Toolmaker

Workforce Recruiter; 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

Career Advancement Opportunities

Job summary

Our client in Hastings, MI seeks an experienced Toolmaker to build, repair, and maintain high-precision tooling for high-volume manufacturing. You will read engineering drawings and CAD prints, select machining methods, and ensure tight tolerances while working with mills, lathes, grinders, and CNC tools.

The role offers 2nd/3rd shifts, competitive hourly pay of $33.00–$38.00 plus shift premiums, full-time/direct-hire status, and strong benefits including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k)

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Completion of a recognized Tool & Die or Toolmaker Apprenticeship with a minimum of four years' experience.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling including dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, and production tooling.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD prints, and technical specifications to determine machining methods and materials.
• Plan and perform precision machining, bench work, fitting, assembly, and finishing of tooling components with tight tolerances.
• Set up, operate, and maintain manual machine tools and CNC Tool Room equipment.
• Perform precision surface grinding for dimensional accuracy and finishes.
• Machine complex components requiring advanced setups and measurements.
• Install, adjust, troubleshoot, and test tooling during production trials.
• Assemble tooling and verify dimensions, alignment, and functionality with precision measuring tools.
• Inspect tooling and machined components for compliance to drawings and specs.
• Mark and lay out raw materials for machining operations.
• Diagnose tooling failures and implement repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain a clean, safe Tool Room and support safety procedures.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Machining

Quality inspection

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or 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