Tool And Die Maker

Job Title: Tool and Die Maker

Job Description

The Tool and Die Maker will build, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain a wide range of progressive and compound dies, fixtures, and gauges to support high-volume manufacturing. This role performs precision manual and CNC machining, conducts root-cause analysis on tooling issues, and partners closely with Engineering and Production to ensure reliable, efficient, and safe operations in a modern, well-equipped toolroom.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain progressive dies, compound dies, fixtures, and gauges used in high-volume production.
• Diagnose tooling issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement effective corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve tool reliability.
• Support production runs by performing timely tool changeovers, adjustments, and die maintenance to keep equipment running efficiently.
• Read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical specifications to ensure accurate tool construction and repair.
• Perform precision machining using manual and CNC equipment, including mills, lathes, grinders, EDM machines, and related shop tools.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on tooling and document all repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities clearly and accurately.
• Collaborate with Engineering on new tool builds, tool modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and productivity.
• Use precision measurement tools, such as micrometers and gauges, to verify tight tolerances and ensure parts meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot and repair progressive stamping dies and other production tooling used in stamping and machining operations.
• Set up and operate manual mills, manual lathes, and grinders for die making, die repair, and general toolroom machining tasks.
• Utilize CAD and related software to review, understand, and support tooling designs and revisions.
• Apply TIG welding and other repair techniques as needed to restore and maintain tooling components.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant toolroom environment by following all safety guidelines, housekeeping standards, and company procedures.
• Work independently and as part of a collaborative team to meet production schedules and tooling priorities across multiple shifts.

Essential Skills

• 3–5+ years of hands-on Tool and Die experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with progressive stamping dies and high-volume production tooling.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, CAD drawings, and detailed specifications.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools, including micrometers, gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Experience operating manual machining equipment such as manual mills, manual lathes, and surface grinders.
• Experience with die repair, die maintenance, and troubleshooting of progressive dies and related tooling.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for diagnosing tooling issues and identifying root causes.
• Ability to perform manual machining and manual lathe operations to tight tolerances.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively within a team.
• Familiarity with stamping operations, progressive die tooling, and general toolroom practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CNC machining experience, including operation of CNC mills and CNC lathes, preferred.
• Experience with CAD software for reviewing and understanding tooling designs.
• Exposure to TMA or similar Tool and Die training or certification is beneficial.
• Experience with wire EDM equipment and processes is a plus.
• Experience using Prototrak 3-axis CNC mills and Prototrak CNC lathes is advantageous.
• Familiarity with Mazak CNC 2-axis lathes and Mazak CNC 3-axis vertical mills is a plus.
• Experience with TIG welding for tooling and die repair is helpful.
• Experience in working with machining fixtures, assembly fixtures, inspection gauges, and general tooling for manufacturing.
• Comfort working with tight tolerances and precision tooling in a production environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join an employee-owned organization that offers long-term stability and a strong commitment to skilled trades, providing a real opportunity to share in the company’s success. The facility features a modern manufacturing environment with advanced tooling, processes, and equipment that support high-quality craftsmanship. The culture emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement, with Tool and Die viewed as a critical partner to production rather than just a support function. Team members benefit from opportunities for career growth and internal advancement, along with competitive pay, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and comprehensive benefits in a collaborative, respectful workplace.

Work Environment

The role is based in a modern toolroom and manufacturing environment with a wide variety of tooling and equipment. Typical tools built and serviced include progressive pierce, form, and cutoff dies; compound dies; CNC machining fixtures with manual and hydraulic clamping including tombstones; assembly fixtures and jigs; and inspection gauges. Shop equipment includes manual mills (such as Bridgeport-type machines), manual lathes (including Hardinge, Cincinnati, and LeBlond), surface grinders, wire EDM machines (AgieCharmilles, Mitsubishi), Prototrak 3-axis CNC mills, Prototrak CNC lathes, Mazak CNC 2-axis lathes, Mazak CNC 3-axis vertical mills, and general shop equipment such as saws and drill presses. The position operates on either 1st shift (6:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday–Friday) or 2nd shift (2:00 PM – 10:30 PM, Monday–Friday), with a shift differential available for 2nd shift. The environment is safety-focused, organized, and designed to support precision work on complex tooling and dies.

This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago, IL.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $90000.00/yr.

Medical, dental, vision, 401k

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.