Full Job Description Overview We are seeking a versatile Toolmaker - Die Repair & Press Operator for our precision metal stamping department. In this dual-function role, you will maintain, troubleshoot, and repair progressive dies while operating mechanical/hydraulic stamping presses to support production schedules, sample runs, and tool tryouts. You will combine expert tool-and-die craftsmanship with practical press operating experience to drive maximum uptime, early error detection, and strict quality standards.
Key Responsibilities Press Operations:
Set up, adjust, and operate presses; feed material, monitor stroke rates, and perform in-process inspections.
Die Maintenance & Repair:
Perform scheduled preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and complex repairs on progressive dies.
Component Fabrication:
Machine replacement parts to tight tolerances using conventional tool room equipment (grinders, mills, lathes, saws).
Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis:
Diagnose tooling failures, feeding issues, galling, burrs, and dimensional drift at the press; implement permanent countermeasures.
Bench Work & Tool Tuning:
Expert hand-finishing, benching, polishing, shimming, fitting, and timing of punches and dies.
Tool Tryouts & FAI:
Lead press tryouts following tool modifications and conduct rigorous first-article inspections prior to production release.
Documentation & Safety:
Maintain accurate maintenance logs, tool histories, and production records; adhere strictly to
ISO/IATF
standards and LOTO protocols.
Qualifications & Requirements Experience:
Minimum of 5 to 8+ years of hands-on toolmaking in a precision metal stamping environment, including direct press operation experience.
Education:
High school diploma or GED required; recognized Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship or technical certification/degree preferred. Technical Skills Safe, efficient setup and operation of metal stamping presses. Proficient operation of manual tool room machinery (surface grinders, vertical mills, lathes). Expert competency using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, gauge pins, optical comparators). Strong capability in reading and interpreting complex blueprints, engineering drawings, and tooling schematics. Demonstrated skill in tool steel welding, benching, and die tuning. Soft Skills Strong mechanical aptitude, self-motivated work ethic, effective cross-functional communication, and commitment to an "anti-surprise" operational culture. Physical Demands & Work Environment Frequently stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs. Exposure to shop floor conditions (machinery noise, metalworking fluids, moving parts); PPE (safety glasses, steel-toe boots) required.
Pay:
$26.00 – $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Vision insurance
Education:
High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
Tool and Die Repair in metal stamping?: 5 years (Required) Ability to
