Tool Room Machinist - Die Maker

About the role

They are responsible for constructing, repairing, and maintaining essential tools and fixtures. This role ensures that production machinery operates efficiently and that gears meet strict, high-precision specifications. They utilize their expertise in metalworking and CNC machining to ensure accuracy and precision in alignment with production requirements. With a keen eye for detail and technical proficiency, they interpret blueprints and schematics to facilitate the design and construction of new equipment. Collaborating closely with engineering and production teams, they implement process improvements to enhance productivity and product quality.

Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and repairing tools, jigs, and fixtures for gear cutting machines (hobbing, shaping, grinding).
• Setting up and operating conventional and CNC tool room machinery, including lathes, milling machines, and surface grinders.
• Using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and bore gauges to ensure components meet tight tolerances (often to .0005).
• Analyzing and fixing tool-related issues on the production floor to minimize downtime.
• Reading and interpreting complex technical blueprints, engineering drawings, and CAD models to plan machining operations.
• Performing preventative and predictive maintenance on tools, such as cleaning, sharpening, and honing.
• Working with engineers and production operators to improve tool design and manufacturing processes.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency in CNC programming (G-code) and manual machining techniques for Haas lathe and mill.
• Usually 3–5 years in a machine shop or tool room environment.
• High school diploma; apprenticeship or vocational certification in machine technology is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of geometry and trigonometry.
• Understanding metallurgy and the properties of different metals and plastics.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.