The Tooling Technician is responsible for the setup, maintenance, repair, and preventative care of tooling used in Sun America’s thermoforming and food packaging manufacturing operations. This role supports production efficiency by ensuring tooling systems are properly maintained, installed, and operating at peak performance.
The Tooling Technician works closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to support tool changes, troubleshoot tooling issues, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and productivity. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude and experience in tool and die, machining, welding, and general equipment maintenance.
Major Responsibilities
Tooling Setup & Operation
- Perform tooling changes on production equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
- Ensure proper installation, alignment, and setup of tooling used in thermoforming and related manufacturing processes.
- Support production start-ups and troubleshoot tooling issues affecting product quality or machine performance.
- Verify tools are installed according to specifications and production requirements.
Tool Maintenance & Care
- Perform routine preventative maintenance (PMs) on tooling to maintain performance and extend tool life.
- Clean, inspect, repair, and refurbish tooling as required.
- Identify wear, damage, or potential failures and coordinate repairs or replacements.
- Maintain tooling inventory, storage, and documentation to ensure traceability and proper care.
Machining & Fabrication
- Support machining and fabrication of tooling components when necessary.
- Operate machining equipment including mills, lathes, grinders, and other shop equipment when applicable.
- Perform welding and metal repair work to restore tooling components.
- Modify tooling components as directed to support product or process improvements.
Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement
- Diagnose tooling and mechanical issues impacting production performance.
- Work with production and maintenance teams to resolve tooling-related downtime.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling performance, scrap reduction, and process efficiency.
- Assist in documenting tooling improvements and standard operating procedures.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
- Ensure tooling maintenance and repair activities meet food safety and manufacturing standards.
- Maintain clean and organized tooling work areas and shop equipment.
Overall Expectations
- Maintain a high level of attention to detail and craftsmanship when working with tooling components.
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
- Maintain clear communication with production, maintenance, and leadership teams.
- Support company initiatives related to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.
- Perform other duties as assigned as business needs evolve.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in tool and die, machining, or industrial maintenance.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot tooling issues.
- Experience performing tool changes and tooling maintenance in a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of machining, welding, and fabrication techniques.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, and tooling layouts.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Vocational or technical training in machining, tool & die, manufacturing technology, or industrial maintenance.
- Experience supporting thermoforming or plastics manufacturing operations.
- Forklift operation experience or certification.
- Experience with preventative maintenance systems or maintenance tracking software.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to stand, bend, climb, and work around industrial equipment.
- Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and machining equipment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Sun America and Central Coated Products are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Hourly Wage Requirement
- How many years of experience do you have in tool and die, machining, tooling maintenance, or industrial maintenance?
- Do you have hands-on experience performing tooling changes or tooling setup in a manufacturing environment?
- Please describe the types of tooling, machines, or production equipment you have worked with.
- Are you able to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, blueprints, or tooling layouts?
- Have you worked in plastics, thermoforming, food packaging, or a similar manufacturing environment?
- Are you able to safely lift up to 50 lbs. and stand, bend, climb, and work around industrial equipment throughout the shift?
- Are you able to work the scheduled shift consistently and report to work on time every scheduled day?
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Alliance, OH 44601 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
