Tool and Die Maker

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company drives meaningful innovation through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales, 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers.

About the role

The Tool and Die Maker specializes in constructing, modifying, maintaining, calibrating, and repairing machine shop tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. This role involves collaborating with engineers and tool designers to develop and modify tools using blueprints, specifications, and diagrams. The individual assesses complex specifications and applies knowledge of tool and die design, shop mathematics, metal properties, and machining procedures to fabricate and repair metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Fabricates and repairs metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools, including laying out metal stock, operating machine tools, and assembling parts.
• Studies specifications (blueprints, sketches, models) to visualize the product, determine materials, and select machines; computes dimensions and plans layout.
• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock; sets up and operates machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, and grinders to machine parts.
• Smoothes flat and contoured surfaces using scrapers, abrasive stones, and power grinders; fits and assembles parts using hand tools.
• Verifies dimensions, alignments, and clearances using precision instruments, including dial indicators, gauge blocks, and micrometers.
• Performs heat-treating of tools or parts; may connect wiring and hydraulic lines for electrical and hydraulic components.
• Complies with all safety and work rules for the assigned area.
• May examine existing tools and recommend design modifications or develop specifications for specialty tools from general descriptions.
• Troubleshoots and repairs dies and tooling on the production floor, often working with presses.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Tool & Die State Apprenticeship Certificate or minimum 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Stamping Die and/or Injection Mold experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in CNC equipment operation and programming (e.g., ProtoTrak).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for the duration of an 8- to 12-hour shift on concrete shop floors.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs; must be able to use hoists and cranes to position and secure heavy machined parts.
• High level of manual dexterity for handling small components, scribing fine lines, and performing delicate assembly work.
• Frequent bending, squatting, reaching, and ability to work at various heights to secure parts in vises, V-blocks, and angle plates.
• Excellent near-vision required for reading blueprints and using precision measuring tools.