The Tool & Die Maker / Production Support General Machinist is responsible for supporting Western Spring Manufacturing's production operations through the design, manufacture, modification, repair, and maintenance of tooling, dies, fixtures, gauges, and machine components.
This position will support precision spring, wire forming, and light stamping operations and will work closely with production, engineering, and management to solve tooling and manufacturing problems.
The successful candidate will be a hands-on problem solver who can take a print, concept, or production issue and determine the best method to manufacture, modify, or repair the required tooling or component.
This is a versatile position with a strong emphasis on tooling, machining, EDM, equipment support, and continuous improvement in a high-mix, custom manufacturing environment.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
With general guidance from management ensures upkeep and routine maintenance of the company’s assets, including but not limited to buildings, machinery, tools, and tooling. Utilizes mechanical knowledge to perform tasks in a proper and cost-effective manner, adhering to applicable safety & environmental requirements. Works with engineering group to prepare effective maintenance plans based on equipment manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. Strives to minimize machine downtime due to maintenance and/or unscheduled repair operations. Works with engineering group to implement custom tooling & automation projects.
MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Tooling & Die Work
· Design, build, modify, repair, and maintain tooling used in spring, wire forming, and light stamping operations.
· Build and maintain punches, dies, forming tools, bending tools, fixtures, gauges, setup tooling, and other production aids.
· Develop tooling for new products, prototypes, short-run production, and production improvements.
· Modify existing tooling to improve part quality, tooling life, setup time, and production efficiency.
· Troubleshoot tooling-related dimensional and production issues.
· Maintain tooling to ensure it is properly identified, stored, and available when needed.
Machining & EDM
· Operate manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, EDM equipment, and other conventional and specialized machining equipment.
· Operate CNC machining equipment as required.
· Use EDM processes to manufacture, modify, repair, and finish precision tooling and components where appropriate.
· Perform milling, turning, drilling, tapping, grinding, EDM, deburring, fitting, and other machining operations.
· Manufacture precision components and replacement parts for production equipment and tooling.
· Determine appropriate machining and manufacturing methods based on prints, tolerances, material, geometry, and application.
· Inspect machined and EDM components using micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
· Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
Production Support
· Provide hands-on technical support to the production floor.
· Troubleshoot and resolve tooling and equipment issues affecting spring, wire forming, and light stamping operations.
· Work directly with machine operators to identify problems and develop effective solutions.
· Support machine setups and develop setup tooling and fixtures as needed.
· Assist with troubleshooting and improvement of CNC spring and wire forming equipment.
· Build fixtures and tooling for secondary operations including grinding, forming, stamping, inspection, and testing.
· Manufacture replacement machine components to minimize production downtime.
· Assist with machine installations, modifications, and equipment improvements.
· Assist with preventative maintenance and mechanical repairs as required.
Continuous Improvement
· Identify opportunities to improve tooling, machine performance, setup efficiency, quality, and productivity.
· Participate in continuous improvement and problem-solving activities.
· Develop standardized tooling and set up methods where practical.
· Recommend improvements to existing manufacturing processes and equipment.
· Work with production, engineering, and management to implement improvements.
Quality & Safety
· Ensure tooling and machined components meet drawing and specification requirements.
· Maintain accurate measurements and verify work before releasing tooling or components to production.
· Follow established quality procedures and manufacturing requirements.
· Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
· Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
· Properly operate and maintain machinery, tooling, and equipment.
Qualifications Required
· Experience in machining, tool and die, mold making, machine building, or a related manufacturing field.
· Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
· Experience operating manual machining equipment.
· Ability to use precision measuring equipment.
· Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
· Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple projects.
· Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
· Ability to work effectively with production personnel and other members of the manufacturing team.
Preferred
· Tool and die making experience.
· Experience with light stamping and press tooling.
· Experience operating or programming EDM equipment.
· Experience with spring or wire forming equipment.
· CNC machining experience.
· Experience with precision grinding.
· Experience designing and building fixtures and gauges.
· CAD/CAM experience.
· Knowledge of GD&T.
· Welding and fabrication experience.
· Experience troubleshooting production machinery.
· Experience in a high-mix, low-volume or custom manufacturing environment.
Physical Requirements
· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while working on the manufacturing floor.
· Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate machinery and hand tools.
· Ability to lift and move tooling, materials, and machine components as required.
· Ability to work around manufacturing equipment, noise, oils, coolants, and other normal manufacturing conditions.
· Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
· Strong mechanical aptitude.
· Excellent problem-solving skills.
· Ability to visualize and understand how tooling and mechanical components function.
· Ability to work from prints and determine appropriate machining methods.
· Strong attention to dimensional accuracy.
· Ability to troubleshoot problems and identify root causes.
· Willingness to learn new equipment and manufacturing processes.
· Ability to work independently while also supporting the production team.
· Pride in workmanship and a commitment to producing quality work.
· A practical, hands-on approach to manufacturing challenges.
Work Environment
Western Spring Manufacturing operates in a high-mix, custom manufacturing environment producing precision springs, wire forms, and light stampings for demanding applications.
The position will work primarily in the manufacturing and tool room areas and will interact regularly with production, engineering, quality, and management.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of equipment and manufacturing processes, including manual and CNC machining, EDM, grinding, spring and wire forming equipment, and stamping presses.
This position is well suited for an experienced machinist or toolmaker who enjoys building, fixing, modifying, troubleshooting, and figuring things out rather than performing repetitive work.
The primary objective of this position is to keep production moving by providing the tooling, machining, EDM, and technical support necessary to manufacture quality parts efficiently and consistently.
Pay: $24.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
