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Tool Die Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design, build, assemble, repair, and sharpen dies, fixtures, gauges, and production equipment * Set ... Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience * Blueprint Reading ID:qnkTyx

Requirements of the Tool & Die Maker position Minimum of 4 years of tool design, machining, testing and repairs. Experience working in aerospace & defense manufacturing is preferred. Experience with ...

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Requirements of the Tool & Die Maker position Minimum of 4 years of tool design, machining, testing and repairs. Experience working in aerospace & defense manufacturing is preferred. Experience with ...

New

Requirements of the Tool & Die Maker position Minimum of 4 years of tool design, machining, testing and repairs. Experience working in aerospace & defense manufacturing is preferred. Experience with ...

New

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Tool Die Design information

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$16

$28

$37

How much do tool die design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool die design in the United States is $28.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tool Die Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tool Die Designer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, technical drawing, and an educational background in engineering or manufacturing technology. Proficiency in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), knowledge of CAM systems, and familiarity with industry standards are crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help differentiate top professionals in this field. These skills are vital for creating precise, functional tooling that ensures manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

What are some typical challenges faced by Tool Die Designers in collaborating with manufacturing teams?

Tool Die Designers often work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure that their designs are both practical and cost-effective to produce. A common challenge is bridging the gap between theoretical design and real-world manufacturing constraints, such as material availability, machining capabilities, and production timelines. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as designers must frequently revise their work based on feedback from machinists and production engineers. Building strong relationships across departments helps streamline the process and leads to better outcomes for both design and manufacturing.

What is Tool Die Design?

Tool Die Design is a specialized engineering discipline focused on designing and developing tools, dies, and molds used in manufacturing processes to shape or cut materials into specific forms. Tool and die designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans and specifications for these critical components. Their work ensures that manufactured parts meet precise quality, efficiency, and safety standards. This role often involves collaborating with engineers, machinists, and production teams to troubleshoot design issues and improve manufacturing workflows.

What is the difference between Tool Die Design vs Tool and Die Maker?

AspectTool Die DesignTool and Die Maker
Primary RoleDesigns and plans the tools and dies used in manufacturing processesBuilds, maintains, and repairs tools and dies based on specifications
Skills & CertificationsCAD/CAM proficiency, technical drafting, engineering knowledgeMachining skills, hand tools, blueprint reading, certifications in machining
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labs, engineering departmentsMachine shops, manufacturing floors, production facilities
Industry UsageUsed by design engineers, tool and die companies, manufacturing firmsUsed by machinists, tool and die shops, manufacturing plants

While Tool Die Design focuses on creating detailed plans and specifications for tools and dies, Tool and Die Makers are responsible for physically constructing and repairing those tools. Both roles require technical skills, but they differ in their primary functions within the manufacturing process.

More about Tool Die Design jobs
What states have the most Tool Die Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Tool Die Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tool Die Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 10% Full Time, 82% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 23% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 71% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,074 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Tool and Die Maker - Machinist 1st shift (Stamping)

Tool and Die Maker - Machinist 1st shift (Stamping)

Wilson Tool International

Vadnais Heights, MN โ€ข On-site

$41.83 - $43.77/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Tool & Die Maker
Wilson Tool | Full-Time | Day Shift
Build What Others Can't
Wilson Tool is seeking highly skilled Die Makers who take pride in precision, thrive in complex problem-solving, and consistently deliver work beyond the capability of most shops. This role is ideal for experienced professionals in the Stamping Industry who have built, maintained, or designed dies and are looking for a position that offers variety, technical challenge, and direct impact on global manufacturing.
You'll work with multiple national stamping accounts and advanced manufacturing technology in a role that is anything but repetitive. Every day brings new challenges, new designs, and opportunities to apply true craftsmanship and expertise.
This is not a production machining role. This is a true Die Maker position where craftsmanship, problem-solving, and technical depth are essential. You will build and refine high-precision tooling components that directly impact global manufacturing performance-often working to tolerances of ยฑ0.0001".
If you are the person others rely on for the toughest jobs, we want to talk to you.
What You'll Do
  • Interpret stamping die designs and components for manufacturability and production
  • Manufacture complex, one-off, and short-run tooling to exact specifications
  • Read and interpret advanced blueprints, including GD&T, independently
  • Consistently hold extremely tight tolerances (to four decimal places)
  • Perform advanced setups across multiple machines, including:
    • CNC and manual mills and lathes
    • Surface, ID/OD grinding
    • EDM equipment
  • Select tooling, materials, and machining strategies based on part complexity and material behavior
  • Perform detailed in-process and final inspections using precision measurement tools
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex tooling and machining challenges
  • Partner with engineering and production teams to improve tooling performance and manufacturability
  • Support shop floor operations with urgency and technical expertise
  • Drive continuous improvement in setups, programming, and tool design
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment (5S standards)
  • Mentor and support less experienced machinists

What Sets You Apart
  • Experience in the metal stamping and/or die industry
  • Proven ability to consistently hold ยฑ0.0001" tolerances
  • Trusted with highly complex, high-risk, or high-visibility work
  • You don't just run programs-you understand and improve them
  • Comfortable moving between machines, materials, and setups with confidence
  • Strong troubleshooting skills with a track record of solving difficult problems
  • Ownership mindset with urgency, accountability, and results-driven execution
Required Experience & Skills
  • 3+ years of experience in tool & die or high-precision machining
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in stamping die build or die design
  • Proven ability to independently complete complex setups
  • Advanced proficiency in:
    • G/M code programming
    • GD&T and blueprint interpretation
    • Machinist math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry)
  • Strong understanding of tool steels, material properties, and machining strategies
  • CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)
Why Wilson Tool
  • Work on challenging, high-precision tooling-not repetitive production parts
  • Be part of a team that values craftsmanship, skill, and technical expertise
  • Clean, climate-controlled, well-equipped tool room
  • Competitive pay: $41.83 - $43.77/hour (DOE) + shift premium where applicable
  • Stable, global organization with continued investment in technology
  • Opportunity to influence tooling design, processes, and continuous improvement at scale
Work Environment
  • Clean, well-lit, climate-controlled manufacturing facility
  • Continuous standing and hands-on precision work
  • Moderate noise levels; PPE required
Schedule
Full-time, Monday-Friday
Day Shift: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM or 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Wilson Tool is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information about equal employment opportunities, please review the EEO is the Law poster
[Link: https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf ].