Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Toolroom Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

The Toolroom Attendant is the backbone of our operational support system, serving as the central point of control for all tools, equipment, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies. This position is responsible for maintaining the integrity and organization of the tool crib, ensuring that production and maintenance teams are equipped with the right tools, in proper working condition, exactly when they need them. By meticulously managing inventory, facilitating repairs, and upholding safety standards, the Toolroom Attendant directly contributes to minimizing downtime, reducing costs, and maximizing a safe and productive manufacturing environment. This role requires a blend of organizational prowess, technical aptitude, and a customer-service-oriented approach.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate or Machine Operator
Warehouse Clerk or Materials Handler
Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Lead Toolroom Attendant or Tool Crib Supervisor
Maintenance Planner or Scheduler
Purchasing Agent or MRO Buyer

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Control Specialist
Maintenance Technician (with additional training)
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the complete lifecycle of tool and equipment issuance, meticulously tracking all items checked out and returned by personnel using our computerized inventory management system (CMMS) or ERP software.
Conduct thorough visual and functional inspections of all returned tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges to identify wear, damage, or defects, ensuring they meet operational standards.
Coordinate the repair, sharpening, or calibration of tools by routing them to in-house maintenance teams or external service vendors, and tracking their status until they are returned to service.
Receive, unpack, and verify all incoming shipments of new tools, MRO parts, and supplies against purchase orders and packing slips, promptly reporting any discrepancies or damages.
Maintain impeccable organization within the toolroom, ensuring all items are cleaned, properly stored in their designated locations, and labeled correctly for quick and efficient retrieval.
Execute regular cycle counts and participate in periodic full physical inventories to maintain a high level of inventory accuracy and investigate any variances to find the root cause.
Prepare and kit tools, fixtures, and required components for upcoming production jobs or maintenance tasks based on work orders, ensuring everything is ready to go to minimize setup time.
Issue and manage inventory for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring all employees receive the required safety gear and that stock levels are maintained to comply with company and OSHA standards.
Create new inventory records in the management system for newly acquired tools and equipment, ensuring all relevant data such as serial numbers, suppliers, and calibration dates are accurately entered.
Monitor inventory levels of critical MRO supplies and tooling, identifying low-stock items and generating requisitions for replenishment to prevent stock-outs.
Prepare tools and equipment for shipment to other facilities or outside vendors, ensuring proper packaging and documentation is completed.
Maintain a secure environment by controlling access to the toolroom and ensuring all procedures for tool control are consistently followed by all personnel.
Clean and perform basic preventative maintenance on hand tools, power tools, and other equipment stored within the tool crib.
Assemble and preset tooling for specific machining applications according to setup sheets or engineering specifications.
Keep detailed logs and records of tool usage, repair histories, and scrap rates to provide data for performance analysis and continuous improvement efforts.

Secondary Functions

Collaborate with the Purchasing department to source new tools, evaluate suppliers, and provide feedback on the performance and durability of products to optimize procurement decisions.
Support engineering and maintenance teams by assisting in the research and identification of specialized tools or parts needed for new projects, repairs, or process improvements.
Generate and analyze reports from the inventory system on tool consumption, departmental spending, and inventory value to support budgeting and operational planning.
Actively participate in continuous improvement (Kaizen) events and 5S initiatives aimed at enhancing toolroom efficiency, organization, and safety.
Provide informal training and guidance to employees on the proper use, care, and storage of tools and equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Inventory Management Software: Proficiency in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, or dedicated tool tracking software.
MRO & Tooling Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of industrial tools, machine tooling (e.g., drills, end mills, inserts), precision measuring instruments, and general MRO parts.
Computer Literacy: Solid computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for data entry, record-keeping, and communication.
Tool Inspection & Maintenance: Ability to visually and functionally inspect tools for defects and perform basic maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs.
Material Handling: Experience operating material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, and potentially forklifts (certification is a major plus).
Blueprint/Schematic Reading: Basic ability to read and interpret technical drawings or setup sheets to identify required tooling.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of the job, from data entry to tool inspection, to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.
Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to maintain a clean, structured, and efficient work environment where items can be located quickly.
Customer Service Mindset: A helpful and professional demeanor when interacting with production, maintenance, and engineering staff who are your internal customers.
Problem-Solving: The ability to independently investigate inventory discrepancies, troubleshoot tool-related issues, and identify effective solutions.
Reliability & Independence: A dependable and self-motivated individual who can manage their responsibilities effectively with minimal supervision.
Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, supervisors, and vendors.
Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to following all safety protocols and promoting a safe working environment for everyone.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate’s Degree, Trade School Certificate, or formal apprenticeship in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Maintenance Technology
Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a stockroom, warehouse, or tool crib environment.

Preferred: 3+ years of direct experience as a Toolroom or MRO Crib Attendant within a fast-paced manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial maintenance setting. Experience with lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kanban) is highly desirable.