Tooling Technician

Job Title:

Tooling Technician / Tooling Person

Department:
Production

Reports To:

Plant Manager / Production Manager

Location:

Tube Mill Facility

The Tooling Person is responsible for the preparation, maintenance, repair, and inventory management of all tooling and dies used in the mill manufacturing process. This position plays a key role in supporting efficient and timely changeovers by preparing tooling carts and assisting production teams as needed. The role ensures that production equipment operates reliably, safely, and with minimal downtime.

• Inspect, maintain, and repair tooling, dies, jigs, fixtures, and related equipment used in the mill.
• Set up and install tooling in production machinery according to specifications and production schedules.
• Prepare and organize tooling prep carts for efficient production changeovers, ensuring all required tools, parts, and documentation are included.
• Assist with changeovers when needed to help minimize downtime and ensure accuracy of tooling installation.
• Ensure all tooling is properly calibrated and meets required tolerances and quality standards.
• Coordinate with production and maintenance teams to troubleshoot tooling-related issues.
• Maintain accurate records of tooling usage, repairs, and replacements.
• Perform preventive maintenance on tools and related hardware.
• Track and manage tooling inventory; notify supervisor or order replacements when needed.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling setup, performance, and efficiency.
• Follow all safety protocols, company policies, and OSHA regulations.
• Keep tooling storage areas, carts, and workstations clean, organized, and secure.

• Manage forming rolls, breakdown rolls, fin passes, sizing rolls, Turk’s heads, weld rolls, straightening tools, notch heads, dies, and shims.
• Oversee inspection, regrinding, refurbishment, and replacement of worn or damaged tooling.
• Establish tooling life cycles, wear limits, and reconditioning standards.
• Coordinate with external vendors for roll grinding, heat treatment, or coating.

• Support tube mills and secondary operations setup and changeovers by ensuring correct tooling sets are prepared and staged.
• Verify tooling alignment, pass design compliance, and proper installation.
• Assist production teams in troubleshooting tooling-related issues (shape defects, weld issues, sizing problems).

• Minimum Technical Associates in machining/tooling required; bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical engineering preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a tooling or maintenance support role in a manufacturing or mill environment.
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, etc.).
• Knowledge of mechanical systems, metal fabrication, and production tooling.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and setup sheets.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and working in a physically demanding environment.