Senior Tool & Die Maker

Locations: On-site near Tampa, FL and Plant City, FL

Our client is a growth-oriented precision manufacturer that powers mission-critical products for aerospace, defense, and other high-performance markets. With a well-equipped tool room, modern CNC and EDM machinery, and an unwavering commitment to quality, they are expanding capacity and investing in top talent. As the Senior Tool & Die Maker, you will be the go-to expert for building, maintaining, and improving complex dies, fixtures, and gauges that keep production running at world-class levels.

Work Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits

• Steady first-shift (Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM) with limited weekend work.
• Competitive hourly wage with overtime and annual merit reviews.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays, and PTO.
• Relocation assistance considered for out-of-area talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret complex 3D CAD models and engineering drawings, then create build plans for dies and specialized fixtures.
• Program, set up, and operate lathes, mills, grinders, and EDMs to machine components within ± 0.0002 in. tolerances, always prioritizing safety and quality.
• Assemble, fit, and polish multi-stage dies, verifying clearance and function with precision gauges.
• Troubleshoot and refurbish tooling to eliminate downtime and extend service life.
• Partner with design engineering to recommend modifications that boost manufacturability and reduce cycle time.
• Document labor, scrap, and preventive maintenance activities in the ERP system.
• Champion 5S, safety, and continuous-improvement initiatives in the tool room.
• Mentor apprentices and junior machinists, sharing best practices and fostering a learning culture.

What You Bring

• Ten or more years of progressive tool and die experience or completion of a recognized apprenticeship.
• Mastery of blueprint reading, GD&T, and the use of micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and CMMs.
• Proven competence on manual and CNC machine tools as well as EDM wire and sinker equipment.
• Hands-on experience with die repair, fixture build, and close-tolerance machining for metal and composite parts.
• Working knowledge of shop math and ERP or MES systems for work-order reporting.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to convey complex technical concepts to peers and leadership.

Extra Credit

• Experience supporting aerospace or defense programs.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing or advanced CAD/CAM software.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand or sit for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs occasionally, and perform repetitive hand and wrist motions in a noisy industrial environment.

Why You Should Apply

You will have the autonomy to own the tooling lifecycle from concept to continuous improvement, influence capital-equipment decisions, and join a collaborative team that values craftsmanship and innovation. If you thrive on solving intricate machining puzzles and want to see your tooling make a direct impact on high-performance products, we would like to meet you.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS