Tool and Die Maker Resume Example
Professional resume template and tips for Tool and Die Maker positions
Are you a detail-oriented professional who excels at transforming raw materials into precision tools? This career guide delves into the vital role of a Tool and Die Maker, where expertise in mechanical design, meticulous operation of CNC machinery, and rigorous quality control converge. We provide you with a clear overview of the daily responsibilities, from analyzing specifications with software like SolidWorks to verifying tolerances with precision instruments. You’ll also discover the essential technical and soft skills needed to thrive, along with practical knowledge areas and expert tips for crafting a standout resume. Start building your competitive application for this skilled production role with the insights below.
DAVID KIM
Professional Summary
Precision Tool and Die Maker with 5+ years in high-volume automotive production. Improved CNC milling efficiency by 15% through optimized SolidWorks programming, reducing cycle times. Skilled in quality control analysis, CAD software, and operating lathes and grinders for complex part fabrication.
Skills
Experience
- Led a cross-functional team to redesign a complex progressive die using SolidWorks, improving production efficiency by 18% and reducing material waste by 12%
- Implemented a new quality control analysis process using statistical methods in Excel, which reduced part rejection rates from 3.5% to 0.8% within six months
- Directed the equipment selection and procurement for a new CNC machining cell, leveraging critical thinking to justify a $250k investment that cut lead times by 30%
- Owned the fabrication and validation of a five-station stamping die using MicroStation, completing the project two weeks ahead of schedule through effective time management
- Collaborated with engineering to modify tooling designs in AutoCAD, resolving chronic alignment issues and improving first-pass yield by 15% on high-volume parts
- Applied operation and control expertise to troubleshoot a critical injection mold failure, minimizing production downtime by 20 hours and preventing a $50k loss
- Supported senior makers by performing precise measurements using micrometers and dial indicators, ensuring 100% conformance to specifications on 200+ finished parts weekly
- Executed machine setup and operation on CNC lathes and milling machines under supervision, successfully producing 50+ prototype components with a 99% accuracy rate
- Assisted in studying blueprints and assembling die components using hand tools, contributing to the on-time completion of three jig and fixture repair projects
Education
Certificates
- Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting
- SolidWorks Associate - Mechanical Design
- National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Machining Level I
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What does a Tool and Die Maker do?
A Tool and Die Maker performs various tasks on a daily basis. Here are the core responsibilities you can expect in this role:
- 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.
What skills do you need as a Tool and Die Maker?
Employers hiring for Tool and Die Maker positions look for candidates with a strong combination of technical and soft skills. Here are the most important skills to highlight on your resume:
What knowledge areas are important for a Tool and Die Maker?
Beyond skills and tools, employers value candidates with deep knowledge in these areas. Consider highlighting relevant coursework, certifications, or experience:
How do I write a great Tool and Die Maker resume?
Creating an effective Tool and Die Maker resume requires focusing on what employers in the Production sector value most.
Use relevant keywords
ATS systems scan for specific terms. Include these keywords naturally throughout your resume:
Quantify your impact
When describing how you "verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators", include metrics like percentages, team sizes, budgets, or project scope to demonstrate real results.
Showcase technical proficiency
Highlight hands-on experience with Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks and any mechanical certifications that validate your expertise.
Match the experience level
For Tool and Die Maker roles, employers typically expect usually requires trade school, apprenticeship, or 2-year degree. Highlight matching qualifications prominently at the top of your resume.
Example bullet points
Here are some strong bullet points you could adapt for your Tool and Die Maker resume:
- Led a cross-functional team to redesign a complex progressive die using SolidWorks, improving production efficiency by 18% and reducing material waste by 12%
- Implemented a new quality control analysis process using statistical methods in Excel, which reduced part rejection rates from 3.5% to 0.8% within six months
- Directed the equipment selection and procurement for a new CNC machining cell, leveraging critical thinking to justify a $250k investment that cut lead times by 30%
How to use AI to improve your Tool and Die Maker resume
AI tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful when crafting your Tool and Die Maker resume. They can help you brainstorm achievements, rephrase bullet points for impact, identify missing keywords, and tailor your content to specific job descriptions.
However, AI is not perfect. Always proofread the output carefully. AI can sometimes make factual errors, use generic language, or miss the nuances of your specific experience. Think of AI as a helpful assistant, not a replacement for your own judgment.
AI Resume Prompt
You are a senior recruiter with 15+ years of experience in technical hiring and resume optimization. You have reviewed thousands of resumes for Tool and Die Maker positions and know exactly what hiring managers and ATS systems look for.
Your task:
Analyze my resume for a Tool and Die Maker position and provide concrete, actionable feedback to maximize my chances.
Job description:
[paste the job description here]
Provide feedback on the following:
- Match analysis: Which requirements from the job description ARE and ARE NOT reflected in my resume?
- Quantification: Which bullet points lack concrete numbers/metrics? Provide examples of how I can rewrite them.
- Keywords: Which technical terms from the job description (such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, etc.) are missing or could be more prominent?
- Impact statements: Rewrite my 3 weakest bullet points using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- ATS optimization: What adjustments will increase my score in Applicant Tracking Systems?
- Priorities: Give me a top-5 of changes that will make the biggest difference, ranked by impact.
Be direct and critical - I want honest feedback, not compliments.
Why use Mokaru instead? At Mokaru, we have invested extensive research into our AI prompts and continuously update them based on recruiter feedback and ATS testing. Our AI resume builder handles the complexity for you: optimizing for ATS systems, matching job descriptions, and ensuring professional formatting, so you can focus on landing interviews.
Die Finisher Resume Example
Looking for a Die Finisher resume instead? The skills and experience are very similar to a Tool and Die Maker. Here is an example you can use as inspiration:
KEVIN HARRIS
Summary
Precision Tool and Die Maker with 5+ years in high-volume automotive production. Improved CNC milling efficiency by 15% through optimized SolidWorks programming, reducing cycle times. Skilled in quality control analysis, CAD software, and operating lathes and grinders for complex part fabrication.
Skills
Experience
- Led a cross-functional team to redesign a complex progressive die using SolidWorks, improving production efficiency by 18% and reducing material waste by 12%
- Implemented a new quality control analysis process using statistical methods in Excel, which reduced part rejection rates from 3.5% to 0.8% within six months
- Directed the equipment selection and procurement for a new CNC machining cell, leveraging critical thinking to justify a $250k investment that cut lead times by 30%
- Owned the fabrication and validation of a five-station stamping die using MicroStation, completing the project two weeks ahead of schedule through effective time management
- Collaborated with engineering to modify tooling designs in AutoCAD, resolving chronic alignment issues and improving first-pass yield by 15% on high-volume parts
- Applied operation and control expertise to troubleshoot a critical injection mold failure, minimizing production downtime by 20 hours and preventing a $50k loss
- Supported senior makers by performing precise measurements using micrometers and dial indicators, ensuring 100% conformance to specifications on 200+ finished parts weekly
- Executed machine setup and operation on CNC lathes and milling machines under supervision, successfully producing 50+ prototype components with a 99% accuracy rate
- Assisted in studying blueprints and assembling die components using hand tools, contributing to the on-time completion of three jig and fixture repair projects
Education
Certifications
- Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting
- SolidWorks Associate - Mechanical Design
- National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Machining Level I
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Frequently Asked Questions
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