Tool and Die Design Technician

General Description

Responsible for supporting the design, development, modification, and maintenance of specialized tooling, including forging dies, molds, trim blades, and fixtures, to support efficient and high-quality metal forging operations. This role involves creating detailed drawings, 3D models, and fabrication documentation using CAD/CAM software while working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and tool room personnel. The Tool and Die Design Technician helps optimize tooling performance, supports troubleshooting efforts, and assists with continuous improvement initiatives to ensure forged components meet quality, durability, and production requirements.

Essential job functions and duties:

• Create and modify forging dies, inserts, trim blades, fixtures, and related tooling using CAD/CAM software.
• Develop detailed models, drawings, and layouts to support tooling fabrication, assembly, and maintenance activities.
• Assist in evaluating tooling designs to support proper material flow, dimensional accuracy, durability, and manufacturability.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and customer requirements to develop tooling solutions.
• Support tooling design improvements to enhance die life, reduce downtime, and improve forging quality.
• Assist in selecting appropriate tool steels, materials, and heat treatment requirements for forging applications.
• Prepare and maintain tooling documentation, including bills of material, design revisions, and manufacturing records.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, engineering, and tool room personnel to ensure tooling designs meet production requirements.
• Provide technical support to production by helping troubleshoot tooling issues related to wear, damage, alignment, and performance.
• Participate in tooling tryouts, die sampling, and process improvement activities.
• Assist with investigations of forging defects and support implementation of corrective actions.
• Monitor tooling performance and recommend modifications or repairs to improve efficiency and extend tool life.
• Balance design requirements with equipment capabilities, material availability, machining considerations, and production schedules.
• Ensure tooling designs and documentation comply with company standards and safety requirements.

Job Specifications:

• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of tooling design principles, forging processes, and manufacturing practices.
• Understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment, and material properties as they relate to tooling performance.
• Ability to read and interpret manufacturing drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with CNC machining processes, tooling fabrication methods, and tool room operations.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a manufacturing environment.

Education:

Associate degree in Tool and Die Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical field preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education, vocational training, apprenticeship experience, and relevant work experience may be considered.

Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in tool and die design, tooling support, manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience in a forging, metalworking, machining, or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with CNC machining, tooling fabrication, and tool room operations is beneficial.

Software:

SolidWorks, AutoCAD, AutoDESK, PowerMill, DEFORM, Microsoft Office Suite