Tooling Technician - ACA

AFL Telecommunications•Duncan, SC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

AFL is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Tooling Technician to manage and optimize cutting tool inventory for a large-scale CNC machine shop. The role supports production as an extension of the Manufacturing Engineering Team through tooling management, process control, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate competence, diligence, respectfulness, and professionalism. The position maintains cutting-tool inventory and usage records, supports tooling specification and procurement, and collaborates with engineering, programming, and process teams. It also provides technical support for job setups and process development, leads tooling-related improvements, and tracks performance data to guide decisions and reduce waste and downtime.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience in CNC machining or tooling management.
Proficiency with tooling inventory systems and basic computer applications, including Excel and ERP/MRP systems.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Dependable, reliable, and self-motivated, with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a methodical approach to problem solving.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people at all levels of the plant.
Ability to drive positive change and navigate obstacles with minimal supervision.
Fact- and data-oriented judgment and excellent problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Technical certification or associate degree.
Experience with tool vending systems and automated inventory solutions.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate inventory of cutting tools, holders, inserts, and related components.
Monitor tool usage and life to ensure availability and minimize downtime.
Implement and maintain tool crib systems and vending solutions.
Collaborate with engineers, programmers, and process technicians to specify tooling for each application.
Source and procure tooling from approved vendors, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality.
Maintain documentation for tooling specifications and usage history.
Lead tooling-related improvement initiatives to enhance machining performance and reduce waste.
Support root cause analysis for tooling-related issues and implement corrective actions.
Standardize tooling across similar operations to improve consistency and reduce variability.
Liaise between the shop floor and engineering team on tooling matters.
Provide technical support during new job setups and process development.
Develop tooling training programs aligned with tooling selection, setup, and application across CNC machining processes.
Track tooling performance metrics and generate reports for engineering and management review.
Use data to identify trends, forecast needs, and support continuous improvement.
Support or observe off or weekend shifts when needed, sometimes with minimal notice.