Tool Maker I/II/III

A-dec•Newberg, OR

About The Position

The Tool Maker II position supports manufacturing departments by building, maintaining, and editing designs for jigs, fixtures, automated manufacturing devices, and custom cutting tools. The role works from drawings, models, and engineering CAD files to create precision parts and tooling, develop CNC programs, and support production with repairs, modifications, and machining expertise. The Tool Maker uses manual and CNC equipment to produce parts to close tolerances, manages CAD/CAM files and design documentation, and specifies materials and machining processes when needed. The position also advises manufacturing staff on tooling practices, contributes incremental improvements, and helps train apprentices and less experienced Tool Makers. Work is performed with occasional guidance from fellow toolmakers, Manufacturing Engineers, and Automation Designers and Engineers.

Requirements

Generally four to six years of experience in close-tolerance machining (+/- 0.0002 inches), machine-shop practices, and setup and operation of CNC vertical 3-axis mills, CNC lathes, manual mills and lathes, drill presses, and surface and tool grinders.
Ability to model parts, assemblies, and drawings using 3D CAD (Inventor), with CAM programming and editing skills (Mastercam).
Proficiency with fixture-tooling concepts, workholding practices, manufacturing methods, heat treating, and tool-steel selection.
Proficiency with hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanics, and semi-automated devices.
Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations and understand decimal/fraction equivalence, geometry, and trigonometry.
Ability to read, write, and communicate work information in English, follow written and verbal instructions, and troubleshoot problems.
Comfort providing evidence-based input to Manufacturing Engineers, Automation Engineers, and Designers.
Ability to work independently and occasionally apply instructional input for others.
Ability to learn and use various Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and software as necessary.
Possession of all necessary hand tools.
Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise maneuver up to 35 pounds routinely, with or without assistance.
Manual hand dexterity to grasp and repetitively operate tools and equipment.
Ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, reach, and occasionally kneel, climb steps, and twist throughout an entire shift.
Ability to use appropriate personal protective equipment in areas that may expose workers to chemicals, noise, vibration, or dust.
Authorization to work in the United States for US-based positions; the company is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.
Successful completion of a background check and screening for illegal drug use.

Responsibilities

Build, repair, and edit designs for high-precision parts, jigs, fixtures, tooling, and related devices using drawings and models.
Provide grinding services to create or modify custom cutting tools; instruct internal customers in their proper use and care.
Suggest and implement cutter-design improvements to enhance performance.
Use engineering CAD files to develop accurate, efficient, and safe CNC programs with CAM software.
Code standard tooling part programs and one-off parts for production support.
Maintain and update CAM and CAD files for special tooling.
Produce parts to 0.0002-inch accuracy using manual and CNC equipment across a range of materials, hardnesses, and finishes.
Consult with other toolmakers on setups and planning; work with Manufacturing Engineers and Automation Designers and Engineers on components, devices, upgrades, and modifications.
Manage and document parts, assemblies, and drawings for designs, upgrades, and modifications using 3D CAD within a PDM system.
Specify materials, alloys, hardnesses, surface finishes and treatments, tolerances, and machining processes when not specified by engineers.
Repair, build, and edit designs for pneumatic, manual, or hydraulic component-holding devices.
Set up and operate surface grinders independently to produce flat, perpendicular, and round shapes to 0.0002-inch accuracy.
Identify incremental manufacturing improvements based on technical knowledge.
Provide occasional direction to production staff, manufacturing engineers, and technicians on proper tooling use and best practices.
Help train apprentices and guide less experienced Tool Makers.
Manage time and assigned work, meet deadlines, maintain dependability, and follow safety guidelines.