JOB SUMMARY:

Analyzes specifications, lays out metal stock, sets up and operates most machine tools required to fabricate and repair metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, machinists hand tools, etc. Skilled in making all types of tools and dies required by Company to fabricate highly complex production parts and tooling as needs arise. Lays out, fabricates, assembles and proves dies such as tool masters, deep draw and compound dies for Punch Presses, assembly press machines etc..

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned as necessitated by Company production requirements.

1. Analyzes specifications, computes dimensions, plans layout, fabricates, proves tools and dies and determines assembly method and sequence of operations for tools & dies where final results have minimal or no review by others. Measures, marks and scribes metal stock for machining. Determines critical reference points and tooling holes, sometimes among at least 3 non parallel planes.

 2. Sets up and operates major machine tools such as lathes, milling machine, EDM tooling machine, shaper, grinder, punch presses etc. to make tooling and dies. Verifies conformance of machined parts tooling and dies to specifications, machines and repairs dies and other tooling etc. Works to exacting tolerances (± .0001)

 3. Makes and repairs all types of cutting tooling, fixtures, jigs etc. and dies for the various machines in the Company shop using a variety of material such as carbide and steel. Makes highly complex experimental tooling for developing new products for most of the major machine tools.

 4. Troubleshoots tool and die making problems or related matter of importance for those machines and dies responsible for. Uses considerable resourcefulness where necessary to use considerable initiative to insure efficiency and productivity in any corrective action of tooling & dies and machines/equipment.

5. Uses thorough knowledge of tool & die making and machine shop theory and practice for development of highly complex tools and dies. Uses knowledge and ability to design and fabricate necessary tooling configuration to make required part. Must have knowledge of best materials and grade for best tooling life, cost of tooling and production requirements.
 6. Works as an active team member by participating in problem solving, team building, and all other team activities to improve the processes, productivity, quality, etc. of the department. Uses interpersonal skills as well as good written and verbal communications. Assists other department members as required.

7. Works from specifications from blueprints, sketches, models or descriptions or works from verbal orders, and visualizes product to determine materials required and machines to be used to fabricate parts. 8. Makes repairs of machines and other tools used to make tools and die.

Equipment / Process Responsibilities -

 
Performs duties where property, tools, equipment, or machines are used to machine highly complex and sometimes expensive tools and dies. High degree of care and checking of tools/dies made or repaired prevents possible substantial damage or loss to production and/or equipment/machine. Maintains own tool kit and advises supervision as to when special tools for particular tasks need purchase or replacement.

Material or Product Responsibilities -

 
Performs duties that require close attention to work, supporting documentation specifications and other requirements of highly complex tool and die making principles. Responsible for proper functioning of tool and die components necessary to the efficient operation of production machines and equipment. Impact on production is substantial either to productivity or machine/equipment utilization. Possible significant damage of tools, accessories, to machines, etc. may result from poor workmanship.

Responsibility for Work of Others -

 
Accuracy of communication is mandatory to successful fabrication and/or repair of complex tool and die matters. Must be able to communicate to appropriate personnel any problems or concerns regarding quality, safety or timeliness of work required, or components, tools or equipment issues. Must be able to train employees of equal or lower classification in tool and die making methods and procedures used by the Company. Contacts all levels of co-workers within the manufacturing operations including supervision, machinists, engineers, etc. on technical matters.

Safety Responsibilities -

 
Good housekeeping, knowledge of good machine safety is necessary as well as adherence to and enforcement of Company Safety Rules. Safety of fellow workers is impacted by own safe machine practices or tooling fabrication methods and results.

Initiative and Ingenuity -

 
Requires initiative in solving problems associated with the programming, set­up and operation of CNC machines and ingenuity in adapting tooling and shop aids to complete operations. Makes suggestions for improving the efficiency of work flow or equipment operation. Troubleshoots and resolves CNC related problems. Takes on or reports for additional work as w\current tasks are completed. Performs other work-related tasks, as deemed necessary by Company needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

 
Environmental Surroundings -

 
Work is in a machine shop environment where noise, temperature fluctuations, the repetitive nature of the job, etc. are less desirable than a typical office environment.

Unavoidable Hazards -

Possible hazards related to cuts, bruises, burns, finger and hand injuries and muscle strains. Exposure to moving mechanical parts, metalworking fluids, heating elements and airborne particles. Protective safety wear and equipment should be worn as appropriate to the task at hand.

EFFORT

 
Physical -Able to lift up to 50 pounds. Requires hand and finger manipulation to operate hand and power tools, instruments, etc., necessary to fabrications and repairs required by job duties. Must be able to reach, bend and stretch. Able to use tools required for the manufacture of various types of tools and dies which may be fatiguing and require extensive physical exertion for extended periods of time. Job assignments may require standing and/or sitting for periods exceeding 15 minutes at a time. At times uses considerable physical strength with lifting, loosening collets, moving tooling, etc.

Mental -Reasoning ability required to interpret technical blueprints, drawings, schematics, etc. Must be able to draw conclusions from a variety of abstract and concrete variables. Required to organize work tasks for best efficiency. Must organize work procedures for optimization of productivity involving high level of cognitive analysis using machine shop and tooling theory.

Visual -Close attention to detail with moderate eye concentration over long periods of time. Able to read various precision instruments such as micrometers, calipers, comparator, gauges, etc. Must be able to visually check workpieces for quality.