Lead Tool Maker

Westfall Technik•Asheboro, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Tool Maker plays a critical role in the manufacturing process by designing, fabricating, assembling, maintaining, and repairing precision tools, molds, jigs, fixtures, and dies used in production. This highly skilled position ensures tooling performance supports quality production and minimizes downtime. The Lead Tool Maker is also expected to mentor junior team members, lead problem-solving efforts, and collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to improve tooling designs and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Tool Fabrication and Assembly
Use manual and CNC machining equipment, grinders, mills, lathes, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machines), and surface finishing tools.
Assemble complex tooling systems and ensure functionality for production readiness.
Tool Maintenance and Repairs
Troubleshoot and repair worn, damaged, or malfunctioning tooling using accurate diagnosis and machining techniques.
Maintain detailed documentation of tooling issues and repairs for tracking and analysis.
Collaboration and Process Improvement
Collaborate with Product Engineers and Production teams to refine tool design and performance for manufacturing efficiency.
Provide feedback and suggest design improvements for manufacturability and tool life extension.
Assist in root cause analysis related to tooling-related defects or performance issues.
Quality and Compliance
Ensure all tools and dies meet dimensional specifications and quality standards.
Perform inspections using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and CMM (coordinate measuring machines).
Adhere to safety protocols, company policies, and ISO/IATF compliance standards.
Mentorship and Leadership
Guide junior toolmakers and technicians in best practices, safe machine operation, and craftsmanship.
Lead small-scale tooling projects and assist in time and resource estimation for tool production and modifications.

Responsibilities

Manufacture precision tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures from engineering drawings, CAD models, or verbal instructions.
Use manual and CNC machining equipment, grinders, mills, lathes, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machines), and surface finishing tools.
Assemble complex tooling systems and ensure functionality for production readiness.
Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on production tools to ensure consistent quality and minimize breakdowns.
Troubleshoot and repair worn, damaged, or malfunctioning tooling using accurate diagnosis and machining techniques.
Maintain detailed documentation of tooling issues and repairs for tracking and analysis.
Collaborate with Product Engineers and Production teams to refine tool design and performance for manufacturing efficiency.
Provide feedback and suggest design improvements for manufacturability and tool life extension.
Assist in root cause analysis related to tooling-related defects or performance issues.
Ensure all tools and dies meet dimensional specifications and quality standards.
Perform inspections using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and CMM (coordinate measuring machines).
Adhere to safety protocols, company policies, and ISO/IATF compliance standards.
Guide junior toolmakers and technicians in best practices, safe machine operation, and craftsmanship.
Lead small-scale tooling projects and assist in time and resource estimation for tool production and modifications.