Toolmaker

Truelove & Maclean, Inc., A member of SFS; Watertown (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Profit sharing

401(k) plan

Training opportunities

Safe work environment

Job summary

Truelove & Maclean, Inc., A member of SFS is seeking an experienced Deep Draw Toolmaker to build, repair, and optimize tooling for Waterbury Farrel and U.S. Baird presses.

The role requires strong knowledge of metal forming, precision machining, and tooling construction to troubleshoot production issues and improve part quality. The ideal candidate will collaborate with Production and Engineering to perform tool tryouts, maintenance, and new tooling development in a safety-focused environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years hands-on deep draw tooling experience; 10+ years preferred.
• Experience with Waterbury Farrel and U.S. Baird transfer presses.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and precision hand-fitting skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, maintain, repair, and modify deep draw dies and tooling.
• Troubleshoot tooling and production problems, including defects and wear.
• Perform tooling tryouts, adjustments, and repairs to improve quality and efficiency.
• Read blueprints and GD&T specifications and apply them to tooling.
• Use precision instruments (micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges).
• Operate mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses.
• Fit and finish tooling components to spec; support tooling development.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance.
• Document repairs and preventive maintenance; assist launches.

Skills

Deep draw tooling

Blueprints & GD&T

Mechanical aptitude

Precision hand-fitting

Troubleshooting tooling

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical school or apprenticeship (tool & die)

Tools

Waterbury Farrel presses

U.S. Baird presses

Precision measuring equipment

Job description

Reports To: Tool Room Supervisor or Tool Room Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: First shift, 6:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Deep Draw Toolmaker to build, maintain, repair, troubleshoot, and modify deep draw tooling for Waterbury Farrel and U.S. Baird transfer presses. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of metal forming, precision machining, and tooling construction, with the ability to troubleshoot production problems and improve part quality and tooling performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, maintain, repair, and modify deep draw dies and related tooling.
• Troubleshoot tooling and production problems, including wrinkles, splits, tearing, galling, and dimensional defects.
• Perform tooling tryouts, adjustments, and repairs to improve part quality and production efficiency.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, tooling designs, and GD&T specifications.
• Use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges.
• Operate conventional machine shop equipment, including mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses.
• Fit, grind, polish, and hand-finish tooling components to required specifications.
• Work with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to resolve tooling and process issues.
• Perform preventive maintenance and document tooling repairs and modifications.
• Assist with new tooling development, tooling installation, and production launches.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow company safety procedures, quality standards, and manufacturing requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on deep draw tooling experience; 10 or more years preferred.
• Experience with Waterbury Farrel and U.S. Baird transfer presses.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and precision hand-fitting skills.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and conventional machine shop tools.
• Knowledge of die clearances, punch and die alignment, material flow, lubrication, and forming conditions.
• Ability to troubleshoot tooling problems and work independently.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work effectively with production, engineering, and maintenance teams.
• High school diploma or GED preferred; technical school or an apprenticeship in tool and die making is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of die design, forming simulation, and tooling improvement techniques for transfer presses.
• Experience with tool steels, heat treatment, and surface treatments.
• Experience supporting high-volume metal stamping production.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move tooling components and materials within established safety limits, using mechanical lifting equipment when required.
• Ability to work around industrial machinery while following safety procedures and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Ability to perform detailed precision work in a manufacturing environment.

What We Offer

• Annual earning potential: $80,000-$160,000+, based on experience and overtime worked.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Annual profit sharing.
• 401(k) plan with company contribution.
• Opportunities for training, skill development, and career advancement.
• A safety-focused manufacturing environment with a team-oriented culture.

Benefits and compensation are subject to company policy.