Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tool Room Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Tool Room Technician, you are the backbone of our manufacturing operations. You will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of maintaining the health and performance of our production tooling, including complex dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges. This hands-on role requires a master craftsperson's precision and a detective's troubleshooting skills. You will diagnose and resolve tooling issues, perform preventative maintenance, and fabricate new components to ensure minimal downtime and maximum product quality. Your expertise will directly contribute to the efficiency, safety, and success of the entire production floor.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Journeyman Machinist
Tool & Die Apprentice
Industrial Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Tool Room Technician
Tool Room Supervisor / Manager
Tooling Engineer

Lateral Moves:

CNC Programmer
Quality Assurance Inspector / Technician
Maintenance Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot complex progressive, transfer, and single-hit stamping dies to ensure they meet precise production specifications.
Operate a full range of conventional tool room equipment, including manual lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, and drill presses, to machine components with tight tolerances.
Read and interpret complex blueprints, schematics, and 2D/3D CAD models to build, modify, and repair tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
Set up and operate CNC machinery, such as wire EDM and CNC mills, to produce intricate tool components, making programming edits as necessary.
Perform skilled bench work, including the precise fitting, timing, assembly, and polishing of die components to guarantee proper function and high-quality part output.
Conduct final tool inspections and test runs, utilizing precision measuring instruments like micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and CMM equipment to ensure conformance to specifications.
Collaborate directly with engineering and production personnel to identify the root cause of tooling failures and participate in developing robust, long-term corrective actions.
Weld and repair damaged or worn tooling using TIG and MIG welding techniques, followed by precision machining and grinding to restore original specifications.
Document all tool maintenance, repairs, and modifications performed in the company's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) with accuracy and detail.
Diagnose and troubleshoot in-press issues that are directly related to tooling performance, making necessary adjustments to resolve production problems swiftly.
Sharpen and recondition punches, dies, and other cutting components to maintain optimal cutting performance and significantly extend the life of the tool.
Assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance program for all production tooling.
Fabricate new jigs, fixtures, and gauges from raw materials to support new product launches and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.
Perform heat-treating processes to harden, temper, or anneal tool steels and other materials to achieve required metallurgical properties and durability.
Provide critical technical support and guidance to production operators regarding proper tool handling, setup procedures, and minor in-press adjustments.
Document and communicate die status, repair needs, and project updates effectively across shifts to ensure smooth handoffs and continuous production support.
Evaluate tooling performance post-repair to confirm that quality and production rate standards are consistently met.
Ensure all work is performed in strict adherence to company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures at all times.
Assist in quoting and estimating the time and materials required for new tool builds, complex repairs, and engineering change orders.
Participate in the design review process for new tooling, providing critical feedback on manufacturability, maintainability, and durability.

Secondary Functions

Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events aimed at enhancing tool life, reducing changeover times, and improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Maintain an exceptional level of cleanliness and organization within the tool room, championing and adhering to 5S principles.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to tool room apprentices and machine operators, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and skill development.
Assist in managing the tool room inventory, including spare parts, tooling components, and raw materials; initiate purchase requisitions to maintain optimal stock levels.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Tool & Die Maintenance: Proven expertise in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining progressive and transfer dies.
Conventional Machining: Mastery of manual lathes, mills, surface grinders, and other standard tool room equipment.
Blueprint Reading & GD&T: Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings, including a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
CNC Machining: Experience with the setup and operation of CNC mills and/or wire EDM machines.
Precision Measurement: Proficient in using micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gauges, and other high-precision inspection tools.
Welding: Skilled in TIG and/or MIG welding for tool steel repair.
CAD/CAM Software: Familiarity with viewing and interrogating models in software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Mastercam.
Problem-Solving: Advanced diagnostic skills to identify the root cause of tooling and part quality issues.
Benchwork & Fitting: Expertise in the manual fitting, timing, and assembly of intricate die components.
Metallurgy: Working knowledge of tool steels, heat treating processes, and material properties.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, from machining to documentation.
Problem-Solving Mindset: A natural ability to analyze issues, think critically, and develop effective solutions under pressure.
Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with team members and other departments.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team to achieve common production goals.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Safety-Conscious: A deep commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and others.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to respond to changing priorities and urgent production needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

State-Certified Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certificate or a completed formal apprenticeship.
Associate's Degree in Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Industrial Maintenance Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-10+ years of hands-on experience in a tool room environment.

Preferred: Experience in a high-volume manufacturing setting, such as automotive, aerospace, or medical devices, is highly desirable.