Die Finishing Specialist

The Die Finishing Specialist is responsible for precision grinding, fitting, and finishing of hardened and semi-hardened dies used in the manufacture of tools and tooling components. This role ensures dies meet exact dimensional, surface finish, and functional requirements through skilled manual processes, inspection, and adjustment. The position requires advanced knowledge of tooling, materials, and tolerances and plays a critical role in tool performance, durability, and product quality.



Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Grind, hand finish, polish, and fit dies used to manufacture tools and tooling components
• Use die grinders, manual lathes, stones, carbide burrs, diamond tools, and polishing media to achieve required finishes and tolerances
• Interpret blueprints, tool drawings, and specifications, including tight tolerances and functional clearances
• Correct distortion and dimensional changes resulting from heat treatment
• Blend surfaces, radii, reliefs, and cutting edges to ensure proper die performance
• Inspect work using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, indicators, gauges, layout tools)
• Identify tooling defects, wear patterns, and functional issues and make corrective adjustments
• Work closely with machinists, engineers, and forging personnel to ensure proper die function
• Maintain tooling accuracy, surface integrity, and finish quality
• Follow all safety, quality, and shop procedures
• Assist Maintenance Department as needed

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of tool steels and die materials (e.g., D2, A2, H13, carbide)
• Advanced hand finishing and precision grinding skills
• Ability to work to very tight tolerances (often in tenths)
• Proficient blueprint reading and dimensional interpretation
• High degree of manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and make judgment based adjustments
• Close attention to detail in a fastpaced environment
• Written and verbal English communication skills
• Able to work with a team to accomplish company goals
• Strict attention and adherence to safety guidelines including wearing all personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Willingness to keep and maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Adherence to attendance policy

Required Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of experience in die finishing, toolmaking or precision tooling environments
• Formal apprenticeship or vocational training a strong plus

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; bend; stoop, crouch or crawl; kneel; talk or hear; taste or smell. Additionally, workers will be exposed to a large warehouse environment and may experience loud volumes or high/low temperatures, based on current weather.

The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and may be required to stand for up to 3 hours at a time.#J-18808-Ljbffr