Journeyman Toolmaker - Dies, Jigs & Fixtures

Join as a Craft Expert

Bring precision thinking and hands-on mastery to build and repair the tooling that keeps production moving. You’ll transform prints into accurate dies, cutting tools, fixtures, gauges, and hand tools—combining layout, machining, fitting, and assembly with rigorous verification.

Core Purpose

Apply deep knowledge of tool/die design, shop mathematics, metal properties, and machining and assembly procedures to produce and restore high-accuracy tooling.

What You’ll Do

1. Study blueprints, sketches, models, or written descriptions to choose materials and select machines for part fabrication.
2. Calculate dimensions; plan layouts; determine assembly methods and sequences of operation.
3. Measure, mark, and scribe stock prior to machining.
4. Set up and operate lathes, mills, and grinders; confirm parts meet specifications.
5. Manually or by hoist, lift and position parts; secure with vises, V-blocks, and angle plates.
6. Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances using dial indicators, gauge blocks, thickness gauges, and micrometers.
7. Heat treat tools or components as needed.
8. When required, connect wiring and hydraulic lines to install electrical/hydraulic elements.
9. Evaluate existing tooling and suggest design modifications for improved construction or function.
10. From general requirements, create specifications for specialty tools and produce sketches/drawings.
11. Coordinate with supervisors and coworkers to align tasks and instructions.
12. Continuously inspect and measure parts during and after machining.
13. Calibrate and maintain personal tools.
14. CNC experience is a plus.
15. Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Also In Scope (as needed)

Use CAD platforms to design components or generate drawings.

Qualifications

• 4–10 years via trade school, vocational training, apprenticeship, or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in: GD&T; equipment troubleshooting; general troubleshooting; CAD software; G-code; M-code; manual machining; tool/die/mold repair and setup; blueprint reading.

Equipment You’ll Work With

• Manual Grinder
• CNC Lathe (2–4 axis): Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Takisawa