We are a national recruitment firm with a strong presence in engineering and manufacturing staffing in the Houston and Dallas area. We have years of experience recruiting talent for clients in the Electrical Equipment Manufacturing industru. Our client is a leading manufacturer in the electrical equipment and power systems industry, specializing in the design and production of custom-engineered electrical control panels, switchgear, motor control centers, and power distribution units for commercial and industrial markets. Their solutions are trusted by Fortune 500 manufacturers, utilities, and energy providers to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery in mission-critical environments.
With vertically integrated operations and a deep commitment to engineering excellence, this company maintains full in-house capabilities for metal fabrication, precision machining, tool and die making, assembly, and electrical system integration. Their facility is ISO 9001-certified and equipped with the latest CNC technology, robotic automation, and ERP-integrated quality control systems.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
As a Senior Tool and Die Maker, you will be a critical part of the manufacturing operations team, responsible for designing, fabricating, repairing, and maintaining complex tooling, dies, and fixtures used in the production of precision sheet metal and machined components for electrical control and distribution systems.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design and build progressive dies, compound dies, and form tools for precision sheet metal fabrication and stamping operations used in electrical enclosure and panel production.
- Operate a wide range of manual and CNC machine tools including:
- Surface grinders
- Mills
- Lathes
- Wire EDM
- Sinker EDM
- Drill presses
- Perform die repairs, sharpening, and adjustments to maintain dimensional tolerances and extend tool life.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to part misalignment, burrs, die wear, or component deformation during stamping and forming operations.
- Collaborate with design engineers and manufacturing teams to develop jigs, fixtures, and custom tooling for CNC machines, presses, and welding stations.
- Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD files using GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) to ensure tooling precision.
- Work closely with quality control personnel to validate first article inspections and support PPAP submissions for new tools.
- Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Lean Tooling principles in all tool design and build processes.
- Maintain detailed records of tooling specs, maintenance logs, and tooling usage to support ISO 9001 documentation requirements.
- Assist with process improvement initiatives to reduce tooling setup time, scrap rates, and improve uptime of stamping and forming equipment.
- Train junior machinists or toolmakers on proper use of equipment and precision measurement techniques.
Education
- Completion of a certified Tool and Die Maker Apprenticeship Program or equivalent vocational training is required.
- Associate’s degree in Machine Tool Technology, Precision Machining, or Manufacturing Technology is a plus.
Required Skills and Experience
- 10+ years of hands-on experience as a Tool and Die Maker in a sheet metal, precision machining, or electrical equipment manufacturing environment.
- Advanced knowledge of metal forming, blanking, piercing, bending, and progressive die tooling.
- Skilled in operating manual and CNC machine tools, including surface grinders, mills, lathes, and EDM machines.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and GD&T symbols.
- Strong understanding of tight tolerance work, typically within ±0.0005 inches, and use of precision measurement tools such as:
- Micrometers
- Dial indicators
- Height gauges
- Bore gauges
- Optical comparators
- Familiarity with tool steels, heat treatment, and coating processes for die longevity and wear resistance.
- Basic knowledge of CAD software for tooling design review (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor).
- Understanding of ISO 9001 quality management systems and safety standards related to electrical manufacturing environments.
- Ability to troubleshoot and repair complex multi-stage tooling and communicate effectively with engineering and production staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in electrical enclosure, switchgear, or power system component manufacturing.
- Exposure to CNC programming for die components using Mastercam, Esprit, or Fusion 360.
- Experience designing die shoes, strip layouts, and fixture assemblies in 3D CAD software.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma principles for process optimization.
- Ability to support prototype development and short-run production tooling for new product introduction (NPI).
