Tool And Die Maker Resume Examples And Templates for Skilled Trades
Adrian Müller
Tool & Die Maker
[email protected] | (773) 555-4291 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Profile
Highly skilled Tool & Die Maker with over 9 years of experience in designing, fabricating, and maintaining precision dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures in automotive and aerospace production environments. Proven ability to interpret technical drawings, use CNC mills and lathes, and execute manual toolmaking tasks with tight tolerances. Recognized for strong problem-solving, quality-focused craftsmanship, and enhancing production efficiency through continuous improvement.
Experienced in setting up and operating CNC and manual machinery, aligning tooling, and performing maintenance. Excellent at collaborating with engineers and machinists to troubleshoot die performance and minimize rework. Committed to safety, precision, and meeting production deadlines.
Education
Diploma in Precision Toolmaking
Midwest Technical Institute, Milwaukee, WI
Graduated: June 2011
Licenses & Certifications
- Journeyman Tool & Die Maker Certification
- CNC Machining & Setup Certification
- Blueprint Reading & GD&T Certification
- OSHA 30‑Hour General Industry Safety
Work Experience
Senior Tool & Die Maker
Precision Automotive Tools, Milwaukee, WI
April 2016 – Present
- Design, fabricate, and repair dies and stamping tools using CNC milling, wire EDM, grinding, and manual techniques to within ±0.001‑inch tolerances.
- Collaborate with engineering to prototype new tooling and implement modifications, reducing scrap rates by 20 %.
- Manage preventive maintenance of tooling, including inspection schedules, calibrations, and documentation in CMMS.
- Provide technical guidance to junior toolmakers, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to tolerance specifications.
Tool & Die Maker
Advanced Dieworks, Milwaukee, WI
July 2011 – March 2016
- Set up and operated manual and CNC milling machines, grinders, and saws to build dies for metal stamping operations.
- Performed die trials, measured outputs, and adjusted setups to achieve precise part dimensions.
- Fabricated jigs and fixtures to support production lines, improving alignment and throughput.
- Interpreted blueprints with GD&T principles to ensure part interchangeability in high‑volume production runs.
Skills
- CNC milling & turning
- Manual tool fabrication
- EDM & precision grinding
- Blueprint reading & GD&T
- Preventive maintenance & inspection
- Fixture and jig making
- CMMS systems
- Tool alignment & calibration
Languages
- English – Native proficiency
- German – Professional working proficiency
- Spanish – Basic technical comprehension
Summary
Dedicated Tool & Die Maker with extensive experience advancing tooling performance and reliability. Skilled in CNC and manual processes, with a strong eye for detail, quality, and efficiency. Proven record of reducing scrap, speeding production changeover, and mentoring team members to maintain consistent machining standards.
Extra-Curricular
Volunteer instructor at local vocational workshops teaching young adults CNC programming and manual machining basics. Participate in community STEM events demonstrating metalworking techniques to students. Member of Milwaukee Toolmakers Guild, attending monthly technical talks and sharing best practices.
Courses
Completed advanced training in CNC programming and setup, die maintenance techniques, precision measurement, and GD&T best practices. Attended workshops on die design optimization, lean manufacturing, and tool wear analysis.
Internships
Tool & Die Maker Apprentice
Accurate Manufacturing Co., Milwaukee, WI
June 2010 – May 2011
- Assisted senior toolmakers in die fabrication, component finishing, and tool trials.
- Operated toolroom machines under supervision and learned measurement techniques.
- Conducted inspections and documented dimensional accuracy using micrometers and calipers.
- Supported maintenance and troubleshooting of stamping tools during production runs.
Other References
Available upon request from:
• Mr Karl Becker – Lead Toolmaker, Precision Automotive Tools
• Ms Sofia Ramirez – Production Engineer, Advanced Dieworks
Hobbies
Enjoy designing and building custom metalworking tools in home workshop. Passionate about classic car restoration and machining custom parts. Take part in weekend machining meets and metal fabrication challenges with local guild.
