Location: Shawnee Specialties, Inc. – Eau Claire, Michigan
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: First Shift, Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pay: Based on experience and skill set
About Shawnee Specialties
Shawnee Specialties, Inc. is a precision small-part die casting company with over 50 years of experience producing aluminum and zinc components for the automotive, appliance, electronics, and military industries. Shawnee is ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR registered, with a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Position Summary
Shawnee Specialties is seeking an experienced Tool Maker to support the construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of die cast molds, trim dies, fixtures, and production tooling.
This position is ideal for a seasoned toolmaker who developed their craft through traditional tool room practices using manual mills, lathes, grinders, and other precision equipment, while also possessing working knowledge of modern CNC machining techniques. The successful candidate will be a hands-on problem solver capable of troubleshooting tooling issues, performing precision repairs, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
Essential Responsibilities
- Build, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot die cast molds, trim dies, fixtures, and tooling components.
- Operate manual tool room equipment including mills, lathes, surface grinders, and related precision machinery.
- Fabricate, modify, and fit tooling components to support production and quality requirements.
- Diagnose tooling-related issues and implement effective repair solutions.
- Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, tooling prints, and CAD-generated drawings.
- Support trim die setup, repair, and maintenance activities.
- Utilize CNC machining equipment and modern manufacturing methods to support tooling fabrication and repair when required.
- Coordinate tooling repairs and new tooling projects with outside vendors as needed.
- Recommend tooling improvements that enhance productivity, quality, and tool life.
- Participate in training programs deemed necessary by the company.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Follow all OSHA safety requirements and Shawnee Specialties policies and procedures.
- Work overtime as needed to support production requirements.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a Tool Maker, Tool & Die Maker, or similar skilled trade.
- Strong experience building, fitting, repairing, and maintaining tooling using manual machining equipment.
- Proficient with manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and precision measuring instruments.
- Working knowledge of CNC machining and modern manufacturing techniques.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tooling prints, and CAD-generated drawings.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Preferred
- Experience with die cast molds, trim dies, and fixture design.
- Experience with CAD/CAM software.
- Experience supporting CNC machining operations.
- Exposure to robotics or automation tooling.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off (Vacation & Holidays)
Pay: From $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
