Tool & Die Maker – Progressive Stamping Dies

Amphenol and its Affiliated Companies•Endicott, NY

17d•$35 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

The Tool & Die Maker is responsible for building, troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, and optimizing progressive stamping dies used in the manufacture of precision metal components. This position plays a critical role in ensuring tooling reliability, dimensional accuracy, production efficiency, and continuous improvement of stamping operations. The successful candidate will work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to support new tool development, tool modifications, preventive maintenance, and root cause analysis of tooling-related issues.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum 5 years of experience building and maintaining progressive stamping dies.
Strong understanding of progressive die design and operation.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
Proficiency in precision fitting, grinding, polishing, and tool assembly techniques.
Experience working with tool steels, carbide, coated tooling, and wear components.
Knowledge of strip layouts, die clearances, punch-to-die relationships, and die timing.
Experience operating tool room equipment such as: Surface grinders, Jig grinders, CNC mills, EDM (wire and sinker), Manual mills and lathes.
Ability to use precision inspection equipment: Micrometers, Calipers, Optical comparators, Height gages.
Excellent mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tooling issues.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate across Engineering, Production, Quality, and Maintenance functions.
Strong troubleshooting capability in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification, apprenticeship completion, or equivalent experience preferred.
Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments preferred.
CMMs (preferred)
Experience with connector, automotive, electronics, or precision metal stamping industries.
Knowledge of servo-feed systems and high-speed stamping operations.
CAD experience utilizing SolidWorks, Creo, or AutoCAD.
Experience with ERP systems and tooling maintenance tracking software.
Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
Knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis methodologies.

Responsibilities

Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain progressive stamping dies to minimize downtime and maximize tool life.
Perform die sharpening, component replacement, alignment, and reassembly activities.
Analyze tooling wear patterns and implement corrective actions to improve performance and longevity.
Conduct preventive and predictive maintenance on tooling systems.
Set up and validate dies in stamping presses during tool trials and production launches.
Modify existing tooling to support engineering changes, quality improvements, and cost reduction initiatives.
Troubleshoot stamping defects including burrs, dimensional issues, misfeeds, strip progression problems, and material-related concerns.
Work closely with Quality and Engineering to investigate root causes and implement permanent corrective actions.
Maintain tooling documentation, maintenance records, spare component inventories, and setup instructions.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on OEE, scrap reduction, uptime, and tooling reliability.
Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
Mentor team as needed.