CH Tool Svc/Packland Technician L1

Job Summary

The Tool Technician is responsible for the maintenance, repair, assembly, and preparation of tooling used in the production of automotive fasteners, in either cold heading or thread rolling. This role supports manufacturing by ensuring tooling is properly maintained, available for production schedules, and performing at optimal levels to support quality, efficiency, and uptime in a high-volume Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions

• Inspect, maintain, repair, and refurbish tooling components including punches, dies, cutter packs, and/or thread rolling dies.
• Troubleshoot tooling with micrometers, calipers, hole gauges, and tooling prints.
• Use hydraulic presses, surface grinders, chop saws, lathes, and pencil grinders to accomplish repairs.
• Perform routine maintenance and adjustments to extend tooling life and maintain dimensional integrity.
• Diagnose tooling wear, damage, or performance issues and perform corrective actions.
• Assemble tooling packages according to engineering drawings, setup sheets, and production specifications.
• Prepare and stage tooling for production changeovers and scheduled manufacturing runs.
• Ensure tooling is properly labeled, documented, and stored for traceability and efficient retrieval.
• Provide technical support to production personnel during machine setups and tooling changes.
• Aid in troubleshooting tooling-related issues impacting product quality, machine uptime, or process capability.
• Work closely with setup technicians, production supervisors, and manufacturing engineers to resolve tooling challenges.
• Report tool changes to the Tool Service Technical Production Coordinator.
• Repair loads and build spare loads.

Quality & Inspection

• Inspect tooling components using precision measuring instruments to verify conformance to specifications.
• Identify worn or defective tooling and recommend repair or replacement.
• Support root cause investigations related to tooling failures or product defects.

Inventory & Tool Control

• Maintain organized tool storage and tooling inventory.
• Track tooling usage, repairs, and lifecycle to support preventative maintenance programs.
• Assist with tooling inventory counts and documentation.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve tooling performance, durability, and setup efficiency.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, standardized work, and reduction of machine changeover time.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures when operating equipment or handling tooling components.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Support compliance with automotive quality standards such as IATF 16949 and environmental standards including ISO 14001.

Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical training in machining, toolmaking, or manufacturing technology highly preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience in a tool room, machining or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with cold heading, thread rolling, or fastener manufacturing tooling preferred.
• Able to read engineering drawings and tooling prints.
• Able to use precision measurement instruments (micrometers, calipers, gauges).
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Physically able to bend, stoop, climb, reach and to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Basic MS Office knowledge, specifically Outlook and Excel.
• Adequate communication and customer service attitude.
• Works independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.

Environmental Commitment & Responsibilities

• Support and comply with the organization’s Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001 standards.
• Perform job duties in a manner that minimizes environmental impact, including responsible use of energy, chemicals, and materials.
• Follow all environmental procedures, work instructions, and regulatory requirements applicable to the role.
• Promptly report environmental risks, spills, nonconformances, or improvement opportunities to leadership.
• Participate in environmental training and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance environmental performance.
• Follow established procedures for proper handling, storage, and disposal of scrap, chemicals, and regulated materials.
• Operate equipment in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.
• Contribute to initiatives that reduce landfill, improve recycling, and improve resource efficiency.