Tool & Die Maker - Littleton, NH

Job Overview

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

A Day In The Life

• Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.

• Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.

• Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.

• Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.

• Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.

• Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.

• Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.

• Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.

• File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.

• Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.

• Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.

• Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.

• Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.

• Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.

• Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.

• Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.

What will help you thrive in this role?

• Microsoft Office suite - Word, Excel, Powerpoint

• Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

• Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

      Vocational school, Trade School or Associate's degree or 2-4 years related job experience.