Tooling Repair Technician (Machinist) - Day Shift

Kennametal; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement savings programs

Employee Assistance Program

Paid leave programs

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Kennametal in La Vergne, TN is looking for a Tooling Repair Technician. This entry-level position is crucial for ensuring efficient production by maintaining and repairing tooling used in manufacturing. Candidates should have a strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to read blueprints.

You will work in a climate-controlled environment, operating CNC lathes and EDM machines while adhering to safety protocols and preventive maintenance processes.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
• Basic machining and manufacturing knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Repair, recondition, and maintain tooling, press dies, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, overlays, and tooling drawings.
• Set up and operate machine tools to restore tooling to specification.

Skills

Blueprint Reading

Tooling Repair & Reconditioning

Preventive Maintenance

Precision Inspection

Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

Education

High School Diploma or GED

2-year or 4-year Technical Degree

Tools

CNC Lathes

EDM Machines

Optical Comparators

Keyence Measurement Systems

Job description

At a Glance

Company: Kennametal
Location: La Vergne, TN
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: DOE
Shift: Day Shift | Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Overtime: As Needed
Experience Level: Entry Level
Published: June 24, 2026

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Why This Role Exists

Kennametal relies on precision tooling to maintain the quality, efficiency, and reliability of its manufacturing operations. The Tooling Repair Technician plays a critical role in keeping production running by repairing, reconditioning, inspecting, and maintaining tooling and fixtures used throughout the manufacturing process.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for mechanically inclined individuals interested in machining, tooling, maintenance, and precision manufacturing while gaining experience with a variety of machine tools and inspection equipment.

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The Work You'll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Repair, recondition, and maintain tooling, press dies, fixtures, and production equipment
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, overlays, and tooling drawings
• Set up and operate machine tools to restore tooling to specification
• Utilize CNC lathes, grinders, polishers, EDM equipment, and other repair machinery
• Coordinate tooling repairs to support production schedules and minimize downtime
• Perform detailed inspections to identify tooling wear and root causes of manufacturing issues
• Functionally test repaired tooling before releasing it back to production
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance on tool room equipment
• Coordinate outsourced repairs when tooling cannot be repaired internally
• Follow all safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout requirements
• Work closely with supervisors and production teams to ensure tooling availability

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Machines, Equipment & Inspection Tools

You'll work with equipment such as:

• CNC Lathes
• Grinders
• EDM Machines
• Polishers
• Tool Room Equipment

Inspection Equipment

• Optical Comparators
• Keyence Measurement Systems
• Inspection Scopes
• Precision Measuring Equipment

Technical Skills

• Blueprint Reading
• Tooling Repair & Reconditioning
• Preventive Maintenance
• Precision Inspection
• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

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Materials & Components

You will support the repair and maintenance of:

• Press Dies
• Grinding Anvils
• Prisms
• Production Tooling
• Manufacturing Fixtures
• Precision Production Components

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Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics
• Basic machining and manufacturing knowledge
• Strong attention to detail
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable and dependable work habits
• Commitment to safety and quality

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-year or 4-year Technical Degree
• Machining or tool room experience
• Experience operating machine tools
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices
• Familiarity with precision inspection equipment
• Trigonometry and shop math skills

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Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay

Competitive Compensation – DOE

Benefits

Kennametal offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid leave programs
• Employee recognition programs
• Career development opportunities
• Wellness resources and support programs

Schedule

Day Shift

• Monday–Friday
• 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Overtime

• Available as business needs require

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Work Environment

• Climate-controlled manufacturing facility
• Dust collection systems throughout production areas
• Safety-focused workplace
• Safety glasses and safety shoes required
• Additional PPE provided as needed

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Physical Requirements

• Standing for most of the shift
• Frequent walking, reaching, bending, and lifting
• Ability to lift materials and tooling up to 33 pounds
• Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment

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