SUMMARY:
Trade Tested Tool and Die Maker (10+ Years’ Experience)
Position Title
Trade Tested Tool and Die Maker
Department
Engineering / Toolroom / Manufacturing
Reporting To
Toolroom Manager / Engineering Manager / Production Manager
Job Purpose
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Trade Tested Tool and Die Maker with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in precision engineering, toolmaking, and the manufacturing of machine components and production tooling. The successful candidate will be responsible for building, repairing, modifying, and maintaining precision tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, moulds, and complex machine parts used in manufacturing and production environments.
The ideal candidate must possess strong machining, fabrication, fitting, and problem-solving abilities with extensive knowledge of conventional and CNC machinery, engineering drawings, tolerances, and precision measurements.
POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities
Toolmaking & Precision Engineering
- Manufacture, repair, and maintain precision tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, moulds, and machine
components.
- Build custom machine parts according to engineering drawings and specifications.
- Produce high-precision components within tight tolerances.
- Modify existing tooling and machine parts to improve efficiency and performance.
- Perform precision fitting and assembly of tooling components.
- Ensure tooling meets production and quality requirements.
Machining & Manufacturing
- Operate conventional machinery including:
o Lathe machines
o Milling machines
o Surface grinders
o Cylindrical grinders
o Radial arm drills
o Tool and cutter grinders
- Operate CNC machinery where required.
- Perform manual machining and bench fitting operations.
- Conduct welding, brazing, and fabrication work where necessary.
- Manufacture replacement parts for breakdowns and maintenance requirements.
Maintenance & Repairs
- Diagnose tooling and machine component failures.
- Conduct preventative maintenance on tooling and production equipment.
- Repair worn or damaged tooling to minimize downtime.
- Troubleshoot tooling-related production issues.
- Assist maintenance and engineering departments during breakdowns.
Quality & Technical Compliance
- Read and interpret technical drawings, CAD drawings, and blueprints.
- Work to extremely fine tolerances and precision standards.
- Use precision measuring equipment accurately.
- Ensure all components comply with ISO, safety, and quality standards.
- Maintain accurate documentation of repairs, modifications, and tooling history.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve tooling reliability and production efficiencies.
- Recommend engineering modifications and process improvements.
- Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with prototype development and new product introductions.
Minimum Requirements Qualifications
- Trade Tested Tool and Die Maker (Red Seal) – must have
- N3 – N6 Mechanical Engineering qualification advantageous – must have
- CNC Programming certification advantageous – a nice to have
- CAD/CAM training advantageous – a nice to have
Experience
- Minimum 10 years’ experience as a Tool and Die Maker in a manufacturing or engineering
environment.
- Proven experience manufacturing machine parts and precision tooling.
- Experience within automotive, packaging, plastics, FMCG, mining, heavy engineering, or
manufacturing industries advantageous.
- Extensive experience in precision machining and fitting.
Technical Skills Required Precision Machining Skills
The candidate must have strong practical experience in:
- Turning
- Milling
- Grinding
- Drilling
- Boring
- Surface finishing
- Precision fitting
- Heat treatment processes
- Tool sharpening
CNC & Technical Skills
- CNC machining and setup – not a must have, but a nice to have
- Ability to manufacture complex precision parts
Measurement & Inspection Skills
Must be highly competent in using:
- Vernier calipers
- Micrometers
- Dial indicators
- Bore gauges
- Height gauges
- Surface tables
- Precision measuring instruments
Drawing Interpretation
- Ability to read and interpret:
o Mechanical drawings
o Tooling drawings
o Assembly drawings
o Hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams
- Strong understanding of tolerances and fits.
Key Competencies Technical Competencies
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Precision engineering expertise
- Toolroom best practices
- Advanced fault-finding abilities
- Strong fabrication knowledge
- Understanding of metallurgy and materials
Soft Skills
- Excellent problem-solving ability
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong planning and organizational skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- High level of workmanship and pride in quality
Preferred Industry Experience
Experience in one or more of the following industries would be advantageous:
- Automotive manufacturing
- Packaging machinery
- Plastics and injection moulding
- FMCG manufacturing
- Heavy engineering
- Mining equipment manufacturing
- Steel and metal processing
- Production machinery manufacturing
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a physically demanding engineering environment.
- Comfortable working with heavy machinery and tooling equipment.
- Willingness to work overtime and standby when required.
Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Tooling downtime reduction
- Quality of manufactured components
- Accuracy and precision of tooling
- Machine uptime support
- Breakdown response times
- Tooling reliability improvements
- Scrap and defect reduction
