Tool & Die Maker – Day Shift

Elyria Plastic Products is a contract manufacturer specializing in custom injection molding, mold making, and precision machining. For 39 years, we’ve been an industry leader, delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for our customers. More than just plastic parts, we provide full-service mold making and precision machining, backed by a reputation for quality, timeliness, and innovation. At EPP, we value craftsmanship, technology, and people—join a team where your work makes a difference

Elyria Plastic Products is seeking a Tool & Die Maker with plastic injection molding experience.

This position works day shift, Monday - Friday.

We offer a highly competitive compensation package for candidates with experience.

Excellent benefit package after 60 days of employment. We offer 401(k), dental, vision, short-term disability, life insurance, medical including an HSA option, and supplemental insurance. Paid time off and company-paid holidays.

SUMMARY

Analyzes specifications, lay out metal stock, sets up and operates machine tools, fits and assembles parts to design, build, maintain, and repair precision injection molds, dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and related tooling. Responsible for supporting production of high-quality plastic products by ensuring tooling accuracy, performance, and reliability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Study blueprints, CAD models, sketches, drawings, specifications, and sample parts to determine dimensions, tolerances, and machining requirements.
• Plan and sequence machining and assembly operations; compute dimensions for mold assemblies.
• Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, and rulers.
• Set up and operate machine tools such as CNC mills, lathes, grinders, EDM, and manual equipment to machine mold components to precise tolerances.
• Program CNC machines using CAM software and apply GD&T principles to machining and assembly.
• Lift, position, and secure machined parts on worktables or surface plates using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
• Calculate and set machining parameters such as feeds, speeds, coolant flow, and cutting depths, or input/edit CNC programming.
• Start and monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining; adjust as necessary.
• Smooth and polish contoured and flat surfaces using abrasive stones, files, emery cloth, or grinders.
• Inspect finished tools, molds, and components using calipers, micrometers, gauge blocks, CMM, microscopes, and other precision instruments.
• Fit, assemble, and test tools, molds, and dies for functionality, quality, and compliance with specifications.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance including cleaning, polishing, reassembling, and troubleshooting molds and tooling.
• Repair or modify tools, dies, and molds using machining, welding, and hand tools.
• Design and fabricate tools, fixtures, and templates to aid in manufacturing processes.
• Conduct mold changeovers to meet production schedules.
• Set up and operate drill presses, band saws, and power presses for secondary operations.
• Perform heat treating, hardening, and finishing of parts and molds as required.
• Collaborate with engineers, production staff, and other toolmakers to resolve tooling and assembly issues and recommend process improvements.
• Document maintenance, repairs, and revisions accurately.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized toolroom environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Education/Experience: High school diploma or GED with Journeyperson Tool & Die certification preferred.
• Minimum 5–6 years of toolmaking experience in a plastic injection molding environment.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in CNC programming and machining, EDM, grinding, and manual machining.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD files, and GD&T.
  • Knowledge of mold design, injection molding principles, materials, and heat treatment.
  • Familiarity with CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam).
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Mathematical Skills: Strong knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, and geometry; ability to calculate figures such as dimensions, tolerances, area, volume, and angles.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to interpret written, oral, and diagram instructions; recognize patterns; and visualize how parts will fit together in assembly.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Journeyperson Tool & Die Maker Certification, preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

• Regularly required to stand, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to walk; occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to quickly manipulate machine/tooling controls and handle small precision parts.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibration, and airborne particles.
• Occasionally exposed to wet/humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, outdoor weather, and risk of electrical shock.
• Noise level is usually loud.
• Must observe all safety rules, including safe mold handling and rigging practices.

Day Shift - Monday-Friday