Toolmaker / Mold Maker (Injection Molding)

M & M Industries, Inc.; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

M&M Industries in Chattanooga, TN is seeking a Tool / Mold Maker III to build, repair, and improve molds and tooling for plastic injection molding operations. You will interpret complex drawings, operate mills, lathes, grinders, EDMs, and perform in-press maintenance to ensure production quality.

Eligible candidates have at least five years of toolmaking experience, with wage levels between $31.32/hr and $36.02/hr depending on level, and shift differential for qualifying shifts.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of plastic injection molding experience.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
• Experience with mold and tooling maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot conventional machine tools to cut, mill, drill, grind, and shape workpieces to specified dimensions.
• Fabricate, assemble, and inspect components, ensuring proper function of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Use precision measuring instruments, such as calipers and micrometers, to verify part specifications.
• Perform in-press mold troubleshooting, configuration changeovers, and preventative maintenance on molds and tooling.
• Investigate and repair hot runner systems and damaged molds, ensuring functionality and production readiness.
• Design and build electrodes, jigs, and fixtures with an ergonomic focus.
• Manufacture, modify, and improve molds and prototype parts based on engineering prints and production needs.
• Prepare and maintain documentation, including work order inspections, preventative maintenance logs, and tooling records.
• Provide mold and tool expertise during design reviews and product development.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment in accordance with 5S principles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CNC machining

Conventional machining

Mold making

Precision measurement

Reading blueprints

Welding

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Grinders

EDM

Job description

M&M Industries, we take pride in producing innovative plastic packaging solutions that make a difference in everyday life. Our success depends on the skilled professionals who design, build, and maintain the tools that keep our manufacturing operations running with precision and reliability. The Tool / Mold Maker III plays a critical role in supporting production by building, repairing, and improving molds and tooling that drive quality, efficiency, and consistency across our molding operations.

The Tool / Mold Maker III is responsible for interpreting complex engineering drawings, fabricating precision mold components, and performing preventative and corrective maintenance on molds and tooling. This role requires expertise in both conventional and CNC machining, including the operation of mills, lathes, grinders, saws, drills, and electrical discharge machines. The Tool Maker supports new tooling development, investigates and repairs mold issues, performs in-press troubleshooting, and ensures that all tooling is maintained to meet production and quality standards.

Schedule: First or Second Shift, Monday through Friday

Toolmaker III & IV Pay & Career Progression

Candidates must have at least five years of relevant toolmaking experience. Starting level is based on experience, technical knowledge, and demonstrated skills:

• Toolmaker III: $31.32/hr
• Toolmaker IV: $36.02/hr

Toolmakers may earn pay increases within their level at established milestones, including 90 days and one, two, and three years, based on performance.

Shift differential is available for qualifying shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot conventional machine tools to cut, mill, drill, grind, and shape workpieces to specified dimensions.
• Fabricate, assemble, and inspect components, ensuring proper function of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Use precision measuring instruments, such as calipers and micrometers, to verify part specifications.
• Perform in-press mold troubleshooting, configuration changeovers, and preventative maintenance on molds and tooling.
• Investigate and repair hot runner systems and damaged molds, ensuring functionality and production readiness.
• Design and build electrodes, jigs, and fixtures with an ergonomic focus.
• Manufacture, modify, and improve molds and prototype parts based on engineering prints and production needs.
• Prepare and maintain documentation, including work order inspections, preventative maintenance logs, and tooling records.
• Provide mold and tool expertise during design reviews and product development.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment in accordance with 5S principles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies (Knowledge/Skills/Abilities)

• Ability to weld (preferred)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks; preferred)
• Comprehensive understanding of food safety, GMP, PRP, HACCP, and awareness of food-contact materials as it relates to food-safety packaging (in applicable facilities)

Education

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Associate’s degree or equivalent relevant experience (preferred)

Experience

• 5+ years of plastic injection molding

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and handle a minimum of 45–50 pounds
• Ability to perform from a standing and/or squatting position as required
• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment which may be hot/cold and requires PPE at all times (safety glasses, ear plugs where required, etc.)

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Mold Maker with CNC experience (preferred)
• Forklift Certified (required; in-house training provided)
• Overhead Crane Certified (required; in-house training provided)

What We Offer

M&M Industries offers a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees and reward the work that drives our success. Full-time employees may elect medical, dental and vision coverage effective on their first day of employment. We also offer paid vacation and discretionary time off (DTO), with the amount and timing based on position and tenure; paid company holidays after 90 days; and a 401(k) with company match beginning on the first day of the month following 90 days of employment. Educational reimbursement is available after one year of employment. Eligible employees may also participate in quarterly profit sharing when company performance thresholds are met. Hourly employees who work on a recognized holiday receive time-and-a-half for all hours worked. Benefits and eligibility are subject to applicable plan documents and company policies.