Tool Maker Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Tool and Die Maker - 1st shift
Make Your Mark. Shape Your Future.
It takes great people to achieve greatness. People with a sense of purpose and integrity. People with a relentless pursuit of excellence. People who care about making things better For Those Who Make The World™. Sound like you? Join our top-notch team of 54,000+ professionals in 60 countries who are making their mark on some of the world's most beloved brands, including DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, BLACK+DECKER, IRWIN, LENOX and more.
Job Summary:
The Tool Maker / Tool & Die Technician is responsible for building, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting tooling, dies, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and related production support equipment used in manufacturing operations. This role applies strong mechanical aptitude, machining skills, and blueprint interpretation to support production efficiency, quality, and safety. The technician works independently on standard assignments and supports more complex tooling projects under limited supervision.
Key Responsibilities:
• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, dies, fixtures, jigs, and gauges to support production requirements.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and perform corrective actions to minimize downtime and maintain product quality.
• Set up and operate manual machining equipment such as mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and saws.
• Perform fitting, assembly, alignment, and adjustment of tooling components to required tolerances.
• Read and interpret blueprints, tool drawings, sketches, and specifications.
• Inspect tooling and components using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges.
• Support die maintenance, preventive maintenance, and tooling changeover activities.
• Work with engineering, production, and maintenance teams to improve tooling performance and manufacturability.
• Assist in root cause analysis of tooling failures, wear patterns, and dimensional issues.
• Recommend tooling improvements to enhance safety, quality, uptime, and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities.
• Follow all safety procedures, housekeeping expectations, and company policies.
• Support continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives within the tool room and production areas.
Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on experience in tool making, machining, or tool and die work.
• 3-5 years of experience in tool making, die maintenance, machining, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to read blueprints, technical drawings, and part specifications.
• Experience operating manual machine shop equipment.
• Working knowledge of tool steels, die components, machining methods, and precision measurement techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and dimensional issues in tooling and dies.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Journeyman certification or completion of a formal Tool & Die apprenticeship.
• Experience with stamping dies, molds, fixtures, or assembly tooling.
• Familiarity with CNC equipment, EDM, or CAD drawings.
• Welding, polishing, or heat-treat knowledge.
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.
Core Competencies:
• Tool and die repair
• Precision machining
• Blueprint reading
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving
• Preventive maintenance
• Precision measurement
• Mechanical aptitude
• Quality focus
• Team collaboration
• Safety awareness
Working Conditions:
• Work is performed in a manufacturing plant or tool room environment.
• Role requires standing for extended periods, lifting tooling components, and working with machinery and sharp tools.
• Use of personal protective equipment is required.
• Overtime or flexible hours may be needed to support production schedules or urgent tooling repairs.
Performance Measures:
• Tooling uptime and readiness
• Quality and accuracy of tool repairs
• Response time to tooling issues
• Preventive maintenance completion
• Scrap and rework reduction related to tooling
• Safety and housekeeping performance
What You'll Receive
You'll receive a competitive wage and a great benefits plan:

• Medical, dental, life, vision, wellness program, disability, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
• Discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and other partner programs.

All qualified applicants to Stanley Black & Decker are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran's status or any other protected characteristic.
We Don't Just Build The World, We Build Innovative Technology Too.
Joining the Stanley Black & Decker team means working in an innovative, tech-driven and highly collaborative team environment supported by over 43,500 professionals in 60 countries across the globe. Here, you'll get the unique chance to impact some of the world's most iconic brands including STANLEY TOOLS, DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, MAC TOOLS and Black + Decker. Your ideas and solutions have the potential to reach millions of customers as we work together to write the next chapter in our history. Come build with us and take your career to new heights.
Who We Are
We're the World's largest tool company. We're industry visionaries. We're solving problems and advancing the manufacturing trade through innovative technology and our Industry 4.0 Initiative. We are committed to ensuring our state-of-the-art "smart factory" products and services provide greater quality to our customers & greater environmental and social value to our planet. We are unique in that we have a rich and storied history dating back to 1843, but that hasn't stopped us from evolving into a vibrant, diverse, global growth company.
Benefits & Perks
You'll get a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical, dental, life, vision, wellness program, disability, retirement benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Paid Time Off, including paid vacation, holidays & personal days, and tuition reimbursement. And, of course, discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and products and well as discount programs for many other vendors and partners.
What You'll Also Get
Career Opportunity: Career paths aren't linear here. Being part of our global company with 60+ brands gives you the chance to grow and develop your skills along multiple career paths.
Learning & Development:
Our lifelong learning philosophy means you'll have access to a wealth of state-of-the-art learning resources, including our Lean Academy and online university (where you can get certificates and specializations from renowned colleges and universities).
Diverse & Inclusive Culture:
We pride ourselves on being an awesome place to work. We respect and embrace differences because that's how the best work gets done. You'll find we like to have fun here, too.
Purpose-Driven Company:
You'll help us continue to make positive changes in the local communities where we work and live as well as in the broader world through volunteerism, giving back and sustainable business practices.
EEO Statement:
All qualified applicants to Stanley Black & Decker are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran's status or any other protected characteristic.
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete an application or access our website, please contact us at (860) 827-3923 or at accommodations@sbdinc.com. Due to volume, we cannot respond to unrelated inquiries about the status of a completed application or resetting an account password.
Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov)