Tool and Die Maker
Stoughton Trailers · Stoughton, WI
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at Stoughton Trailers (automotive) in Stoughton, WI. Design, manufacture, assemble, repair, modify, and sharpen dies, fixtures, gauges, and production tooling.
- Tools it names
- CNC, Machining, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$92k.
Median of the low and high ends of 77 live postings that list pay, out of 1240 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Wisconsin plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 32 other live manufacturing postings in Wisconsin.
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 70%
- ✓ Machining 45%
- ✓ Tooling 45%
- ✓ CNC 42%
- FDA / GMP 24%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Stoughton Trailers
We found 2 people at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role, 1 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Sue → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Stoughton Trailers in Stoughton
10 other open roles at this site · 2 people we found in manufacturing roles at Stoughton Trailers.
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- Industrial Control Technician · Controls · Technician
- Manufacturing Engineer II Automation · Controls
- Maintenance Technician II · Reliability · Technician
- Maintenance Technician I · Reliability · Technician
Full description from Stoughton TrailersAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
⏱️ Overtime: Required as business needs
What You’ll Do -
You will support manufacturing operations by designing, building, and maintaining precision tooling and solving complex production challenges.
Education & Experience
- ✓Completion of a technical school machine tool apprenticeship or equivalent training and professional experience
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Stoughton Trailers is a trusted, industry‑leading trailer manufacturer with strong Wisconsin roots and a commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement . Tooling accuracy and equipment reliability are essential to maintaining product quality and efficient production.
Position Details
🕒 Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 4:30 pm - 3 am
💼 Shift: 2nd Shift
Tooling Design, Build & Repair
- •Design, manufacture, assemble, repair, modify, and sharpen dies, fixtures, gauges, and production tooling
- •Maintain and repair production equipment to ensure proper fit, function, and uptime
- •Select appropriate materials and prepare metal surfaces through cleaning, deburring, and finishing
- •Support new tooling development and modification of existing tools to improve performance
Machining & Technical Operations
- •Set up, program, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment , including:
- •Mills
- •Lathes
- •Grinders
- •Presses and related tooling
- •Read, interpret, and verify blueprints, sketches, and specifications
- •Perform layouts, machining, and inspections to tight tolerances (±0.0005 inches)
- •Use precision measuring instruments and gauges to verify dimensional accuracy throughout the process
Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement
- •Troubleshoot tooling and production equipment issues to minimize downtime
- •Support manufacturing teams with root‑cause problem solving
- •Identify and implement improvements to tooling, fixtures, and processes
- •Contribute to continuous improvement efforts focused on quality, efficiency, and safety
Safety, Quality & Professional Expectations
- •Perform all tasks in a safe, efficient, timely, accurate, and highly productive manner
- •Follow all safety policies and procedures
- •Maintain reliable attendance and support mandatory overtime as required
- •Work effectively in a team‑oriented, quality‑driven environment
What You Bring -
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- •Strong knowledge of:
- •Machining operations and cutting tools
- •Tooling design and fabrication
- •Hydraulics, pneumatics, and metal‑forming processes
- •Advanced mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills
- •Strong math skills and ability to work with precision measurements
- •Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- •Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship
Work Environment & Physical Expectations
This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation . Work is performed in a manufacturing/tool room environment and may involve standing for extended periods, handling raw materials and tooling, exposure to machines, noise, and lifting of tooling and components. Additional details are outlined in the applicable Physical Demands Checklist .
Why This Role Matters -
The Tool and Die Maker plays a critical role in ensuring manufacturing precision, equipment reliability, and product quality . By designing and maintaining high‑quality tooling and solving complex production challenges, this role directly supports safe operations, consistent output, and long‑term manufacturing excellence. It is an essential position for skilled machinists who take pride in accuracy, innovation, and craftsmanship.
