Toolmaker / Mold Maker

M & M Industries, Inc.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

M & M Industries, Inc. is seeking a skilled Tool Maker in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This role involves interpreting engineering drawings, fabricating mold components, and conducting preventative maintenance on tooling. The ideal candidate will be experienced in both conventional and CNC machining, operating various tools like mills and lathes.

The position ensures quality and efficiency across molding operations while supporting new tooling development. Competitive candidates will have a High School Diploma; certifications in mold making and operation are preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift and handle a minimum of 45–50 pounds.
• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment requiring PPE.
• Capability to stand or squat as required.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety policies for a safe working environment.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot conventional machine tools.
• Fabricate and inspect components ensuring proper tool function.

Skills

Welding

Strong communication skills

Understanding of CAD software

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or equivalent relevant experience

Job description

Overview

At 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 Maker 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 Maker 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: 1st Shift, 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday

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

• Required years of experience may vary based on qualifications, skills, and level within the role

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)