Tool and Die Maker Resume Guide

A strong resume matters for Tool and Die Makers because it communicates precision, technical expertise, and production reliability to employers who demand error-free tooling and efficient setup. A targeted resume highlights machining proficiencies, die design experience, and measurable improvements in tool life and cycle time. Resumize.ai helps create professional resumes for this role by translating shop-floor achievements into ATS-optimized language, prioritizing industry keywords, and formatting accomplishments so hiring managers and manufacturing recruiters can quickly assess value.

What skills should a Tool and Die Maker include on their resume?

CNC ProgrammingG-codeCAD/CAM (SolidWorks, Mastercam)EDM/Wire EDMDie MakingPrecision MeasurementGeometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)Tooling RepairBlueprint ReadingSurface GrindingFixture DesignContinuous ImprovementPreventative Maintenance

What are the key responsibilities of a Tool and Die Maker?

•Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models to plan and fabricate dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures.
•Set up and operate CNC mills, CNC lathes, EDM, surface grinders, jig borers, and wire EDM for precision machining.
•Program and edit CNC code (G-code) and CAM toolpaths to optimize cycle time and surface finish.
•Select materials, tooling, speeds, feeds, and coolant to meet tolerance and surface finish requirements.
•Assemble, fit, align, and test dies and fixtures; perform trial runs and make corrective adjustments.
•Perform preventative maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of tooling to extend tool life and uptime.
•Use precision measurement equipment (CMM, micrometers, calipers, height gauges) to verify tolerances.
•Document setup sheets, process parameters, inspection records, and root-cause analyses for continuous improvement.

How do I write a Tool and Die Maker resume summary?

Choose a summary that matches your experience level:

Entry Level

Detail-oriented Tool and Die Maker with 2 years of experience in manual milling, lathe operation, and blueprint interpretation. Skilled in precision measurement and basic CNC setup, eager to apply hands-on fabrication skills to improve tooling reliability.

Mid-Level

Experienced Tool and Die Maker with 5+ years in die fabrication, CNC programming (Mastercam), and tooling maintenance. Proven track record reducing setup time and improving tool life through fixture redesign and process standardization.

Senior Level

Senior Tool and Die Maker with 12+ years leading complex die builds, EDM operations, and cross-functional troubleshooting. Expert in GD&T, CAM programming, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that cut cycle time and scrap rates.

What are the best Tool and Die Maker resume bullet points?

Use these metrics-driven examples to strengthen your work history:

"Reduced die setup time by 28% through redesign of standardized fixture plates and creation of detailed setup sheets, improving production throughput by 15%."
"Programmed and optimized CNC milling operations using Mastercam, lowering cycle time by 18% while maintaining +/-0.001 in. tolerances on critical components."
"Led refurbishment of 45 pressed dies, extending average tool life by 40% and saving $62,000 in replacement tooling costs annually."
"Performed EDM and wire-EDM cutting to produce 200+ precision components with average dimensional accuracy of +/-0.0005 in."
"Implemented preventive maintenance schedule for tooling and fixtures, reducing unplanned downtime by 33% over 12 months."
"Interpreted GD&T-specified blueprints to produce prototype dies that passed first-article inspection with zero rework."
"Trained and mentored 6 apprentices on CNC setup, blueprint reading, and quality inspection protocols, improving team productivity by 22%."
"Conducted root-cause analysis on stamping defects, introduced material changes and die modifications that reduced scrap rate from 5.6% to 1.9%."

What ATS keywords should a Tool and Die Maker use?

Naturally incorporate these keywords to pass applicant tracking systems:

Tool and Die MakerDie MakingMold MakingCNC ProgrammingG-codeCAD/CAMMastercamSolidWorksEDMWire EDMSurface GrinderJig BorerBlueprint ReadingGD&TPrecision MeasurementCMMMicrometerFixture DesignPreventative MaintenanceTooling RepairProcess ImprovementRoot Cause AnalysisCycle Time ReductionFirst Article InspectionQuality ControlPress DieSheet Metal ToolingTolerance VerificationSetup OptimizationShop Floor Safety

Frequently Asked Questions About Tool and Die Maker Resumes

What skills should a Tool and Die Maker include on their resume?

Essential skills for a Tool and Die Maker resume include: CNC Programming, G-code, CAD/CAM (SolidWorks, Mastercam), EDM/Wire EDM, Die Making, Precision Measurement. Focus on both technical competencies and soft skills relevant to your target role.

How do I write a Tool and Die Maker resume summary?

A strong Tool and Die Maker resume summary should be 2-3 sentences highlighting your years of experience, key achievements, and most relevant skills. For example: "Experienced Tool and Die Maker with 5+ years in die fabrication, CNC programming (Mastercam), and tooling maintenance. Proven track record reducing setup time and improving tool life through fixture redesign and process standardization."

What are the key responsibilities of a Tool and Die Maker?

Key Tool and Die Maker responsibilities typically include: Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models to plan and fabricate dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures.; Set up and operate CNC mills, CNC lathes, EDM, surface grinders, jig borers, and wire EDM for precision machining.; Program and edit CNC code (G-code) and CAM toolpaths to optimize cycle time and surface finish.; Select materials, tooling, speeds, feeds, and coolant to meet tolerance and surface finish requirements.. Tailor these to match the specific job description you're applying for.

How long should a Tool and Die Maker resume be?

For most Tool and Die Maker positions, keep your resume to 1 page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Senior professionals with extensive experience may use 2 pages, but keep content relevant and impactful.

What makes a Tool and Die Maker resume stand out?

A standout Tool and Die Maker resume uses metrics to quantify achievements, includes relevant keywords for ATS optimization, and clearly demonstrates impact. For example: "Reduced die setup time by 28% through redesign of standardized fixture plates and creation of detailed setup sheets, improving production throughput by 15%."

What ATS keywords should a Tool and Die Maker use?

Important ATS keywords for Tool and Die Maker resumes include: Tool and Die Maker, Die Making, Mold Making, CNC Programming, G-code, CAD/CAM, Mastercam, SolidWorks. Naturally incorporate these throughout your resume.

Ready to build your Tool and Die Maker resume?

Ready to showcase your Tool and Die Maker expertise? Visit http://resumize.ai/ to build an ATS-optimized resume that highlights precision machining, die builds, and measurable shop-floor results — fast, professional, and recruiter-ready.

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