Tool & Die Maker

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Tool & Die Maker to join our Tool Room team supporting the build, tryout, maintenance, repair, and modification of progressive metal stamping dies and custom automotive tooling.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience working with complex progressive dies and be capable of taking tooling from die assembly and tryout through production launch and ongoing production support. This role is well suited to a skilled tradesperson who takes pride in precision workmanship, troubleshooting, and delivering reliable, high-quality tooling.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, repair, modify, maintain, and troubleshoot progressive stamping dies and custom automotive tooling.
• Assemble and fine-tune new dies from individual components through die tryout and production readiness.
• Perform die tryouts and make precision adjustments to achieve required part dimensions, tolerances, quality, and production requirements.
• Troubleshoot stamping and tooling problems during production to maintain part quality and minimize downtime.
• Perform die servicing, including grinding, fitting, shimming, spotting, polishing, alignment, and adjustment.
• Manufacture, repair, and maintain spare die components to support production requirements.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, die designs, specifications, and GD&T.
• Set up and operate conventional and CNC mills, lathes, surface grinders, saws, and other tool-room equipment.
• Use precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, gauge blocks, dial indicators, and other inspection tools.
• Verify dimensions, clearances, alignment, fit, tolerances, and surface finish of tooling and components.
• Inspect completed and repaired dies for functionality, accuracy, fit, finish, and defects.
• Identify root causes of tooling and stamping issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve tooling and stamping problems.
• Support continuous improvement of tooling reliability, die performance, part quality, and production efficiency.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
• Follow all company quality, safety, and operating procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5–10+ years of hands-on Tool & Die Maker experience.
• Strong experience with progressive stamping dies, including:
  • Die building and assembly
  • Die tryout
  • Die fitting and spotting
  • Troubleshooting
  • Repair and modification
  • Production maintenance
• Experience in automotive metal stamping is highly preferred.
• Experience supporting automotive OEM and/or aftermarket components is an asset.
• Journeyperson Tool & Die Maker certification (430A / Certificate of Qualification) or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and precision machining skills.
• Proficient in operating mills, lathes, surface grinders, saws, and other tool-room machinery.
• Strong ability to read and interpret tooling drawings, blueprints, engineering specifications, and GD&T.
• Strong understanding of precision measurement, tolerances, die clearances, fitting, and alignment.
• Ability to independently diagnose and resolve progressive-die problems in a production environment.
• Experience with custom tooling, one-off tooling, or low-volume die builds is an asset.