Toolmaker

Connectly Recruiting; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off + More

Career Advancement Opportunities

Job summary

Connectly Recruiting has partnered with a Hastings, Michigan-based manufacturing client to hire experienced Toolmakers for their Tool Room team. You will build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling used in high-volume production, interpreting drawings and CAD prints to determine machining methods and sequences.

You will set up and operate manual machines and CNC Tool Room equipment, perform precision surface work, and ensure tight tolerances.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED plus formal Tool & Die apprenticeship or equivalent.
• 4+ years Toolmaker experience, or 8+ years progressive Toolmaker work in manufacturing.
• Experience reading drawings, blueprints, CAD prints and specs.
• Experience building/repairing dies, molds, fixtures and tooling.
• Ability to operate manual machines and CNC Tool Room equipment.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain dies, molds, jigs, fixtures and tooling.
• Interpret drawings and CAD prints to plan machining methods and sequences.
• Set up and operate mills, lathes, drills, grinders, and CNC tools.
• Inspect tooling and components for conformance to specs and tolerances.
• Diagnose tool wear, perform repairs, and minimize downtime.
• Maintain clean, safe Tool Room and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

Precision measuring

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Machining setup

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tool & Die Apprenticeship

Tools

CNC Tool Room Equipment

Manual Machine Tools

Precision measuring instruments

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