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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tool Machinist

💰 $55,000 - $95,000

ManufacturingSkilled TradesEngineeringMachining

🎯 Role Definition

As a Tool Machinist, you are the artisan of the manufacturing world, a highly skilled professional responsible for crafting and maintaining the critical tooling that enables production lines to run efficiently and accurately. You will translate complex engineering designs into tangible, high-precision components using a variety of CNC and manual machines. This role demands a blend of technical mastery, meticulous attention to detail, and creative problem-solving to build, repair, and optimize tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. You will be a key partner to our engineering and production teams, ensuring the quality and integrity of our manufacturing processes from the ground up.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Machinist Apprentice
  • CNC Operator / Set-up Technician
  • Mechanical Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Tool Machinist / Tool Room Supervisor
  • CNC Programmer
  • Manufacturing Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control / CMM Programmer
  • Maintenance Machinist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Analyze and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, and CAD models to determine machining operations and project requirements.
  • Set up, program, and operate a wide range of conventional and CNC machine tools, including mills, lathes, surface grinders, and EDM machines, to produce high-precision components.
  • Fabricate, fit, and assemble new tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and machine attachments according to strict specifications and tolerances.
  • Perform intricate and precise hand-finishing operations such as filing, scraping, and lapping to achieve required surface finishes and dimensional accuracy.
  • Conduct diagnostic tests and troubleshooting on malfunctioning or worn tooling, performing complex repairs and modifications to restore them to optimal working condition.
  • Select appropriate metals, alloys, and materials for each job based on their properties, heat treatment requirements, and intended application.
  • Utilize a full range of precision measuring and inspection equipment, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, and CMMs, to verify part conformity.
  • Develop and document machining processes, setup sheets, and tooling maintenance records to ensure repeatability and knowledge transfer.
  • Collaborate closely with design and manufacturing engineers to provide input on design for manufacturability (DFM) and to develop innovative tooling solutions for new products.
  • Perform heat treatment and hardening processes on tool components to achieve desired strength, durability, and wear resistance.
  • Design and build prototypes and custom parts for research and development projects, often working with minimal direct supervision from concept to completion.
  • Plan the sequence of machining operations, including calculating speeds, feeds, and optimal tool paths to maximize efficiency and quality.
  • Machine and fabricate replacement parts for production machinery to minimize downtime and support the maintenance department.
  • Ensure all finished tools and dies are properly assembled, tested, and commissioned before being released to the production floor.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by adhering to 5S principles and all company safety protocols.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, suggesting process enhancements to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to apprentices and junior machinists, sharing knowledge and best practices.
  • Manage inventory of raw materials, cutting tools, and other tool room supplies, initiating purchase requests as needed.
  • Sharpen and maintain cutting tools, including drills, end mills, and custom form tools, to ensure optimal performance.
  • Support ad-hoc fabrication requests and exploratory projects from various engineering and production departments.
  • Calibrate machines and equipment periodically to ensure they maintain their accuracy and performance standards.
  • Contribute to the organization's preventative maintenance program for all tool room machinery and equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Machining Proficiency: Expertise in setting up and operating both CNC (3, 4, & 5 axis) and manual machine tools, including milling machines, lathes, and precision grinders.
  • Blueprint Reading & GD&T: Deep understanding of complex mechanical drawings, including proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols and interpretation.
  • Precision Measurement: Mastery of precision metrology instruments such as micrometers, bore gauges, calipers, indicators, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
  • CAD/CAM Software: Experience with CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Fusion 360) for generating toolpaths and familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for model interrogation.
  • Tool & Die Expertise: In-depth knowledge of building, repairing, and maintaining stamping dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures.
  • Material Science: Strong knowledge of the properties, machinability, and heat treatment of various tool steels, carbides, aluminum, and other exotic materials.
  • CNC Programming: Ability to write, edit, and troubleshoot G-code and M-code programs directly at the machine controller.
  • EDM Operation: Familiarity with the setup and operation of Wire and/or Sinker EDM machines is a significant plus.
  • Welding and Fabrication: Basic TIG/MIG welding and general metal fabrication skills for tool repair and construction.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose complex issues with tooling and machinery.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to work, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and quality.
  • Independent Work Ethic: Ability to work autonomously, manage priorities, and complete projects with minimal supervision.
  • Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with engineers, production staff, and management.
  • Adaptability: A proactive and flexible mindset, willing to learn new techniques and technologies in a changing manufacturing landscape.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED coupled with a state-certified Tool & Die Apprenticeship program or a minimum of 8 years of equivalent, documented on-the-job experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field. Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-10+ years of hands-on experience in a precision tool room environment as a Tool & Die Maker or Tool Machinist.

Preferred:

Experience in a high-tolerance manufacturing environment such as aerospace, medical device, automotive, or electronics is highly desirable. Proven experience with progressive and transfer dies is a strong asset.

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