong skills in 2D and 3D geometry and trigonometry for precise dimension checks.
• Precision measuring: Expertise with micrometers, calipers, and computerized measuring tools.

Preferred Skills

• Growth mindset, collaborative, mentoring and accountability focused leadership mentality.