Tool and Die Maker

How to use this kit

Ground every answer in facts on this page and the original listing. We never invent Glassdoor-style reviews or salaries that are not in our data.

Interview prep

Be ready to walk through how you sequence a die from print to inspection, choose setups on mill or lathe, verify alignments and clearances, and catch contour or finish defects. Expect scenario questions on fitting assemblies and correcting out-of-spec work.

Fit summary

Strong match if you enjoy precision metalwork, blueprints, and hands-on machining in a shop setting at OTTO Engineering’s Carpentersville, IL site (on-site, not remote).

Day in the role

As a Tool and Die Maker at OTTO Engineering in Carpentersville, IL, you would typically read blueprints and plan fabrication sequences, set up conventional or CNC lathes, mills, and grinders, then cut and shape parts to tight tolerances. You check dimensions with micrometers, calipers, and gauges, fit and assemble dies, jigs, and tools, and inspect finished work for contour, smoothness, and defects.

Skills to emphasize

Build strength in blueprint reading, tolerance math, CNC and conventional machining, precision measuring (micrometers, calipers, gauge blocks), and die/jig fitting and inspection. Formal certs are not specified for this listing.

FAQ from this listing

What does a Tool and Die Maker do day to day?

Plan work from prints, machine parts to spec, assemble dies and tools, and verify dimensions and finish with precision instruments.

Is this role remote?

No. The listing is for Carpentersville, IL with on-site work implied.

Where can I learn more about the occupation?

Review the O*NET profile for Tool and Die Makers at onetonline.org.

Occupation tasks (O*NET)

Public-domain labor data — prepare examples for 2–3 of these.

• Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
• Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
• Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
• Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
• Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
• Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
• Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
• Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.

O*NET source

Company facts (cached)

Website: otto-engineering-inc.breezy.hr

Public cache only — not an employee review.

Role overview (listing rewrite)

OTTO Engineering is hiring a Tool and Die Maker for a full-time role based in Carpentersville, IL. This hands-on manufacturing position is ideal for candidates searching for Tool and Die Maker jobs in Carpentersville, IL or Tool and Die Maker near me with OTTO Engineering careers. About This Position The full-time Tool and Die Maker opportunity at OTTO Engineering is situated in Carpentersville, IL and focuses on the precise fabrication, maintenance, and improvement of tooling used in production. Candidates will work with detailed designs to deliver reliable dies, fixtures, and related components that support daily operations. This role suits experienced tradespeople ready to apply traditional skills alongside modern equipment in a dedicated workshop setting at the Carpentersville facility. Your Responsibilities Interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to plan the construction or repair of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. Set up and operate machine tools such as mills, lathes, grinders, and EDM equipment to produce accurate parts within tight tolerances. Perform heat treating, fitting, and assembly of complex die sets or molds as needed for production use. Inspect finished tooling with precision instruments including micrometers, calipers, and gauges to verify dimensional accuracy and surface quality. Troubleshoot and rework worn or damaged tooling to restore performance and minimize downtime. Collaborate with engineers and production teams to recommend design improvements for better manufacturability and longer tool life. Maintain machines, work areas, and documentation in accordance with shop standards. Skills & Qualifications Proven experience as a Tool and Die Maker or equivalent machinist role involving precision tool construction and repair. Strong ability to read complex blueprints, GD&T callouts, and technical specifications. Proficiency with both manual and CNC machine tools used in tool rooms, plus skill with surface grinders and measurement devices. Solid knowledge of metals, cutting principles, clearances, and finishing techniques essential for durable dies and molds. Mechanical aptitude, mathematical skills for layout and calculation, and attention to detail under time constraints. Completion of a formal tool and die apprenticeship, technical program, or equivalent hands-on training preferred. Reliable work habits and the capacity to work independently or as part of a team in a manufacturing…

Full job on Get A Job.AI

Questions to ask them

• What does success look like in the first 90 days for this role?
• How is the team structured, and who would I work with most?
• What tools and systems does this role use daily?
• Is the work primarily based in Carpentersville, IL, hybrid, or fully remote?