Tool and Die Machinist

Tool & Die Machinist

Department: Rebuild
Reports To: Rebuild Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Tool & Die Machinist is responsible for the production, repair, modification, maintenance, and inspection of tooling, dies, fixtures, gauges, machine components, and other precision-machined parts used to support manufacturing operations.

Cableware is the primary area of responsibility, with secondary support provided to Cabletech for fixtures, jigs, tooling, and other required production support. This position operates a variety of manual machine tools, including lathes, mills, drill presses, band saws, surface grinders, and other shop equipment to meet manufacturing requirements.

The Tool & Die Machinist works closely with supervisors, machinists, engineering, quality personnel, and production teams to manufacture and maintain tooling and components that meet established engineering, quality, and production specifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Tooling and Fixture Fabrication

• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, saws, and other shop equipment.
• Manufacture, modify, repair, and maintain tooling, dies, fixtures, gauges, workholding equipment, and precision-machined components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, work instructions, job travelers, and engineering drawings.
• Determine appropriate machining methods, tooling, materials, and processes based on job requirements.
• Measure and inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Deburr, clean, finish, and prepare parts according to established shop standards.
• Modify and repair production tooling and components to maintain manufacturing requirements.
• Manufacture and modify hardware and components required to support production operations.
• Maintain tooling, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervision or management.

Quality and Safety

• Verify dimensions and tolerances of machined parts using appropriate precision measuring and inspection equipment.
• Ensure tooling, dies, fixtures, and components meet engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards.
• Maintain compliance with company quality standards and manufacturing specifications.
• Follow all safety procedures, machine guarding requirements, PPE requirements, and housekeeping standards.
• Participate in safety, quality, and continuous improvement programs.
• Comply with all ISO/AS quality management system requirements, departmental procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Perform all work in a safe, efficient, and professional manner while meeting established productivity and quality expectations.

Maintenance and Production Support

• Perform routine machine maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and basic adjustments.
• Troubleshoot tooling, fixturing, workholding, and machining issues and make appropriate adjustments or repairs.
• Work with production and engineering personnel to identify and resolve tooling and equipment issues.
• Provide tooling and machining support to production departments as needed.
• Assist with the development and implementation of tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and other production-support equipment.
• Attend and actively contribute to scheduled team meetings.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, engineers, machinists, and coworkers regarding production schedules, equipment performance, quality concerns, and departmental activities.
• Assist in monitoring product quality and process compliance to ensure established standards are maintained.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in machining, tool and die work, manufacturing, mechanical repair, or a related skilled trade preferred.
• Strong knowledge of basic machining principles, including cutting speeds, feeds, tooling, materials, and measurement.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, and work instructions.
• Strong mathematical skills, including fractions, decimals, geometry, and measurement conversions.
• Ability to accurately use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gauges, and height gauges.
• Ability to safely operate manual machining equipment and shop tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with close tolerances.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Reliable attendance, positive attitude, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work safely around machinery, cutting tools, oils, coolants, and metal materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Vocational, technical school, apprenticeship, or formal training in machining, tool and die, manufacturing, welding, drafting, or mechanical trades.
• Experience operating manual mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, saws, and related machining equipment.
• Experience with CNC equipment and basic CNC concepts.
• Experience manufacturing, modifying, repairing, or maintaining dies, fixtures, gauges, tooling, and machine components.
• Experience working with tight tolerances and precision-machined components.
• Experience using engineering drawings, GD&T, job travelers, and inspection documentation.
• Experience in a manufacturing or tool and die shop environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machining processes.
• Ability to select appropriate tools, materials, and machining processes for assigned work.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, and fixturing problems.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when additional guidance or technical support is needed.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to precision workmanship.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills with supervisors, engineers, machinists, toolmakers, and quality personnel.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet production schedules.
• Commitment to safety, cleanliness, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and lift materials throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work around moving machinery, metal chips, cutting fluids, coolants, oils, and production equipment.
• Manual dexterity required to operate machining equipment and precision inspection tools.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read blueprints, operate machinery, and inspect precision-machined components.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety footwear.
• Work is performed in a tool and die shop environment with exposure to machinery, metal chips, cutting fluids, coolants, oils, and shop noise.

Success Factors

A successful Tool & Die Machinist demonstrates strong machining skills, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, reliability, and a commitment to safety and quality. The individual is capable of producing, modifying, repairing, and maintaining tooling, dies, fixtures, gauges, and precision-machined components while meeting established engineering and production requirements. The ability to troubleshoot problems, work effectively with cross-functional teams, maintain organized work areas, and consistently produce accurate, high-quality work is essential to success in this position.