Find & Apply For Tool and Die Maker Jobs in Sterling, Illinois

Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Industrial Tooling Technician to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining, and repairing precision tooling used in metal machining processes. Your expertise will ensure the production of high-quality components by setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing tooling and machining equipment. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with manufacturing technologies and contribute to the development of innovative tooling solutions that drive efficiency and quality. Responsibilities Disassemble, clean, inspect, and rebuild high-wear tools such as progressive stamping dies, compound dies, and assembly swaging tools. Assemble complex mechanical tooling stacks, checking for micrometer-level clearances and alignments before they are loaded onto production machines. Use manual lathes, millers, surface grinders, and polishing wheels to rework or sharpen worn tool components, fixtures, or arbor teeth. Partner with machine operators to perform physical changeovers, adjust offsets, and resolve floor issues like component chattering, scoring, or out-of-roundness. Manage the tool crib, track tool life, document repair findings, and update spare parts lists to ensure critical production tooling never goes out of stock. Interpret mechanical blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to accurately assemble, modify, and repair tooling components. Evaluate component designs to ensure parts can be produced efficiently and reliably without defects.

Process Improvement:

Optimize cycle times, reduce scrap rates, and implement lean manufacturing methods for production lines. Utilize CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software like SolidWorks to design or modify tooling parts and assemblies. Perform precision measurements using calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, and other measurement instruments to ensure tooling meets quality standards. Conduct routine maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and adjustments on tooling equipment to minimize downtime. Assist in the development and implementation of manufacturing processes related to metal stamping presses. Use manual machining tools such as grinders, lathe machines, mills, hand tools, and grinders for fine-tuning tooling components. Collaborate with engineering teams to improve tooling designs for better manufacturability and durability. Maintain detailed documentation of tooling setups, modifications, inspections, and repair activities. Skills Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks for designing and interpreting tooling drawings. Experience with precision gauges, drop indicators, dial bore gauges, and micrometers. Understanding metals, thermal expansion, and tool coatings. Working closely with assemblers, quality inspectors, and process technicians on the factory floor. Hands-on skill with hydraulics, pneumatics, alignment fixtures, and heavy industrial assembly. Hands-on experience with tooling and metal stamping press tooling. Mechanical aptitude with a solid understanding of mechanical blueprint interpretation and shop math skills. Ability to operate manual machining tools including grinders, mills, lathes, calipers, micrometers, and measurement gauges. Experience with maintenance, repair & operations practices in a manufacturing environment. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues efficiently. Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced setting. Join our team as an Industrial Tooling Technician if you're passionate about precision manufacturing technology! Bring your mechanical expertise, technical skills in machining, and your enthusiasm for creating high-quality tooling solutions that keep production running smoothly. We value innovation, craftsmanship, safety consciousness—and we're excited to see what you can bring to our dynamic manufacturing environment!

Pay:

$28.00 - $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person