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Organization: Klesk Metal Stamping
Date Posted: September 30, 2026
Date Needed: September 30, 2026
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Primary Category: Tooling and Machining
Salary Range: $30–$41 Per Hour
Position Type: Full-Time
Education Required: Technical Degree
Experience Required: 3 - 5 Years
Job Description:
Title: Toolmaker
Department: Toolroom
Supervisor: Toolroom Supervisor
Position Type: Hourly | Full-Time
Pay Rate: $30–$41/hour, depending on experience
Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–4:30 PM
Revision Date: September 2026
About Klesk Metal Stamping:
Klesk Metal Stamping Company manufactures precision metal components for customers across aerospace, industrial, dental, medical, powersports, telecommunications, government, military, and other demanding markets. The Company prides itself on high-quality products, dedicated customer service, and a culture focused on safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and employee growth.
Job Purpose:
The Toolmaker supports Klesk’s manufacturing operations by building, repairing, maintaining, and improving precision tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges used in metal stamping and punch press production.
This is a hands-on technical role requiring strong toolmaking, machining, blueprint-reading, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capability. The Toolmaker works closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Design, and other operations teams to improve tooling reliability, minimize downtime, resolve stamping issues, and support safe, repeatable production.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong craftsmanship, attention to detail, technical judgment, ownership, and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
Key Position Responsibilities:
Build, repair, maintain, and modify stamping tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges
Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, die designs, CAD files, and GD&T requirements to plan tooling construction or repair
Set up and operate manual and CNC toolroom equipment, including mills, lathes, grinders, surface grinders, machining centers, and turning centers
Fabricate, fit, assemble, and test precision die components to ensure proper function and fit
Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on stamping tools and dies to improve reliability and minimize production downtime
Troubleshoot tooling, die, setup, material-flow, and stamping-process issues
Work with Production and Manufacturing Engineering to resolve recurring tooling or process problems
Modify existing tools, dies, and fixtures to support design changes, process improvements, or changing production requirements
Support compound blank, semi-blank, progressive-die, secondary-tooling, fixture, and gauge applications
Apply appropriate die clearances and understand their relationship to press setup, material properties, part quality, and tool performance
Work with high-strength steels and other materials while considering their impact on die wear and performance
Support tool prove-out, production readiness, and continuous improvement activities
Maintain accurate documentation of tool builds, repairs, modifications, and significant tooling issues
Maintain proper care, organization, and safe use of toolroom equipment and work areas
Communicate tooling constraints, repair needs, or production risks clearly and promptly
Follow all safety, quality, work-instruction, and production requirements
Perform other duties as assigned to support Toolroom and Manufacturing Operations
Required Skills:
Completion of a Tool and Die apprenticeship, technical training program, or equivalent hands-on toolmaking experience in metal stamping
3+ years of hands-on experience with compound blanks, semi-blanks, progressive dies, secondary tooling, fixtures, and gauges
Strong experience using toolroom equipment, including grinders, mills, lathes, and CNC machining and turning centers
Strong understanding of die clearances, press setup, material flow, and stamping operations
Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, die designs, engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T
Ability to troubleshoot tooling and manufacturing problems and identify practical corrective actions
Ability to work independently with limited supervision while communicating effectively with Production, Engineering, and other team members
Strong attention to detail and commitment to precision and quality
Ability to manage changing production and repair priorities while maintaining workmanship and safety
Strong follow-through when tooling work is delayed, incomplete, or requires additional support
Reliable attendance, strong work ethic, and commitment to safe work practices
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with progressive and high-volume metal stamping dies
Experience with in-die sensors and die-protection systems
Experience with Haas CNC machining and turning centers
Experience with CAD/CAM software
Familiarity with high-strength steels and their effect on tool wear, clearances, and die performance
Experience supporting tool prove-out, setup reduction, troubleshooting, and production launch activities
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the shift
Ability to safely handle tooling, die components, metal parts, and materials using appropriate lifting or material-handling equipment
Ability to operate manual and CNC machining equipment, grinders, and other toolroom machinery safely
Ability to perform detailed machining, fitting, assembly, inspection, and troubleshooting work
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around presses, tooling, moving machinery, and industrial equipment
Growth Opportunities:
Successful Toolmakers may have opportunities to grow into advanced toolmaking, tool design, manufacturing engineering support, Toolroom leadership, technical training, or other manufacturing roles over time based on performance, capability, business needs, and interest.
Compliance Disclaimer:
This position requires access to technical data subject to U.S. export control regulations under ITAR and EAR. In accordance with these regulations, only U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents are eligible for this role. Proof of status will be required prior to employment.
How To Apply: Please submit resume to https://kleskmetalstamping.com/career-opportunities/