Tool and Die Maker job description.
A tool and die maker designs, machines, and fits precision tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in stamping, forming, and molding production processes. Working from blueprints and CAD drawings, they use lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC machines to produce components to tight tolerances, then assemble and test tooling before it goes into production. The role demands strong measurement, metalworking, and troubleshooting skills, and typically develops through a multi-year apprenticeship or equivalent trade training in a manufacturing environment.
The Tool and Die Maker job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 9 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Tool and Die Maker Reports to: Tooling Manager / Manufacturing Engineering Manager
A tool and die maker designs, machines, and fits precision tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in stamping, forming, and molding production processes. Working from blueprints and CAD drawings, they use lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC machines to produce components to tight tolerances, then assemble and test tooling before it goes into production. The role demands strong measurement, metalworking, and troubleshooting skills, and typically develops through a multi-year apprenticeship or equivalent trade training in a manufacturing environment.
- Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and specifications to plan tool and die construction
- Machine components using lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC equipment to precise tolerances
- Fit, assemble, and adjust dies, jigs, and fixtures for stamping or molding operations
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
9 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
2 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Tooling Manager / Manufacturing Engineering Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and specifications to plan tool and die construction
- Machine components using lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC equipment to precise tolerances
- Fit, assemble, and adjust dies, jigs, and fixtures for stamping or molding operations
- Test new or reworked tooling on production equipment and troubleshoot fit or function issues
- Repair and refurbish worn or damaged dies and tooling to extend service life
- Select appropriate tool steels and materials based on part specifications and production volume
- Maintain precise measurement and inspection records using calipers, micrometers, and gauges
- Collaborate with engineers and production staff to resolve design or manufacturability issues
- Document tooling changes and maintain maintenance history for each die set
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Completed apprenticeship or trade certification in tool and die making or machining
- Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and CNC or manual machine tools
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and CAD drawings
- Strong understanding of metal properties, heat treatment, and tooling materials
- Experience programming CNC mills or wire EDM equipment
- Familiarity with progressive die or injection mold design
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Tool and Die Maker job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Tool and Die Maker job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The senior band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Tooling Manager / Manufacturing Engineering Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What's the difference between a tool and die maker and a machinist?
- A machinist typically produces individual parts to specification, while a tool and die maker designs, builds, and repairs the tooling — dies, jigs, and fixtures — used to mass-produce those parts.
- How long does it take to become a qualified tool and die maker?
- Most tool and die makers complete a multi-year apprenticeship or trade program combining classroom instruction with supervised shop experience before working independently.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Machinist
A Machinist sets up and operates machine tools to produce precision metal or plastic parts.
CNC Operator
A CNC operator sets up and runs computer numerically controlled machines to produce precision parts from metal, plastic, or other materials.
Maintenance Technician
A maintenance technician performs routine and emergency repairs on facility systems, equipment, and structures to keep operations running safely and efficiently.
This Tool and Die Maker job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.