Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tooling Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

As a Tooling Specialist, you are the cornerstone of the manufacturing process, serving as the subject matter expert for all production tooling. This pivotal role involves the hands-on design, fabrication, maintenance, and repair of high-precision tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures that are essential for our production lines. You will ensure that all tooling is maintained to the highest standard, capable of producing quality parts efficiently and reliably. This position requires a blend of traditional craftsmanship, modern CNC technology, and sharp problem-solving skills to minimize downtime and drive continuous improvement initiatives within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

CNC Machinist or Programmer
Tool and Die Maker Apprentice
Maintenance Technician with a focus on mechanical systems

Advancement To:

Senior Tooling Engineer or Lead Tooling Specialist
Tool Room Supervisor or Manager
Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Lateral Moves:

Process Engineer
Quality Engineer
Maintenance Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and complex repairs on production tooling, including plastic injection molds, stamping dies, and die-cast molds, to minimize downtime and extend asset life.
Operate a wide range of toolroom machinery, including CNC and manual mills, lathes, EDM machines, surface grinders, and welding equipment, to fabricate, modify, and repair tool components with exceptional precision.
Analyze and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and 3D CAD models to ensure all fabricated or repaired tooling meets exact design specifications and tolerances.
Design, develop, and engineer new tooling, dies, jigs, and fixtures using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) to support new product introductions and process improvement projects.
Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, applying lean manufacturing principles like SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) to optimize tool changeover times and enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Collaborate closely with product design and manufacturing engineering teams to provide critical Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback, ensuring tooling feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and robust performance.
Conduct first article inspections and tool trials to validate new or repaired tooling, ensuring it produces parts that consistently conform to all quality standards and dimensional requirements.
Investigate root causes of tool failures and part quality defects, implementing robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to mitigate recurrence and improve process stability.
Utilize a variety of precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, optical comparators, and CMMs, to verify the dimensional accuracy of tool components and finished parts.
Provide hands-on technical support to the production floor during tooling-related disruptions, acting as the primary subject matter expert for diagnosing and resolving complex operational issues.
Manage external tooling vendors and suppliers for new tool builds and major repairs, including conducting supplier audits, negotiating quotes, and overseeing project timelines to ensure on-time delivery and quality.
Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for all tooling, including maintenance logs, repair records, design modifications, and setup sheets, to ensure knowledge transfer and traceability.
Program, set up, and operate CNC equipment for creating complex tool geometries and components, ensuring efficient machining paths and high-quality surface finishes.
Perform intricate bench work, including polishing, fitting, spotting, and assembly of complex mold and die components to achieve required finishes, clearances, and functionality.
Train and mentor apprentices, machinists, and production operators on proper tool handling, setup procedures, and basic preventative maintenance practices to foster a culture of ownership and care.

Secondary Functions

Support new product introduction (NPI) projects by providing tooling expertise during early-stage development, prototyping, and production ramp-up.
Manage the inventory of spare parts, inserts, and components for critical tooling, establishing reorder points and sourcing strategies to prevent stockouts and production delays.
Contribute to the capital expenditure (CapEx) planning process by providing data-driven justification for new toolroom equipment, software, and technology investments.
Evaluate and recommend new tooling materials, advanced coatings, and innovative technologies to improve performance, reduce cycle times, and extend tool longevity.
Participate in cross-functional team meetings, representing the tooling department and providing clear updates on project status, resource availability, and potential risks.
Assist the quality department in resolving discrepancies between part measurements and tooling specifications, making precise adjustments to tools as necessary to achieve conformity.
Ensure all toolroom activities, equipment, and procedures adhere to strict corporate and regulatory safety protocols (e.g., LOTO, machine guarding, PPE).

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

CAD/CAM Software Proficiency: Expertise in software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam, or equivalent for design and programming.
CNC Programming & Operation: Strong ability to program, set up, and operate CNC mills, lathes, and wire/sinker EDM machines (G-code, M-code).
Toolroom Machinery Operation: Hands-on mastery of manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and other standard toolroom equipment.
GD&T and Blueprint Reading: Deep understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing and the ability to interpret complex technical drawings.
Precision Measurement: Skilled in using micrometers, calipers, CMMs, optical comparators, and other metrology tools to verify tolerances to the ten-thousandth of an inch.
Welding and Fabrication: Proficiency in TIG and/or laser welding for precise repair of tool steels.
Process Knowledge: In-depth understanding of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, metal stamping, or die casting.
Material Science: Working knowledge of various tool steels, alloys, heat-treating processes, and performance coatings.

Soft Skills

Advanced Problem-Solving: A systematic and analytical approach to diagnosing complex mechanical and process issues.
Exceptional Attention to Detail: A commitment to precision and quality in every aspect of work, from machining to documentation.
Effective Communication: Ability to collaborate with engineers, production staff, and management to convey technical information clearly.
Project & Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple repair and build projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to urgent production needs and a mindset geared toward continuous learning and improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED combined with a completed state-certified Tool and Die Maker Apprenticeship program or equivalent vocational/technical certification.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a technical discipline such as Machine Tool Technology or Manufacturing Engineering.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-10+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in a precision toolroom environment, with a proven track record of building, repairing, and maintaining complex production tooling.

Preferred:

Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification is highly desirable. Experience in a high-volume manufacturing sector (e.g., automotive, medical device, consumer electronics) is a significant advantage.