Tooling Supervisor

The position is accountable for managing the full scope of activities within the tooling function. This includes providing direction to a team of technicians, coordinating daily schedules, and ensuring the highest standards of performance, accuracy, and safety. The role demands strong leadership, in-depth technical know-how in high-precision machining (particularly with CNC milling, wire-cut EDM, sinker EDM, and EWAG equipment), and a proactive approach to troubleshooting and continuous improvement

Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Supervision

1. Guide, coach, and support tooling technicians to ensure effective performance.
2. Distribute tasks and oversee progress to meet required timelines.
3. Conduct evaluations and give ongoing performance feedback.
4. Promote and enforce a safe, clean, and efficient work environment in line with health and safety regulations.

Technical Operations

1. Manage the setup, operation, and routine servicing of CNC milling machines, wire EDM, sinker EDM, and EWAG tools.
2. Verify that all tooling parts meet exacting tolerances and production requirements, particularly for miniature and precision products.
3. Investigate and resolve complex mechanical and technical issues within tooling systems or machining processes.
4. Plan and implement preventive maintenance procedures to optimize equipment availability.

Problem-Solving & Process Optimization

1. Serve as the primary technical resource for resolving advanced tooling-related challenges.
2. Initiate and lead process enhancements to boost productivity, reduce inefficiencies, and elevate product quality.
3. Partner with design and engineering teams to offer tooling feasibility input during the development phase.

Production Support & Tooling Demand Planning

1. Synchronize tooling activities with short- and long-term production needs and forecast plans.
2. Organize and prioritize tooling jobs to prevent unplanned downtime and ensure tooling readiness.
3. Rapidly address tooling malfunctions to restore production flow and minimize disruption.
4. Track tooling KPIs such as tool life and machining cycle times to improve throughput.

Administrative & Asset Management

1. Oversee spare parts inventory and requisition of new tools and machines.
2. Maintain precise documentation of job orders, tool usage, and maintenance histories.

Requirements:

Qualifications

1. Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Tool and Die, or a related technical discipline (Bachelors Degree preferred).
2. 57 years of hands-on experience in high-precision tooling or machining operations.
3. 23 years in a leadership, supervisory, or team lead role.
4. Strong exposure to CNC milling, EDM (wire & sinker), and EWAG systems, including programming experience.
5. Background in micro-manufacturing industries such as hard disk drives, semiconductors, or fine precision parts.

Skills & Competencies

1. Machining ExpertiseDeep technical knowledge of CNC, EDM, and micro-precision equipment operations and troubleshooting.
2. Tool Design & FabricationSkilled in creating and maintaining fixtures, molds, and jigs.
3. MetrologyProficient in using precision measurement instruments (CMM, comparators, micrometers, etc.) and interpreting technical blueprints.
4. CAD/CAM KnowledgeFamiliar with CAD/CAM systems and CNC program editing.
5. LeadershipEffective in leading, developing, and motivating technical teams.
6. Analytical ThinkingCapable of diagnosing problems and implementing practical solutions.
7. CommunicationClear, concise, and proactive communication with cross-functional teams.
8. OrganizationStrong planning, prioritization, and documentation skills in a fast-paced production environment.