Tooling - Toolmaker

NIFCO; Shelbyville (KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Nifco in Shelbyville, KY is seeking an experienced Mold Maker to repair, maintain and optimize injection molds. You will set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, perform EDM and TIG welding, and fabricate fixtures, jigs and gauges to improve efficiency, safety and precision in production.

The role requires 2+ years mold making or journeyman training, blueprint reading, and strong mechanical aptitude. You'll work on preventive maintenance and tooling improvements in a collaborative manufacturing

Qualifications

• 2+ years mold making experience or journeyman program completed.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of dimensional mathematics.
• Fine bench work detailing requiring precision.
• Proficient reading and interpretation of blueprints.
• Proficient with CNC mills and lathes; EDM; TIG welding; grinders.

Responsibilities

• Repair or replace broken or damaged mold components using hand tools, power tools and CNC equipment.
• Study blueprints and specifications to determine replacements.
• Measure and reference dimensions with calipers, micrometers and comparators.
• Modify mold designs and machine prototype molds to new specs.
• Perform preventative maintenance on existing molds.
• Inspect new molds, verify dimensions and alignments, then reassemble.
• Design and fabricate fixtures, jigs and gauges for all departments.
• Provide continuous improvement opportunities for tooling.
• Troubleshoot flash and core breakage; support tooling improvements.

Skills

Blueprint reading

CNC milling

CNC turning

EDM

TIG welding

Grinders

CADCAM

Forklift

Measurement tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Hurco

CNC mills

Lathes

EDM

Wire EDM

Welding tools

Grinders

Job description

Nifco - Shelbyville, 380 Hudson Blvd, Shelbyville, Kentucky, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Job Summary: Repair and maintain injection molds by setting up and operating computerized and machine tools; design and fabricate fixtures, jigs and gauges that enhance the efficiency, safety and precision of manufactured and assembled parts.

Essential Functions

Level 1 to 2:

• Repair or replace broken or damaged components of injection molds with use of hand tools, power tools and computerized equipment.
• Ability to study specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, damaged part or description of parts to be replaced.
• Measures, marks and writes dimensions and reference points by use of such hand tools as calipers, micrometers and comparators.
• Modify designs and machine prototype molds according to new specifications.
• Preventative maintenance on existing molds
• New mold inspection: disassemble to verify dimensions and alignment according to specifications then reassemble.
• Design and fabricate fixtures, jigs and gauges for all departments.
• Work flexible hours and overtime as needed.
• Available to work “on call” day or night in case of production emergencies.
• Press calls to troubleshoot reasons for downtime (Level 2)
• Problem solving of flash and broken tools to prevent repeat issues (Level 2)
• Behave in a positive manger that enhances the success of the company.
• Other tasks as assigned and based on Level

Level 3:

• Provide continuous improvement opportunities for tooling to support Manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot cause and implement improvements for core breakage and flash.
• Check in new or transferred tooling to Nifco’s standards check list.
• Support and provide technical guidance less experienced tooling team members.
• Follow all safety guidelines and expectations.
• Other management assigned tasks as required.
• Physical inventory process as assigned.
• Repair or replace broken or damaged components of molds as directed with machine tool equipment.
• Bench work for fitting of shut-off details for flash repairs.
• Reading part prints for dimensional requirements.
• Use of measuring devices (micrometers, calipers, depth micrometers, comparators)
• Use the following equipment (mills, lathe, drill press, wash tanks, Hurco, EDM, Wire, grinders, polishing equipment).
• Preventative maintenance on existing molds.
• Fabricate gages and fixtures as required.
• Represent the department and Nifco by behaving in a positive manner that will enhance the success of Nifco, the TS procedure, and the Safety Program and requirements.
• Other tasks as assigned that would include (but not limited to) identifying molds, prepare molds for shipping (palletize & shrink wrap), move to staging or storage area, assist with training other associates as requested, work on off days and unscheduled hours as requested.

• Trouble shooting of flash and broken cores of plastic injection molds.
• Trouble shoot press calls to manufacturing floor on injection molding machines for tooling related issues.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Skills/Experience/Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in mold making or have completed an approved journeyman program.
• Proven mechanical aptitude with a general understanding of dimensional mathematics.
• Skill in fine bench work detailing requiring finesse and accuracy.
• Must be proficient at reading and interpreting blueprints.
• Proficient in the use of CNC mills and lathes; E.D.M.; TIG welding; grinders
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Must be analytical and make sound decisions pertaining to job functions.
• Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Must be cooperative and work well in team environment.
• CADCAM and forklift experience

Physical/Ergonomic Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Nifco - Shelbyville, 380 Hudson Blvd, Shelbyville, Kentucky, United States of America