Tool and Die Maker

Tool and Die Maker

MONROEVILLE, PA

2 DAYS AGO 22527449 Summary

MONROEVILLE, PA

In-Person $18.00 - $24.00 per Hour 2 Years Experience High school graduate or equivalency certificate (GED) No Commission 40.00 hours per week / Day Shift / Temporary/Seasonal Description Tool and die makers are highly skilled manufacturers who create precision tools, dies, jigs, and molds used to cut, shape, and form metal or plastic parts. They produce specialized, high-accuracy components—often within 2/10 of a unit—using CNC machines, grinders, and CAD/CAM software to support mass production in industries like automotive and electronics.

Core Responsibilities and Tasks Fabricate Manufacturing Tools:

Create molds for plastic injection, metal stamping dies, cutting tools, and fixtures that hold metal while it is being shaped.

Operate Machinery:

Use advanced equipment, including CNC machines, lathes, milling machines, and grinders.

Design and Blueprint Analysis:

Read and interpret complex blueprints, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models, and engineering specifications.

Precision Inspection:

Test and measure finished tools for accuracy using precision measuring tools to ensure parts meet exacting tolerances.

Maintenance and Repair:

Repair, polish, and adjust existing dies and tools, especially if parts are produced out of specification.

Tools and Materials Used Materials:

Primarily work with metal, but also work with plastics and other materials.

Equipment:

Utilize Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines, 5-axis machining centers, EDM (electrical discharge machining), and manual machine tools.

Software:

Use CAD/CAM software for designing and programming machinery. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Skills Required Mechanical Aptitude:

Strong understanding of machinery and mechanical systems.

Mathematics:

Strong knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Problem-Solving:

Ability to analyze information and determine the best method for creating a part.

Precision:

Extreme attention to detail, working with tolerances that are often 40 times smaller than a human hair.

Training and Career Path Apprenticeship:

Typically a 4-5 year paid apprenticeship involving 10,400 hours of on-the-job training and technical schooling.

Education:

High school diploma or GED is required, with additional training from technical colleges.

Career Potential:

Often start as machine operators or machinists before advancing to tool and die maker. Additional Details How To Identify Potential Job Scams