Tool & Die Maker Specialist

Business Title:                                    Tool & Die Maker Specialist

Reports to:                                          Focus Factory Leader

Leadership Scope:                              Individual Leader

Company Info:             With a heritage of nearly 120 years, we aren’t just a company; we are a brand of trust.  But more than anything, we are a collection of individuals who, together, give Grote Industries a decisive competitive advantage. At Grote, our shared vision is clear – to meet the needs of the customers we serve. We accomplish that mission every day by following a set of core values that makes us who we are.

                                    Innovation has been the hallmark of Grote Industries from the start. From durable, easy to see stop lights to the latest in LED lighting technology, Grote has been leading the way in advanced vehicle system solutions from early in the last century right up to today. With these innovations, Grote has helped millions of people throughout North America and the world benefit from the innovation and design excellence of Grote products.

Position Summary:      The Tool & Die / Tool Room Technician supports manufacturing operations by building, modifying, repairing, and maintaining fixtures, jigs, tooling, workstations, and assembly equipment. This position troubleshoots mechanical and tooling issues, supports injection molding and manufacturing processes, performs preventative maintenance, and assists with continuous improvement initiatives to help maintain safe, efficient, and reliable production operations.

Position Duties:             - Build, modify, and repair fixtures, jigs, workstations, tooling, and assembly equipment.

                                     - Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical and tooling issues on production equipment.

                                     - Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.

                                     - Operate tool room equipment, including:

• CNC milling machines
• Lathes
• Surface grinders
• Drill presses
• Band saws
• Press brakes

                                      - Use precision measuring equipment, including:

• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Dial indicators
• Depth gauges
• Thread gauges

        - Assist with the installation and setup of new or revised             manufacturing equipment and processes

                                      - Perform tooling changeovers, repairs, and preventative maintenance activities.

                                - Coordinate heat treating and outside vendor tooling services.

                                      - Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

                                      - Maintain organized work areas using 5S principles.

                                      - Document tooling activity and maintain inventory of tool room supplies.

                                      - Collaborate with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to improve manufacturing efficiency and minimize downtime.

                                     - Follow all safety policies and procedures while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Requirements:             High School Diploma or GED required. Tool & Die Maker Certification or equivalent experience required. Must have the ability to safely operate tool room equipment and machinery, read blueprints and technical drawings, and use precision measuring instruments. Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, basic computer skills, and attention to detail are required. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work safely in a manufacturing environment. Experience with CNC machining, injection molding, plastic molds, metal stamping equipment, prototype fabrication, welding, pneumatic and mechanical assembly, automated equipment, or lean manufacturing is preferred.