Tool & Die Lead

Tool & Die Lead

Job Summary

We are seeking a well-organized, action oriented, and disciplined Tool & Die Lead (TDL) who oversees all toolroom operations to ensure tooling is built, maintained, and repaired to support production requirements. This position will collaboratively provide guidance, technical expertise, and support to tool and die makers.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and working on all tooling used in our stamping value stream. Working with a sense of urgency with a detail-oriented, well-organized, self-disciplined approach while producing accurate results is imperative for success in this role.

This job requires the ability to complete many different tasks with a meticulous approach to produce accurate results and adhere to quality standards. A high level of expertise is expected and the ability to follow procedures while multitasking to uphold quality standards is required to be successful in this role.

Reports To: Plant Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of tool and die makers, apprentices, and support staff.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign tooling work to support production schedules and minimize press downtime.
• Oversee the construction, assembly, fitting, and troubleshooting of progressive and transfer dies, jigs, fixtures, and related tooling.
• Perform and guide complex die repairs, sharpening, adjustments, and component replacements.
• Review and interpret blueprints, CAD models, and engineering specifications to ensure tooling accuracy and compliance.
• Support production teams with die setup issues and press troubleshooting to improve run performance and part quality.
• Drive preventive maintenance programs and maintain detailed tooling maintenance records.
• Maintain toolroom equipment, measuring instruments, and supplies in good working condition.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, quality standards (ISO 9001), and industry best practices.
• Provide training, mentoring, and performance feedback to toolroom staff.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams on new die builds, tool design changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with customer engineering teams for tooling change requests and new tool builds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade school certification preferred.
• 5+ years of experience as a tool and die maker in metal stamping and fabrication, including 1–2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of progressive and transfer die construction, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Skilled in precision machining, grinding, welding, heat treating, and use of precision measuring tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and part specifications.
• Experience working with press equipment and troubleshooting stamping-related issues.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software and MS Office is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Wire EDM programming and operating experience.

Working Conditions

• Ability to stand, walk, and work with hands for extended periods.
• Regular lifting of materials and tooling components up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around stamping presses and fabrication equipment.

Benefits

• Pay: Commensurate with experience
• Full-Time
• Monday-Friday
• 8 paid US holidays
• Eligible for quarterly bonus subject to company policies
• 401(k) matching
• Medical, dental and vision insurance; Life Insurance; LTD & ADD insurance
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Paid Time Off
• Sick Leave