Tool&Die Maintenance Technician - 2nd shift - Manufacturing Automotive Experience

Vanspeag

Manchester, TN

Pay: $26-$34/hr

Shift: Full time

The Tool & Die Technician builds, repairs, maintains, and troubleshoots dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures to keep production running safely and to quality standards. This role serves as the 2nd shift tooling expert, responding to production tooling issues in real time, performing preventive maintenance, and partnering with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to reduce downtime and scrap.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain stamping dies, injection molds, jigs, fixtures, and gauges used in automotive production

• Respond to tooling breakdowns and quality issues during 2nd shift; diagnose root cause and restore tooling to production quickly

• Perform preventive maintenance on dies and molds per schedule, including cleaning, polishing, sharpening, and component replacement

• Read and interpret blueprints, tooling drawings, and GD&T callouts to fabricate or repair tooling components to specification

• Operate and set up manual and CNC machining equipment (mills, lathes, surface and cylindrical grinders, EDM) to produce replacement tooling components

• Support die and mold tryouts, changeovers, and launch activities for new and existing programs; make adjustments to achieve part quality

• Use precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, CMM) to inspect tooling and verify dimensions

• Document repairs, tooling history, and spare-parts needs; communicate status and priorities at shift handoff

• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering on continuous improvement projects (5S, Kaizen, Lean) to improve tool life and reduce downtime

• Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, and safe material-handling practices

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**

• 3+ years of hands-on tool and die experience in an automotive manufacturing environment (stamping dies and/or injection molds)

• Journeyman-level tool and die or machinist training, or equivalent hands-on experience; technical school certificate or apprenticeship preferred

• Proficiency with blueprint reading, GD&T, and precision measurement instruments

• Experience with manual and CNC machining, grinding, and welding/fabrication for tooling repair

• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to work independently on the production floor with minimal supervision

• Working knowledge of IATF 16949/ISO quality requirements and OSHA safety practices, including lockout/tagout

• Basic computer skills (MS Office, CMMS or ERP entry); CAD familiarity a plus

• Available to work 2nd shift and occasional weekends/overtime as needed; own hand tools expected

**PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS**

• Experience with progressive, transfer, and tandem press dies, or plastic injection mold maintenance

• Experience with Japanese-owned automotive suppliers and lean manufacturing practices (5S, Kaizen, TPM)

**WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART**

• Direct impact on uptime and part quality in a high-volume automotive operation

• Cross-functional exposure to Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering

• Growth path toward Lead Tool & Die Technician, Tool Room Supervisor, or Tooling Engineering roles

**COMPENSATION & DETAILS**

**Compensation:** Competitive hourly rate, commensurate with experience, plus 2nd shift premium (details available upon inquiry).

**Classification:** Non-Exempt (hourly).

**Shift:** 2nd shift (weekend/overtime as needed).

**Location:** Confidential — disclosed to qualified candidates upon initial screening.

**Employment Type:** Full-Time.

**Reports To:** Tool Room Supervisor.

Pay: $26.00 - $34.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person