Tool & Die / Stamping Lead

Job Description:

Tool & Die Stamping Lead Technician

Position Overview

The Tool & Die Lead / Stamping Lead is a dual-role position responsible for overseeing all tool and die operations as well as the daily performance of the stamping department. This individual ensures that tooling, equipment, processes, and personnel support safe, efficient, and high-quality production. The role requires hands-on technical expertise in tool and die maintenance/builds, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across both functions.

Key Responsibilities

Tool & Die Department Lead

• Oversee the design, build, repair, and maintenance of all tooling, dies, fixtures, and related equipment.
• Lead preventative and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend tool life.
• Diagnose tooling issues, lead troubleshooting efforts, and guide technicians in implementing effective corrective actions.
• Coordinate and prioritize tool room workload to support production schedules.
• Maintain tooling documentation, design files, revision control, and spare component inventories.
• Collaborate with engineering on tool design improvements, new tooling concepts, and manufacturability enhancements.

Stamping Department Lead

• Lead daily stamping operations, ensuring the department meets safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Oversee setup, operation, and optimization of stamping presses, automation, and related equipment.
• Train and develop stamping operators, setup technicians, and support personnel.
• Monitor production metrics and implement process improvements to reduce waste, scrap, and downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all safety standards, conducting audits and promoting a strong safety culture.
• Coordinate labor scheduling, machine loading, and production planning with cross-functional teams.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Provide clear direction, coaching, performance feedback, and career development for both tool room and stamping team members.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, 5S, SMED, TPM).
• Build strong partnerships with engineering, quality, maintenance, purchasing, and production planning.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues related to tooling or stamping processes.
• Lead cost saving initiatives in the department adhering to departmental budgets and capital expenditures.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical diploma in Tool & Die, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5-10+ years of experience in tool and die work, including progressive stamping environments.
• 3-5+ years of supervisory or managerial experience in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of stamping presses, tooling principles, die setup, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, CAD models, and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Willingness to come to work on off hours to troubleshoot die and press issues.
• SolidWorks experience.

Working Conditions

• Primarily on the production floor with occasional office work.
• Requires standing, walking, and hands-on involvement with tooling and machinery.
• May require overtime or off-shift support as needed.

Summary

This role is ideal for a seasoned tool and die professional who also excels at leading production teams and equipment. The Tool & Die Lead / Stamping Lead will play a critical role in ensuring that high-quality stamped components are produced safely, efficiently, and consistently.

At Array Tech, Inc., we strive to lead with our culture, and believe that our people are a key enabler of our future state. Our total rewards philosophy supports Array's ability to attract, develop, and retain our employees. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and wellness programs that align with the local markets where we do business.

Array Tech, Inc. offers equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, or any other legally protected status.