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Tool and Die Makers

SOC 51-4111.00Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers tool and die fabrication, precision machining, quality inspection, and tooling design in production and job-shop manufacturing environments calibrated to Job Zone 3 preparation and experience levels.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Blueprint and sketch interpretation — read and identify basic dimensions, tolerances, and material callouts under direct supervision in a vocational or apprenticeship shop setting.
  2. Measuring instruments — select and apply calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators to verify basic part dimensions under close technician guidance on the shop floor.
  3. Conventional machine tools — operate a lathe or milling machine to perform simple cutting and boring tasks following step-by-step instructions from a journeyman tool and die maker.
  4. Workpiece setup — lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates using vises and v-blocks with supervisor assistance in a production machine shop.
  5. Material identification — recognize common metals and alloys by basic physical properties such as hardness and color under direct guidance during material selection exercises.
  6. Sequence planning — follow prescribed operation sequences for simple die or jig fabrication tasks as outlined by a lead machinist or supervisor.
  7. Hand tool use — fit and assemble basic tool components using hand tools under direct instruction on entry-level repair or modification tasks.
  8. Surface and contour inspection — perform visual checks of finished die surfaces for obvious defects and smoothness anomalies using reference samples and inspection checklists.
  9. Mathematical computation — apply basic geometry and arithmetic to calculate simple dimensions and tolerances from provided specifications in a classroom or shop environment.
  10. CAM and CAD software — navigate user interfaces and open existing files in computer-aided manufacturing and design software under instructor or senior machinist direction.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Dimensional verification — apply gauge blocks, micrometers, and dial indicators independently to verify alignment and clearances of finished parts against engineering specifications in a production shop.
  2. CNC machine operation — set up and operate computer numerically controlled lathes and milling machines with reduced oversight to cut and grind parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
  3. Tolerance visualization — compute dimensions, shapes, and tolerances for moderately complex assemblies from engineering drawings without step-by-step guidance on the shop floor.
  4. Operation sequence planning — study blueprints and sketches to plan multi-step fabrication sequences for standard dies, jigs, and gauges with periodic review from a senior maker.
  5. Part fitting and assembly — fit, assemble, and modify die and jig components using machine tools and hand tools to meet functional requirements on routine production tooling tasks.
  6. Metal selection — evaluate and select appropriate metals and alloys based on hardness, heat tolerance, and application requirements for mid-complexity tooling projects.
  7. Finished die inspection — inspect completed dies for contour conformity, surface smoothness, and dimensional defects using calibrated instruments and standard quality criteria.
  8. Equipment monitoring — monitor machine performance indicators and process variables during machining operations, identifying deviations and making minor adjustments in a production environment.
  9. Troubleshooting — diagnose and resolve common machining and tooling problems such as dimensional drift or surface finish issues using logical analysis and prior experience.
  10. CAM programming — create and edit basic CNC tool paths in CAM software to support fabrication of standard tool and die components in a job-shop or manufacturing facility.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex part verification — autonomously verify dimensional conformance, alignment, and clearance of intricate finished parts using a full range of precision instruments including gauge blocks and optical comparators in a high-tolerance production environment.
  2. Advanced CNC and conventional machining — set up and operate multiple machine tool types, including multi-axis CNC equipment, to produce complex die components to tight tolerances without supervisory oversight.
  3. Assembly visualization and computation — independently visualize and compute dimensions, fits, and tolerances for complex multi-component assemblies, anticipating interference issues before physical fabrication begins.
  4. Full fabrication sequence planning — analyze detailed blueprints, models, and customer specifications to develop complete, optimized operation sequences for fabricating intricate dies, jigs, and specialized gauges.
  5. Precision fitting and modification — fit, assemble, and repair complex progressive dies, compound dies, and precision jigs using advanced machine tools and welding techniques to restore or enhance tooling performance.
  6. Non-routine defect resolution — identify and correct subtle surface, contour, and structural defects in finished dies through advanced inspection methods and corrective machining or polishing in a production setting.
  7. Materials engineering judgment — select metals and heat-treatment processes for high-demand tooling applications, balancing cost, performance, and machinability across a broad range of alloy options.
  8. Process quality analysis — apply statistical quality control analysis and root-cause methods to evaluate machining processes and drive measurable reductions in part rejection rates.
  9. ERP and production software — use enterprise resource planning and materials requirements planning software to track tooling inventories, schedule work orders, and coordinate material procurement independently.
  10. Complex problem solving — resolve non-standard tooling failures and design incompatibilities through critical thinking and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and production teams in a manufacturing facility.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Tooling strategy and standards — establish shop-wide fabrication standards, tolerance protocols, and quality inspection criteria that define best practices for all tool and die operations across the facility.
  2. Workforce development — mentor and train apprentices and developing machinists in blueprint reading, precision measurement, and machine operation, accelerating their progression through structured on-the-job instruction.
  3. Complex die system design — lead the design and specification of advanced progressive, transfer, and compound die systems by integrating CAD and CAM tools with deep materials and manufacturing knowledge.
  4. Process optimization leadership — direct continuous improvement initiatives for machining and tooling processes, applying lean manufacturing principles and quantitative analysis to reduce cycle times and scrap rates at an organizational level.
  5. Capital equipment selection — evaluate, recommend, and oversee procurement of CNC machine tools, inspection equipment, and CAM systems aligned with production capacity and strategic tooling goals.
  6. Cross-functional technical authority — serve as the authoritative resource for resolving the most complex tooling, materials, and machining challenges escalated from engineering, quality, and production departments.
  7. Quality system governance — develop and maintain quality management procedures for tool and die fabrication, ensuring conformance to industry standards such as ISO and customer-specific requirements across the department.
  8. Project management — plan, schedule, and control large-scale tooling projects from concept through delivery, managing resources, timelines, and stakeholder communications using project management software.
  9. Innovation and technology adoption — evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies including multi-axis machining, additive manufacturing, and advanced metrology systems, and champion their integration into shop operations.
  10. Organizational performance accountability — set performance targets for tooling quality, on-time delivery, and cost efficiency, and report results to senior leadership using data-driven analysis and ERP-generated metrics.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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  1. Emerging
  2. Developing
  3. Proficient
  4. Advanced
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Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Tool and Die Maker · Die Maker · Tool Maker · Bench Tool Maker · Broach Setter · Cam Maker · Carbide Operator · Carbide Tool Maker · Cutlery and Tools Saw Maker · Die Assembler · Die Baker · Die Cutter
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0070 · Tool and Die Maker · 0201 · Die Maker · 0202 · Tool Maker
O*NET skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisEquipment SelectionCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementActive ListeningActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshooting
Knowledge domains
MechanicalMathematicsProduction and ProcessingDesignEnglish Language
Abilities
Near VisionVisualizationProblem SensitivityManual DexterityFinger DexterityControl PrecisionSelective AttentionArm-Hand SteadinessCategory FlexibilityInformation Ordering
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessAchievement OrientationPerseveranceInnovation
Technology
Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareProject management softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
  2. 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.
  3. Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
  4. Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
  5. Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
  6. Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
  7. Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
  8. Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
CIP education codes
48.0507

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.