Overview

The Tooling Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, accuracy, and readiness of molds, dies, and tooling components prior to production release. This position partners closely with Tooling, Engineering, Quality, and external vendors to perform precision inspections, validate tooling conformance, and support continuous improvement initiatives that drive manufacturing excellence.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming inspection, validation, and acceptance of new, repaired, and modified molds, dies, and tooling components from internal and external suppliers


• Assign tooling serial numbers and maintain tooling identification, traceability, and inventory records


• Verify tooling dimensional accuracy, surface finish quality, and completeness against engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and acceptance criteria


• Identify and document tooling non-conformances, including dimensional discrepancies, surface defects, assembly concerns, and incomplete features


• Collaborate with Tooling, Engineering, and vendor partners to resolve quality issues and track corrective actions to closure


• Utilize precision metrology equipment including CMMs, interferometers, height gauges, micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and optical comparators to perform detailed inspections


• Develop and execute inspection plans based on tolerances, GD&T requirements, and critical-to-quality characteristics


• Conduct dimensional inspections of core and cavity geometry, alignment features, shut-offs, cooling channels, and other critical tooling components


• Analyze and record measurement data to verify compliance with engineering specifications and quality standards


• Perform detailed visual inspections of mold components including cores, cavities, slides, lifters, ejector systems, and hot runner interfaces


• Evaluate surface finishes, polish quality, venting features, edge conditions, assembly fit, and overall tooling functionality


• Generate comprehensive inspection reports detailing dimensional results, visual findings, acceptance status, and non-conformance documentation


• Maintain accurate records of tooling inspections, vendor quality performance, corrective actions, and acceptance history


• Support the development and standardization of inspection procedures, checklists, templates, and metrology best practices


• Communicate inspection results and recommendations clearly to internal stakeholders and external suppliers


• Participate in vendor quality initiatives, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement activities


• Identify recurring tooling quality trends and recommend improvements to specifications, inspection processes, and supplier performance

Must Haves

• Associate’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Quality, Metrology, or a related technical field


• 2–5 years of experience in tooling inspection, quality inspection, metrology, toolmaking, or manufacturing quality environments


• Strong understanding of injection mold construction and tooling components


• Proficiency using precision measurement and inspection equipment


• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T requirements


• Experience developing or executing inspection plans and acceptance criteria


• Knowledge of dimensional inspection techniques, measurement uncertainty, and tolerance analysis


• Strong attention to detail with excellent observational and analytical skills


• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities


• Strong organizational, documentation, and recordkeeping skills


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard computer software

Nice to Haves

• Technical certification in metrology, quality inspection, or a related discipline


• Hands-on experience with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)


• Experience performing First Article Inspection (FAI)


• Familiarity with tooling vendor management and supplier quality processes


• Knowledge of surface finish requirements, venting design, mold alignment features, and tooling validation practices


• Experience supporting root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives


• Exposure to quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies


• Experience working in high-precision manufacturing environments

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential


• 4 weeks of PTO plus paid holidays


• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage


• 401(k) with employer match


• A collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement


• Opportunities for career growth within a global technology leader