Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tool Technician

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly skilled and meticulous Tool Technician to become a cornerstone of our manufacturing operations. As a Tool Technician, you will be the hands-on expert responsible for the complete lifecycle of our production tooling, including complex dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures. This pivotal role involves diagnosing and resolving intricate tooling issues, performing high-precision repairs and modifications, fabricating new components, and championing continuous improvement. You will work closely with engineering and production teams to ensure our tooling meets rigorous performance and quality standards, directly impacting production efficiency and product excellence. If you are a proactive problem-solver with a passion for precision mechanics, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Tool and Die Apprentice
CNC Machinist
General Maintenance Technician with machining experience

Advancement To:

Senior Tool Technician / Tool Room Lead
Tool Room Supervisor or Manager
Manufacturing Engineer / Tooling Engineer

Lateral Moves:

CNC Programmer
Quality Assurance Inspector / Metrologist
Maintenance Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform routine and emergency repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all production tooling, including progressive dies, injection molds, jigs, and fixtures, both on the bench and at the press.
Execute a comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) program for all tooling to minimize production downtime and extend tool life, documenting all activities meticulously.
Analyze and diagnose complex tooling failures and performance issues, applying root cause analysis techniques to implement effective and permanent corrective actions.
Fabricate new tools, dies, and fixtures or modify existing ones according to engineering blueprints, CAD models, and technical specifications.
Operate a wide range of conventional tool room equipment with high precision, including lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, and drill presses.
Set up, operate, and perform basic programming on CNC machines, such as CNC mills, Wire EDM, and Sinker EDM, to create or repair intricate tool components.
Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and blueprints, including a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Utilize a variety of precision measurement instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, and comparators, to ensure all work meets strict tolerance requirements.
Perform intricate tool and die assembly and disassembly, ensuring proper fit, alignment, and function of all components.
Conduct final tool spotting, polishing, and finishing on mold and die surfaces to achieve specified part quality and cosmetic standards.
Execute tool changeovers in production equipment (e.g., stamping presses, injection molding machines), ensuring efficient and safe setup.
Perform welding (primarily TIG and MIG) for tool repair and engineering changes, followed by hand finishing to restore original contours.
Collaborate directly with engineers and production personnel to identify opportunities for tool design improvements that enhance performance, quality, and manufacturability.
Maintain an accurate inventory of tool room supplies, spare parts, and critical tooling components to ensure readiness for repairs.
Uphold and champion all workplace safety standards and adhere to 5S principles to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
Document all maintenance, repairs, and modifications in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or other tracking logs.
Provide expert technical support to machine operators and production staff to resolve any tooling-related issues that arise during production runs.
Assist in the qualification and validation process for new and repaired tooling, ensuring it is production-ready before handover.
Participate actively in continuous improvement (Kaizen) events and lean manufacturing projects aimed at reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Manage the heat treatment process for tool steels to achieve required hardness, toughness, and durability for various tool components.
Verify the functionality and part quality produced by tooling after repairs are completed to confirm the issue has been resolved.

Secondary Functions

Support engineering and quality teams with ad-hoc data requests and analysis related to tool performance and part conformity.
Contribute to the development of the organization's long-term tooling strategy and technology roadmap.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate new product requirements into effective and robust tooling solutions.
Participate in daily production meetings, sprint planning, and agile ceremonies within the broader manufacturing team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Machining Expertise: High proficiency with conventional machine tools (lathes, mills, surface grinders) and CNC machinery (milling, EDM).
Blueprint & GD&T Mastery: Advanced ability to read, interpret, and work from complex technical drawings, schematics, and GD&T callouts.
Precision Measurement: Expert-level use of metrology tools including micrometers, calipers, indicators, CMMs, and optical comparators.
Tool & Die Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the construction, function, and maintenance of various tooling types (e.g., progressive stamping dies, injection molds, fixtures).
Welding & Fabrication: Skilled in TIG and/or laser welding for precise tool repair and modification.
Problem Diagnosis: Strong systematic troubleshooting skills for mechanical and tooling-related issues.
CAD/CAM Familiarity: Working knowledge of CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for viewing models and CAM software (e.g., Mastercam) is a plus.
Material Science: Understanding of tool steels, heat treating processes, and material properties.
Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Basic knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems as they apply to tooling and presses.
Shop Mathematics: Strong command of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry for calculating dimensions and tolerances.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision, accuracy, and quality in all tasks.
Analytical Problem-Solving: The ability to logically break down complex problems and develop effective solutions.
Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and urgent requests in a fast-paced environment.
Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with team members and document work.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively with engineers, operators, and management.
Self-Motivation: The drive to work independently with minimal supervision and take ownership of responsibilities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.
Completion of a certified Tool and Die Apprenticeship program or documented journeyman-level status.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree in Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Industrial Mechanics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of hands-on experience as a Tool and Die Maker or Tool Technician in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience specializing in either plastic injection molds or complex progressive stamping dies.
Direct experience working in an automotive, medical device, or similarly regulated industry.