Toolmaker

GRASS America Inc.•Kernersville, NC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for building, repairing, modifying, and maintaining precision tooling, dies, molds, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and related manufacturing equipment. The Toolmaker will interpret engineering drawings, specifications, CAD models, and technical documentation to manufacture tooling components. They will set up and operate machine shop equipment to fabricate tooling and replacement parts, perform precision measurements and inspections, and troubleshoot tooling issues to improve performance and reliability. The position also supports new product development, prototype builds, tooling validation, and production launch activities, while collaborating with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to improve tooling designs and manufacturability. Additionally, the role involves conducting preventative maintenance, tooling refurbishment, maintaining tooling records, assisting with root cause investigations, and recommending tooling improvements. Compliance with company safety policies, quality standards, and environmental requirements is essential, as is maintaining a clean, organized, and safe machine shop and work environment. The Toolmaker may also support training and mentoring of apprentices and technicians, and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Toolmaker, Tool & Die Maker, Precision Machinist, or related skilled trades position.
Demonstrated experience operating manual and CNC machine tools.
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements.
Advanced knowledge of toolmaking, machining, fabrication, fitting, and assembly techniques.
Proficiency operating lathes, milling machines, grinders, EDM equipment, drill presses, CNC machines, and other machine shop equipment.
Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), blueprint reading, and precision measurement practices.
Ability to manufacture tooling components to precise tolerances.
Expertise using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, bore gauges, and related instruments.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of tooling materials, heat treatment processes, metallurgy, and machining principles.
Ability to plan and execute complex tooling projects with minimal supervision.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Toolmaker apprenticeship, Tool & Die program, Precision Machining program, or equivalent technical training preferred.

Responsibilities

Build, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling, dies, molds, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and related manufacturing equipment.
Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, CAD models, and technical documentation to manufacture tooling components.
Set up and operate machine shop equipment to fabricate tooling and replacement parts.
Perform precision measurements and inspections to verify components meet engineering specifications and tolerance requirements.
Troubleshoot tooling issues and develop corrective solutions to improve performance and reliability.
Support new product development, prototype builds, tooling validation, and production launch activities.
Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to improve tooling designs and manufacturability.
Conduct preventative maintenance and tooling refurbishment activities to maximize asset life.
Maintain tooling records, maintenance documentation, and inventory information.
Assist with root cause investigations involving tooling failures, quality concerns, and production issues.
Recommend tooling improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
Ensure compliance with company safety policies, quality standards, and environmental requirements.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machine shop and work environment.
Support training and mentoring of apprentices, technicians, and less experienced personnel as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of manufacturing and organizational objectives.