Toolmaker

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role

Job Description: Toolmaker

Job Title

Toolmaker

Department

Manufacturing / Toolroom

Reporting To

Tool store Supervisor / Manufacturing Supervisor

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Purpose of the Job

The Toolmaker is responsible for the manufacture, maintenance, repair, modification, and assembly of precision tooling, jigs, fixtures, gauges, dies, and special-purpose equipment required to support manufacturing operations. The incumbent ensures that tooling and equipment are maintained to the required quality standards, enabling safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while meeting customer and engineering requirements.

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Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Tool Manufacturing and Repair

· Manufacture, assemble, repair, and modify tooling, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and special-purpose equipment according to engineering drawings and specifications.

· Carry out precision machining activities including turning, milling, grinding, drilling, boring, and fitting.

· Inspect and verify tooling dimensions and tolerances using precision measuring equipment.

· Maintain tooling records and documentation as required.

· Assist with tool design improvements to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

· Diagnose tooling failures and determine root causes.

· Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on existing tooling.

· Ensure tooling is maintained in optimal condition to minimize production downtime.

· Recommend improvements to tooling design and manufacturing processes.

Quality Assurance

· Ensure all tooling complies with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.

· Conduct inspections and verification of completed work before release to production.

· Identify and report any non-conformances, defects, or quality concerns.

· Support NCR investigations and the implementation of corrective actions.

Production Support

· Provide technical support to manufacturing personnel regarding tooling-related issues.

· Assist production departments in improving tooling performance and manufacturing processes.

· Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing cycle times and improving productivity.

· Participate in new product introduction projects where tool development is required.

Housekeeping and 5S

· Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.

· Adhere to 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.

· Ensure all tooling and equipment are properly stored and controlled.

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Environmental, Safety and Health Responsibilities

· Comply with all company Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures.

· Promote a positive safety culture and actively participate in safety initiatives.

· Applying "Take 5" and "Stop Work for Safety" principles where required.

· Attend safety meetings and toolbox talks.

· Report unsafe conditions, incidents, and near misses immediately.

· Ensure all machines, tools, and equipment are used safely and correctly.

· Maintain compliance with legal and company safety standards.

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Competencies and Behaviors Required

Technical Competencies

· Precision machining and fitting skills.

· Toolmaking and tooling maintenance expertise.

· Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings.

· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and tolerances.

· Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments.

· Root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.

Behavioral Competencies

· Strong attention to detail.

· Quality-focused mindset.

· High level of craftsmanship and accuracy.

· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

· Strong communication and teamwork skills.

· Adaptability and flexibility.

· Initiative and continuous improvement mindset.

· Strong planning and organizational skills.

· Customer-focused approach.

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Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge Required

Minimum Qualifications

· Qualified Trade Tested Toolmaker.

Experience

· Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a toolroom or manufacturing environment.

· Experience in the manufacture, maintenance, and repair of tooling, jigs, fixtures, and gauges.

· Experience with precision machining equipment and processes.

Knowledge

· Sound knowledge of conventional machining practices.

· CNC machining experience will be advantageous.

· Knowledge of engineering drawings, geometric tolerancing, and metrology.

· Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

· Knowledge of workplace safety requirements and legislation.

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Decision Accountability

The incumbent is accountable for:

· Quality and accuracy of tooling manufactured and repaired.

· Adherence to engineering specifications and tolerances.

· Achievement of tooling delivery schedules.

· Maintaining tooling reliability and availability.

· Compliance with safety, quality, and environmental requirements.

· Supporting production uptime through effective tooling maintenance.

· Housekeeping and adherence to 5S standards.

· Participation in overtime and shift work as operationally required.

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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Productivity

· Tooling completion versus plan.

· Toolroom schedule adherence.

· Tool turnaround time.

Quality

· First-time-right tooling manufacture.

· Number of tooling-related NCRs.

· Rework and defect rates.

Cost and Efficiency

· Tooling maintenance costs.

· Reduction in tooling-related production downtime.

· Continuous improvement savings generated.

Safety

· Safety observations were completed.

· Compliance with safety requirements.

· Incident and near-miss performance.

Performance

· Attendance and punctuality.

· Annual performance appraisal outcomes.

· Skills development and training completion.

What we offer you

Medical Aid

Provident Fund

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
 

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.