Toolmaker job description.
A toolmaker manufactures and repairs precision tools, gauges, fixtures, and prototype components used in manufacturing and engineering settings. Working from technical drawings, they machine parts on lathes, mills, and grinders, then hand-finish pieces to exact tolerances. Toolmakers often support new product development by producing one-off or short-run tooling before it moves to full production. The role requires strong metalworking skills, patience with fine detail work, and the ability to solve fit and function problems on the shop floor.
The Toolmaker job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Toolmaker Reports to: Toolroom Supervisor / Manufacturing Manager
A toolmaker manufactures and repairs precision tools, gauges, fixtures, and prototype components used in manufacturing and engineering settings. Working from technical drawings, they machine parts on lathes, mills, and grinders, then hand-finish pieces to exact tolerances. Toolmakers often support new product development by producing one-off or short-run tooling before it moves to full production. The role requires strong metalworking skills, patience with fine detail work, and the ability to solve fit and function problems on the shop floor.
- Machine precision tools, gauges, fixtures, and prototype parts from technical drawings
- Set up and operate lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, and CNC equipment
- Hand-fit and finish components to tight tolerances using files, stones, and polishing tools
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 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.
Toolroom Supervisor / Manufacturing 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.
- Machine precision tools, gauges, fixtures, and prototype parts from technical drawings
- Set up and operate lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, and CNC equipment
- Hand-fit and finish components to tight tolerances using files, stones, and polishing tools
- Inspect finished parts with micrometers, calipers, and gauges to confirm specifications are met
- Repair and modify existing tools and fixtures to extend their useful life
- Collaborate with design engineers on prototype tooling for new products
- Select suitable materials and heat-treatment processes for tool durability
- Maintain accurate job records and report on job progress and material usage
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Trade certification or apprenticeship in toolmaking, machining, or a related discipline
- Proficiency operating manual and CNC machine tools
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and precision tolerances
- Skilled use of measuring and inspection equipment
- Experience with prototype or low-volume tooling production
- CAD/CAM software familiarity
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Toolmaker 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 Toolmaker job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid 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 (Toolroom Supervisor / Manufacturing 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.
- Is a toolmaker the same as a tool and die maker?
- The two overlap significantly; toolmakers often focus on precision tools, gauges, and prototypes, while tool and die makers specialize in dies and molds for mass production, though many employers use the titles interchangeably.
- What qualifications should I look for when hiring a toolmaker?
- Look for completion of a recognized apprenticeship or trade certification, hands-on CNC and manual machining experience, and demonstrated ability to work to tight tolerances.
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 Mechanic
A Maintenance Mechanic installs, repairs, and maintains mechanical equipment and systems in a facility or manufacturing plant.
This Toolmaker 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.