Tooling Engineer

PlasticStaffing.com; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Plastic Staffing is conducting a confidential search for experienced Plastic Tooling Technicians to support a precision plastics manufacturing operation in Virginia. This hands‑on role focuses on tooling, toolroom operations, machining, fitting, repair, and mold‑related work; approximately 70% tooling and 30% mold related work.

The ideal candidate has strong tooling experience, CNC/EDM background, GD&T knowledge, and a solid understanding of plastic injection molds.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on tooling, toolmaking, toolroom or mold making experience.
• Strong tooling and toolroom operations experience with machining.
• Experience reading blueprints, CAD models and GD&T.
• Familiar with CNC/EDM milling, grinding and turning equipment.
• Passport required; ability to travel if needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision tooling repair, modification, fitting and fabrication.
• Operate CNC, EDM, milling, grinding, turning and related toolroom equipment.
• Inspect tooling components for wear, fit and dimensional accuracy.
• Support injection mold repair, modification, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Read tooling drawings/ CAD models and apply GD&T and tolerances.
• Maintain tooling records and coordinate with suppliers as needed.
• Work secondary on mold components and assist Engineering and Production teams.
• Follow safety, quality and manufacturing procedures; maintain attendance.

Skills

Precision tooling

Tooling knowledge

GD&T

Dimensional inspection

Mold making

Blueprint reading

Tools

CNC machining

EDM

Milling

Grinding

Turning

Precision measurement equipment

Job description

Compensation: $30–$39/hour + Shift Differential

Industry: Plastics / Injection Molding Manufacturing

Location: based in Virginia ( Relocation assistance offered for qualified candidates)

Schedule: Full-Time / 2-2-3 rotating 12-hour schedule (Panama Schedule): 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, followed by 2 days off, 2 days on, and 3 days off.

Position Summary

Plastic Staffing is conducting a confidential search for experienced Plastic Tooling Technicians to support a precision plastics manufacturing operation in Virginia.

This is a hands‑on technical position focused primarily on precision tooling, toolroom operations, machining, fitting, repair, modification, and maintenance, with additional responsibility for injection molding tooling and mold‑related work.

The position is approximately 70% tooling and 30% injection mold‑related work. The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with precision tooling, machining equipment, tooling components, and dimensional requirements, along with a solid working knowledge of plastic injection molds.

This opportunity may be a strong fit for an experienced Tooling Technician, Toolroom Technician, Toolmaker, Mold Tooling Technician, Senior Toolmaker, Mold Maker, or similar precision manufacturing professional. Lead‑level experience is valued, but prior supervisory or management experience is not required. A valid passport is required for this position.

Requirements

• Perform precision tooling repair, modification, fitting, adjustment, and fabrication.
• A valid passport is required for this position.
• Machine and modify tooling components to meet dimensional and production requirements.
• Operate CNC, EDM, milling, grinding, turning, or other appropriate precision toolroom equipment.
• Inspect tooling components for wear, damage, dimensional issues, and proper fit.
• Read and interpret tooling drawings, blueprints, CAD models, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Apply GD&T, fits, clearances, tolerances, and precision measurement principles.
• Fabricate, repair, fit, polish, adjust, and restore tooling components as required.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and determine appropriate repair or modification requirements.
• Support injection mold repair, modification, maintenance, and troubleshooting as required.
• Inspect and repair mold components, including inserts, cores, cavities, slides, lifters, ejector components, and related tooling.
• Assist Engineering and Production with tooling‑related issues affecting production, quality, dimensional consistency, and uptime.
• Support tooling modifications, engineering changes, new tooling, and tooling qualification activities.
• Perform dimensional inspections using appropriate precision measurement equipment.
• Maintain tooling and toolroom equipment in a safe, clean, organized, and production‑ready condition.
• Maintain accurate tooling records, repair documentation, and maintenance information.
• Coordinate with outside tooling suppliers or service providers when required.
• Prioritize tooling repairs and modifications based on production requirements.
• Follow established safety, quality, and manufacturing procedures.
• Work effectively on Second or Third Shift and maintain reliable attendance consistent with production requirements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in tooling, toolmaking, toolroom operations, mold making, or a closely related precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands‑on experience with precision tooling and toolroom operations.
• Experience machining, fitting, repairing, modifying, or fabricating tooling components.
• Experience with CNC machining, EDM, manual milling, grinding, turning, or comparable precision machining equipment.
• Working knowledge of precision measurement, fits, tolerances, clearances, and GD&T.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret tooling drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and technical documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and precision workmanship.
• Ability to troubleshoot tooling problems and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Experience working with tight‑tolerance components and precision tooling.
• Working knowledge of plastic injection molds and common mold components.
• Ability to work independently while effectively supporting Engineering, Quality, Production, and other technical teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.
• Ability to manage multiple tooling priorities in a production environment.
• Ability and willingness to work Second or Third Shift.

Plastic Staffing is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates.