Toolroom - Mold Maker

Avna; New Britain (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Avna in New Britain, CT, seeks a Class A Mold Maker to design, build, fit and repair high-precision molds from concept through qualification.

You will interpret engineering drawings, set up CNC mills/lathes, EDM, and use CAD/CAM tools to optimize tooling while maintaining tight tolerances and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Journeyman toolmaker certification or equivalent high-level training.
• 5–10+ years of mold-making experience with complex, high-precision molds.
• Expert understanding of mold design, tool steels, heat treating, and material properties.
• Ability to independently program, set up, and operate CNC and EDM systems.

Responsibilities

• Build new molds from start to finish, including machining, fitting, assembly, polishing, and final qualification.
• Interpret highly detailed drawings, 3D CAD models, and GD&T specifications with minimal supervision.
• Set up and operate advanced machining equipment including CNC mills/lathes, surface grinders, EDM (sinker and wire).
• Perform complex mold repairs and engineering changes, troubleshooting defects and applying corrective actions.
• Lead mold trials to ensure tools meet dimensional, cosmetic, and functional requirements before production release.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, and processing teams to optimize mold manufacturability and cycle time.
• Maintain detailed mold history and preventive maintenance records, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Mold making

GD&T interpretation

CNC programming

Precision measuring tools

Project leadership

Education

Journeyman toolmaker certification

Tools

CNC equipment

EDM systems

CAD/CAM software

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Siemens NX

Job description

Class A Mold Maker

Position Summary

The Class A Mold Maker is a top-tier, highly skilled tooling professional responsible for building, fitting, modifying, and repairing complex molds to the highest precision standards. This role requires expert-level machining capability, strong understanding of mold design, and the ability to work independently from concept through completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Build new molds from start to finish, including machining, fitting, assembly, polishing, and final qualification.


• Interpret highly detailed engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and GD&T specifications with minimal supervision.


• Set up and operate advanced machining equipment, including CNC mills/lathes, surface grinders, EDM (sinker and wire), and high-precision manual equipment.


• Perform complex mold repairs and engineering changes, including troubleshooting parting line issues, venting, gating, runners, slides, lifters, and hot-runner systems.


• Diagnose root causes of mold defects (flash, galling, cooling issues, alignment failures, etc.) and implement corrective actions.


• Lead mold trials, ensuring tools run correctly and meet all dimensional, cosmetic, and functional requirements before release to production.


• Collaborate with design, engineering, and processing teams to optimize mold design for manufacturability, quality, and cycle time.


• Maintain detailed documentation and mold history, including preventive maintenance actions and repair logs.


• Ensure all work complies with tight tolerances, quality standards, and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Journeyman toolmaker certification or equivalent high-level training required.


• 5-10+ years of mold-making experience, preferably with complex, high-precision molds.


• Expert understanding of:




• Mold design and mold construction


• Tool steels, heat treating, and material properties


• Hot runner systems, cooling layouts, gating strategies


• Tight-tolerance machining and finishing practices




• Ability to independently program, set up, and operate CNC equipment and EDM systems.


• High proficiency with precision measuring tools (micrometers, indicators, gauge blocks, optical comparators).


• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.


• Ability to lead projects, mentor junior mold makers, and coordinate work with engineering.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with medical injection molds.


• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Mastercam, or Siemens NX.


• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.


• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments

Work Environment

• Precision toolroom within a manufacturing facility.


• Requires standing, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working with machinery, oils, coolants, and fine-detail components.


• Overtime may be required based on production needs.