Toolmaker

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Kingfisher Recruiting's client in Hastings, Michigan is hiring a Toolmaker to build, repair, and maintain precision tooling for high-volume manufacturing. You will interpret drawings, set up mills, lathes, grinders, and CNC tool room equipment to produce dies, molds, and fixtures.

The position offers competitive hourly pay with shift premiums, full medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Tool & Die apprenticeship completed with 4 years toolmaker experience, or 8 years progressive experience.
• Experience as Toolmaker or related roles in manufacturing.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling.
• Interpret drawings and specifications to determine machining methods.
• Set up and operate manual and CNC tool room equipment.
• Inspect tooling and machined components for quality.
• Maintain a clean, safe Tool Room and support improvements.

Skills

Blueprint reading

CNC tooling

Precision machining

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tool & Die Apprenticeship

Tools

Mills

Lathes

CNC equipment

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