JOB DESCRIPTION: TOOL AND DIE MAKER III
Department: Manufacturing
Supervisor: Manufacturing Supervisor
Base Location: State College, PA
FLSA Status: Regular, Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Document: JD-MFG-TOOLDI-TLDMAKC
Expiration Date: December 31, 2028
Summary
The Tool and Die Maker III is responsible for designing, fabricating, modifying, and repairing complex tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures used in manufacturing operations. This senior-level role interprets advanced engineering specifications, performs complex machining and tooling work, and serves as a technical expert who mentors junior toolmakers and supports continuous improvement of tooling processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Include the following; other duties may be assigned:
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, CAD models, and technical specifications to manufacture highly precise or specialized tooling components.
- Design, develop, fabricate, modify, and repair complex dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and other tooling used in production processes.
- Plan and implement machining strategies required to produce complex tooling components while working to very close tolerances.
- Set up, operate, program, and troubleshoot conventional, manual, and CNC machining equipment used in advanced tooling fabrication.
- Select appropriate materials, tooling, machining processes, and methods required to complete complex tooling tasks, while guiding junior tool and die personnel in these selections.
- Compute and verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of workpieces using advanced precision measuring instruments to ensure strict dimensional accuracy.
- Perform finishing operations such as filing, grinding, polishing, fitting, and adjusting components to ensure proper tool and die functionality.
- Test completed tools, dies, and molds to verify compliance with engineering specifications and required tolerances.
- Diagnose and resolve complex tooling issues, including machine problems and damaged molds, to maintain production performance and quality standards.
- Produce and modify jigs, fixtures, gauges, and other measuring devices used to support manufacturing operations.
- Create and modify molds as needed to support production requirements and tooling improvements.
- Provide technical support and expertise to machinists, toolmakers, engineering, and production teams to resolve tooling challenges.
- Mentor and train Tool and Die Maker I and II employees as well as junior machine operators to strengthen shop capability and technical expertise.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling performance, manufacturing efficiency, and process optimization.
- Assist engineering and leadership teams in evaluating new tooling designs, manufacturing methods, equipment, and standard operating procedures related to mold repair and tooling maintenance.
- Operates as a tooling subject matter expert within the tool room and manufacturing environment.
- Independently manages complex tooling design, fabrication, repair, and troubleshooting.
- Provides technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to other tool and die personnel.
Level of Independence
Supervisory Responsibilities
- No supervisory responsibilities for this position.
- Advanced Tooling Design & Fabrication - Expert ability to design, fabricate, modify, and repair complex dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and other tooling used in manufacturing processes.
- Advanced Machining & CNC Programming - Proficient in performing complex setups, programming, and operation of manual and CNC machining equipment used in tool and die manufacturing.
- Precision Measurement & Tolerance Control - Highly skilled in using advanced precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions and maintain extremely tight tolerances.
- Tooling Troubleshooting & Process Problem Solving - Ability to diagnose and resolve complex tooling, mold, and machining issues that affect production quality, performance, and efficiency.
- Material & Manufacturing Process Expertise - Strong understanding of metalworking processes, injection molding processes, and the working properties of common metals and alloys used in tooling fabrication.
- Technical Leadership & Mentorship - Ability to serve as a subject matter expert, mentor junior tool and die makers, and collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve tooling and manufacturing processes.
Skills and Competencies
Required, demonstrated competencies and skills:
Qualifications and Experience
Preferred, but not required:
- Education/Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Advanced ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models related to tooling design and fabrication.
- Demonstrated expertise in setting up, programming, and operating manual and CNC machining equipment used in tool and die production.
- Proficiency using advanced precision measuring instruments to verify tight tolerances and ensure tooling meets engineering specifications.
- Strong understanding of metalworking and injection molding processes, including the working properties of common metals and alloys used in tooling fabrication.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex tooling, mold, and machining issues affecting production performance and quality.
- Experience designing, fabricating, modifying, and repairing complex dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, and gauges used in manufacturing operations.
- Ability to mentor and train junior tool and die personnel while supporting continuous improvement and tooling optimization initiatives.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand or sit; required to wear necessary protective gear and safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection; must have the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 lbs. The employee must have the ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one place; the ability to quickly move your and, your hand together with your arm you’re your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects; the ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions; the ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Work Environment
This position operates in a dynamic manufacturing environment with frequent interaction between production teams, engineering, and cross-functional departments. The role involves regular presence on the production floor, where noise levels can be high and temperatures may vary. Employees must be comfortable working around machinery, materials, and overhead lifting equipment. Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends may occasionally be required to meet production goals.
Accessibility
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
