Deep Draw Eyelet Production Toolmaker

Waterbury, CT | 1st & 2nd Shift | $29–$48/hr

Position Summary

Perform a variety of duties involved in the setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and adjustment of deep draw transfer press tools used in eyelet production.

The Production Toolmaker will work with complex and diversified tooling, troubleshoot production problems, and make tooling adjustments and repairs to ensure quality products are produced. The position also supports continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing operation.

Essential Functions

• Work from specifications, blueprints, sketches, and verbal instructions to construct complex and exacting sets of new tools, eyelet tooling, transfer fingers, and gages.
• Use shop mathematics and trigonometry to establish allowances and build tools in accordance with established tolerances.
• File, grind, contour, fit, and finish tooling by hand as required.
• Prove out tooling with a sample run, position by position, and obtain required Quality Assurance approvals.
• Harden tools to specifications following established procedures.
• Make spare parts and repair machinery as required.
• Prepare machines for production runs, remove tooling from previous jobs, and install new tooling.
• Check each station and make the required adjustments to ensure acceptable product.
• Make initial production runs, check dimensions, and submit first pieces to Quality Assurance.
• Troubleshoot production problems and determine the extent and cause of tooling issues.
• Adjust tooling, speeds, and feeds and/or repair worn or broken tooling as required.
• Work with maintenance mechanics and electricians when additional assistance is required.
• Instruct machine operators on proper operation following tooling changeovers.
• Enter SPC and other production data using a computer.
• Work effectively in a cell or small-team environment.
• Follow all safety and housekeeping requirements.

These responsibilities are based closely on the original position description, including the focus on deep-draw transfer press tools, tooling construction, changeovers, first-piece approval, and production troubleshooting.

Qualifications

The strongest candidates will have hands-on experience with production tooling, deep draw tooling, eyelet tooling, transfer presses, or similar tool-and-die applications.

A state-certified apprenticeship is preferred but not required.

Compensation

$29–$48 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• 1st and 2nd shift opportunities
• Aetna medical insurance available at the start of employment
• Three medical plan options, including HDHP/HSA
• Company HSA contribution of $750 individual / $1,500 family annually
• Dental insurance at no cost
• Vision insurance at no cost
• FSA options
• Company-paid life insurance up to $50,000
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage at no cost
• Short-term disability at no cost
• Long-term disability coverage options
• 401(k) with employer match up to 5%
• Employer match is immediately vested
• 80% tuition reimbursement for qualifying degree-related programs
• 9 paid holidays
• Paid vacation

Physical Requirements

The position requires regular standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and use of hands for handling and fitting tooling. The ability to lift up to 35 lbs. is required. The work environment includes exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions.

You should be proficient in:

• Equipment Troubleshooting
• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Metal Stamping & Forming (Progressive Die)
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
• Precision Measurement & Inspection
• Tool/Die/Mold Repair Skills
• Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience
• Blueprint Reading