Toolmaker

Genie Matthews and Associates; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Genie Matthews and Associates is seeking an experienced Toolmaker for a manufacturing facility in Hastings, Michigan. The role involves building, repairing, and maintaining dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, and production tooling to support high-volume operations.

You will read engineering drawings, CAD prints, and specs to determine methods, perform precision machining, and ensure tight tolerances. A Tool & Die Apprenticeship or equivalent is required, with 4+ years of toolmaking experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Completion of Tool & Die or Toolmaker Apprenticeship (min 4 years).
• Experience as Toolmaker, Tool & Die Maker/Technician in manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, CAD prints.
• Experience with CNC and manual machine tools.
• Strong attention to detail and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling for high-volume manufacturing.
• Interpret drawings and CAD prints to determine machining methods.
• Plan and perform precision machining, fitting, and finishing.
• Set up and operate mills, lathes, drills, grinders, and CNC equipment.
• Perform precision surface grinding for dimensional accuracy.
• Machine complex components with advanced setups and measurements.
• Install, adjust, troubleshoot, and test tooling during try-outs.
• Assemble tooling and verify dimensions, alignment, and fit.
• Inspect tooling to ensure conformance to drawings and specs.
• Mark, measure, lay out, and prepare raw materials for machining.
• Diagnose tooling failures and implement repairs to minimize downtime.
• Perform preventative maintenance and tooling improvements.
• Maintain a clean, safe Tool Room and support safety procedures.
• Assist with continuous improvement and additional Tool Room projects.

Skills

Reading engineering drawings

Machining operations

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Tool & Die Apprenticeship

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CNC Tool Room equipment

Manual machines

Precision measuring tools

Job description

Our client is a global mnufacturing business with more than a century of manufacturing excellence. Due to continued business growth, increased production volumes, and ongoing investment in manufacturing operations, they are seeking experienced Toolmakers to join their growing Tool Room team based at their manufacturing facility in Hastings, Michigan.

As a Toolmaker, you will be responsible for building, repairing, modifying, and maintaining precision tooling that supports high-volume manufacturing operations. Working within a modern Tool Room environment, you will manufacture and repair dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, and production tooling while ensuring the highest standards of precision, quality, and reliability.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and expanding manufacturer that offers long-term career progression, modern equipment, excellent benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development, continuous improvement, and workplace safety.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling, including dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, mechanisms, and production tooling used in high-volume manufacturing.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints, and technical specifications to determine machining methods, material requirements, and machining sequences.
• Plan and perform precision machining, bench work, fitting, assembly, and finishing of tooling components while maintaining tight dimensional tolerances.
• Set up, operate, and maintain manual machine tools including mills, lathes, drill presses, grinders, and CNC Tool Room equipment.
• Perform precision surface grinding to achieve required dimensional accuracy, finishes, and part quality.
• Machine complex components requiring advanced setups, precision measurements, and creative problem-solving techniques.
• Install, adjust, troubleshoot, and test tooling during production try-outs and trial runs to ensure optimum performance.
• Assemble tooling, dies, and mechanical components while verifying dimensions, alignment, fit, and functionality using precision measuring equipment.
• Inspect completed tooling and machined components to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, quality standards, and manufacturing specifications.
• Mark, measure, lay out, and prepare raw materials for machining operations using precision measuring and layout tools.
• Diagnose tooling failures, identify root causes of wear or damage, and implement effective repairs to minimise production downtime.
• Perform preventative maintenance and modifications to improve tooling reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe Tool Room while following all company safety procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and assist with additional Tool Room projects as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industrial experience.
• Completion of a recognized Tool & Die or Toolmaker Apprenticeship with a minimum of four (4) years' Toolmaker experience, or eight (8) years of progressive Toolmaker experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience as a Toolmaker, Tool & Die Maker, Tool & Die Technician, Precision Machinist, CNC Toolmaker, Mold Maker, or similar precision manufacturing role.
• Experience building and repairing production dies, fixtures, molds, and precision tooling.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints, and technical documentation.
• Experience operating manual machine tools and CNC Tool Room equipment.
• Proficient using precision measuring instruments while maintaining tight machining tolerances.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality workmanship.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Schedule:

2nd & 3rd Shifts Available

Rate:

$33.00 - $38.00 p/h D.O.E + Shift Premiums

Term:

Full-Time, Direct-Hire

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with Company Match, Paid Time Off + More & Career Advancement Opportunities

Location:

Hastings, Michigan