Toolroom - Mold Maker

OKAY Industries; New Britain (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

OKAY Industries is seeking a Class A Mold Maker in New Britain, CT. You will build and repair complex molds, interpret detailed drawings, and lead mold trials to ensure precision before production.

The role requires expert machining capability, mold design understanding, and the ability to work independently from concept through completion in a precision toolroom environment.

Qualifications

• Journeyman toolmaker certification or equivalent high-level training.
• 5-10+ years of mold-making experience, preferably with complex, high-precision molds.
• Independent programming, setup and operation of CNC equipment and EDM systems.
• High proficiency with precision measuring tools (micrometers, indicators, gauge blocks, etc.).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior mold makers.

Responsibilities

• Build new molds from start to finish, including machining, fitting, assembly, polishing and final qualification.
• Interpret detailed engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and GD&T specifications with minimal supervision.
• Set up and operate CNC mills/lathes, surface grinders, EDM systems and other precision equipment.
• Lead mold trials to ensure dimensional, cosmetic, and functional requirements before production release.
• Collaborate with design, engineering and processing teams to optimize mold design for manufacturability and cycle time.
• Maintain thorough mold history and preventive maintenance documentation.

Skills

Journeyman toolmaker

Mold making experience

CNC programming

EDM systems

Precision measuring tools

Project leadership

Mold design knowledge

Tools

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Siemens NX

Job description

Class A Mold Maker

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.