Toolmaker

Microfluidics; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX in Oak Harbor, WA is seeking an experienced Toolmaker to maintain, repair, and improve plastic injection molds. The role focuses on machining, grinding, and fitting replacement tooling components to restore mold performance, ensure part quality, and minimize downtime.

The candidate must have strong precision machining skills, tooling knowledge, and the ability to work to tight tolerances, with 100% onsite work in Manufacturing Engineering.

Qualifications

• High School Graduate or equivalent required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience as a Toolmaker.
• Experience with hardened tool steels: D2, S7, H13.
• Ability to work with subcontractors (material suppliers, welding shops, heat-treating vendors).
• SolidWorks design experience is a plus.
• Full mold design and build capability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair existing molds used in production, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Machine, grind, and fit new mold components including core pins, ejector pins and sleeves, blocks and cavities, inserts and related wear components.
• Fabricate and repair mold slides using EDM.
• Diagnose mold wear, damage, and performance issues, and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Operate manual and CNC machine tools, including lathes, mills, surface grinders, and tool grinders.
• Perform precision grinding and polishing to meet required tolerances and surface finishes.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using precision measuring equipment (micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges).
• Assemble, disassemble, and test molds to ensure proper function following repairs.
• Work from prints, sketches, and verbal instructions; make minor adjustments as necessary for fit and function.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to support production needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation of mold maintenance and repair activities.
• Identify and recommend appropriate capital equipment necessary to perform assigned tasks.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area.

Education

High School Graduate or equivalent

10+ years Toolmaker experience

Experience with hardened tool steels D2, S7, H13

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact. With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses (https://www.idexcorp.com/our-businesses/business-segments/) around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.

Toolmaker

REPSRT TO: Engineering Director

DEPARTMENT: Manufacturing Engineering

LOCATION: Oak Harbor, WA (100% Onsite)

Summary

The Toolmaker is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and improvement of plastic injection molds. This role focuses on machining, grinding, and fitting replacement tooling components such as core pins, ejector pins, and ejector sleeves to restore mold performance, ensure part quality, and minimize production downtime. The position requires strong precision machining skills, tooling knowledge, and the ability to work to tight tolerances.

Essential Duties

• Maintain and repair existing molds used in production, ensuring optimal performance and reliability
• Machine, grind, and fit new mold components including:
• Core pins
• Ejector pins and sleeves
• Blocks and cavities
• Inserts and related wear components
• Fabricate and repair mold slides using EDM
• Diagnose mold wear, damage, and performance issues, and determine appropriate corrective actions
• Operate manual and CNC machine tools, including lathes, mills, surface grinders, and tool grinders
• Perform precision grinding and polishing to meet required tolerances and surface finishes
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using precision measuring equipment (e.g., micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges)
• Assemble, disassemble, and test molds to ensure proper function following repairs
• Work from prints, sketches, and verbal instructions; make minor adjustments as necessary for fit and function
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to support production needs
• Maintain accurate documentation of mold maintenance and repair activities
• Identify and recommend appropriate capital equipment necessary to perform assigned tasks
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area

Education And Experience

• High School Graduate or equivalent required
• Minimum 10 years of experience as a Toolmaker
• Experience working with hardened tool steels such as D2, S7, and H13
• Ability to work with subcontractors, including material suppliers, welding shops, heat-treating vendors
• SolidWorks design experience is a plus
• Full mold design and build capability is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing while operating machinery
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at required
• Manual dexterity necessary for precision work
• Integrity and Trust – Is widely trusted; seen as direct and truthful; presents difficult truths appropriately; maintains confidentiality; admits mistakes; does not misrepresent self for personal gain.
• Peer Relationships – Builds effective relationships quickly; collaborates well; resolves issues constructively; balances personal and team interests; earns peer trust and support.
• Technical Learning – Learns new technical concepts quickly; adapts to new tools, processes, products, and industry knowledge.
• Problem Solving – Uses logical and analytical methods to solve complex problems; identifies root causes; evaluates alternatives; goes beyond obvious solutions.

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer: IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $88,200.00 - $132,200.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Job Family: Engineering

Business Unit: Fluidics