Resume guide for a Tool & Die Maker
A Tool & Die Maker resume must showcase precision machining skills, tooling design, and maintenance knowledge. Employers seek individuals who can fabricate, adjust, and repair dies and molds with high accuracy. It should demonstrate hands‑on experience in CNC and manual toolmaking, understanding of GD&T, and ability to improve tool performance.
This guide explains how to create a stand‑out resume emphasizing craftsmanship, problem‑solving, and production efficiency in machining and toolroom environments.
How to write a professional Tool & Die Maker resume
Start with a strong profile that highlights years of toolroom experience and types of tools built. Use reverse‑chronological layout detailing roles, responsibilities, and results. Include skills in CNC, die maintenance, blueprint reading, and tool calibration.
Use verbs like fabricated, calibrated, programmed, inspected, and quantify improvements such as scrap reduction or cycle time efficiency.
Choosing the right resume format for Tool & Die Maker
A reverse‑chronological format works best for experienced toolmakers to highlight technical progression. A hybrid format can help those transitioning from apprenticeship by emphasizing skills first. Ensure clear headings, concise bullets, and easy scanning for hiring managers.
Include your contact information
Provide full name, phone number, email address, and city/state. Optionally include LinkedIn or a portfolio showing precision tools or projects. Ensure accuracy and a professional presentation.
Add a professional summary
Summarize experience, precision skills, tool types handled, and contributions to efficiency. This sets expectations for your machining strengths and professionalism.
Example Accomplished Tool & Die Maker with 9+ years fabricating precision dies and molds. Skilled in CNC programming, EDM, and manual toolmaking. Recognized for reducing scrap rates and improving die longevity in high‑volume production.
List your work experience
Include title, employer, location, and dates. Describe tasks such as tool fabrication, maintenance, tooling trials, CNC programming, die testing, and mentoring. Quantify successes like scrap reduction or faster run‑in times.
Highlight collaboration with engineers and machinists to validate tooling designs and enhance production quality.
Highlight your key skills
- CNC milling & lathe setup
- Die and mold fabrication
- EDM, grinding, and finish machining
- Blueprint reading & GD&T
- Tool calibration & preventive maintenance
- Fixture and jig making
- CMMS maintenance
- Quality inspection & measurement
Detail your education & licenses
State your toolmaking diploma or degree, institution, and completion date. Mention journeyman credentials and machining certifications that validate your technical proficiency.
Add certifications and specialties
- Journeyman Tool & Die Maker
- CNC Machining Certification
- GD&T & Blueprint Reading Certification
- OSHA 30‑Hour Safety
Include internships
Describe apprenticeship or internship roles such as assisting with tool trials, machine setup, die adjustments, measurement, and maintenance under supervision. Highlight learning curve and hands‑on skills.
Detail extra‑curricular activities
Include participation in toolmaking guilds, teaching workshops, community STEM fairs, and local machining events. Emphasize sharing skills and mentoring others.
Add courses and professional development
List courses completed such as CNC programming, precision measurement, tool design optimization, lean machining, and quality assurance techniques. Shows commitment to growth and upskilling.
Tool & Die Maker job market and demand
Tool & Die Makers are essential in sectors like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and precision engineering. With increased automation and demand for high‑precision tooling, skilled toolmakers who can handle CNC and manual processes are increasingly valuable. Job growth is strong in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Specialized roles in mold making, progressive die design, and fixture fabrication continue to drive demand in modern manufacturing hubs and advanced production lines.
Salary range for Tool & Die Maker roles worldwide
- United States - 50,000 to 85,000 USD per year
- Canada - 55,000 to 90,000 CAD per year
- United Kingdom - 30,000 to 50,000 GBP per year
- Australia - 60,000 to 95,000 AUD per year
- Germany - 45,000 to 75,000 EUR per year
- United Arab Emirates - 55,000 to 95,000 AED per year
- India - 4 LPA to 10 LPA
Key takeaways for building a Tool & Die Maker resume
- Choose a reverse‑chronological format to showcase progression and experience
- Prioritize a strong summary that highlights precision tooling skills and efficiency improvements
- Use action verbs and quantify results throughout experience section
- List all technical certifications and toolmaking credentials prominently
- Organize layout with clear headers, bullet points, and consistent formatting
- Tailor resume to include keywords from job postings in machining and toolmaking roles