Tool and Die Maker Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Tool and die maker roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship when backed by a relevant engineering or manufacturing degree. Employers in precision manufacturing and automotive sectors regularly file Labor Condition Applications for this trade, making verified sponsorship history a practical starting point for your search.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Responsible for the manufacture, repair and input on design of a variety of tools, dies, and specialized parts and devices used in machinery and production equipment. The work involves precise measurements and complex technical plans. Must be able to set up and operate the following equipment: surface grinder, tool and cutter grinder, various manual and CNC milling machines, lathes, saws and any other pieces of equipment that are required to perform the daily tasks.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform regular maintenance of machine tools to ensure optimal performance.
- Work closely with engineers and other production staff to ensure that the tools and dies they produce meet the needs of the manufacturing process.
- Read and interpret technical prints to gain a comprehensive understanding of the required parts.
- Use machine tools, welding equipment to manufacture and repair tools, dies, fixtures and other equipment that are used in the production areas.
- Work with close tolerances related to drilling, boring, reaming, milling and turning.
- Program and run CNC mill and CNC lathe as required.
- Set up and run manual mills and lathes as required.
- Measure finished parts to ensure they meet specifications using precise measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
- Assemble, disassemble, and test products to ensure functionality and quality.
- Inspect finished products for defects and ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Follow direction from the General Manager of the PBU or his designee.
- Help support and maintain all 6S standards in the immediate work area and others as needed.
- Adhere to all Environmental, Health & Safety rules when operating machinery.
- Perform other job-related duties as directed; follow instructions and guidelines.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Good working knowledge of metal cutting feeds and speeds, threading terminology, and calculating angles for setting sine bars.
- Able to read and interpret technical prints, sketches, design models, and/or verbal descriptions for planning operational sequences.
- Knowledge of metal and other materials properties.
- Proficiency with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is desired.
- Good working knowledge of standard shop mathematics.
- Understanding of grinding principles and procedures.
- Strong manual dexterity and ability to use hand tools.
- Experience with Electrical Discharge Machining is desired.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma, preferred.
- Technical / Vocational certification in Tool and Die, Manufacturing Technology, machining or related field is desired.
- Minimum of 6 years’ experience in machining.
WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Typical office/factory environment with possibility of exposure to heat in production areas as well as heat in the summer and cold in the winter.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. in a safe manner.
- Clarity of vision and the ability to focus on a fast and repetitious operation for extended period of time.
- Exposure to heavy equipment or components needed to produce product (safety toed shoes required).
- Exposure to sparks, chips, and dust (eye protection required).
- Must be able to perform repetitive motion. Examples: walking, reaching, bending, twisting, stooping, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
- Exposure to machine noise levels (hearing protection required).
- Exposure to electrical and mechanical moving parts.
Please submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button.
INTRODUCTION
Responsible for the manufacture, repair and input on design of a variety of tools, dies, and specialized parts and devices used in machinery and production equipment. The work involves precise measurements and complex technical plans. Must be able to set up and operate the following equipment: surface grinder, tool and cutter grinder, various manual and CNC milling machines, lathes, saws and any other pieces of equipment that are required to perform the daily tasks.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform regular maintenance of machine tools to ensure optimal performance.
- Work closely with engineers and other production staff to ensure that the tools and dies they produce meet the needs of the manufacturing process.
- Read and interpret technical prints to gain a comprehensive understanding of the required parts.
- Use machine tools, welding equipment to manufacture and repair tools, dies, fixtures and other equipment that are used in the production areas.
- Work with close tolerances related to drilling, boring, reaming, milling and turning.
- Program and run CNC mill and CNC lathe as required.
- Set up and run manual mills and lathes as required.
- Measure finished parts to ensure they meet specifications using precise measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
- Assemble, disassemble, and test products to ensure functionality and quality.
- Inspect finished products for defects and ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Follow direction from the General Manager of the PBU or his designee.
- Help support and maintain all 6S standards in the immediate work area and others as needed.
- Adhere to all Environmental, Health & Safety rules when operating machinery.
- Perform other job-related duties as directed; follow instructions and guidelines.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Good working knowledge of metal cutting feeds and speeds, threading terminology, and calculating angles for setting sine bars.
- Able to read and interpret technical prints, sketches, design models, and/or verbal descriptions for planning operational sequences.
- Knowledge of metal and other materials properties.
- Proficiency with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is desired.
- Good working knowledge of standard shop mathematics.
- Understanding of grinding principles and procedures.
- Strong manual dexterity and ability to use hand tools.
- Experience with Electrical Discharge Machining is desired.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma, preferred.
- Technical / Vocational certification in Tool and Die, Manufacturing Technology, machining or related field is desired.
- Minimum of 6 years’ experience in machining.
WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Typical office/factory environment with possibility of exposure to heat in production areas as well as heat in the summer and cold in the winter.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. in a safe manner.
- Clarity of vision and the ability to focus on a fast and repetitious operation for extended period of time.
- Exposure to heavy equipment or components needed to produce product (safety toed shoes required).
- Exposure to sparks, chips, and dust (eye protection required).
- Must be able to perform repetitive motion. Examples: walking, reaching, bending, twisting, stooping, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
- Exposure to machine noise levels (hearing protection required).
- Exposure to electrical and mechanical moving parts.
Please submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button.
See all Tool and Die Maker Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Tool and Die Maker roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Tool and Die Maker Jobs
Document your precision tooling credentials formally
Gather transcripts, apprenticeship certificates, and any journeyman credentials before applying. Consular officers and USCIS adjudicators look for evidence that your training directly maps to tool and die work, so organize records by specialty area, not just by date.
Target manufacturers with active LCA filing history
Automotive tier-one suppliers, aerospace component shops, and medical device manufacturers file LCAs for tool and die makers far more consistently than general job shops. Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by verified sponsorship history before you send a single application.
Verify prevailing wage levels before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your location and role. Run your job title and work site ZIP code through the OFLC Wage Search to confirm which wage level applies before you enter salary discussions.
Align your O*NET profile to the job posting
USCIS uses O*NET task and skill descriptors when evaluating whether tool and die maker qualifies as a specialty occupation for a given employer. Cross-check the O*NET profile against your offer letter so your duties match the standard occupational definition precisely.
Ask your employer about PERM timing early
If you're on H-1B and want a path to a green card, PERM labor certification takes 12 to 18 months before an I-140 can be filed. Raising this with HR during the offer stage, not after two years, keeps your options open and avoids a gap in status.
Clarify CNC specialization in your visa petition
Generic 'tool and die maker' job descriptions can invite Requests for Evidence from USCIS. Petitions that specify CNC machining, die casting, or stamping die fabrication and tie those tasks to a degree in manufacturing engineering or a related field have a cleaner path through adjudication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tool and die maker qualify as a specialty occupation for the H-1B?
It can, but it's not automatic. USCIS requires the employer to show that the specific role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science. Generic trade experience alone doesn't satisfy the specialty occupation standard, so the job description and educational requirement need to be explicit in the petition.
Do I need a four-year degree to get H-1B sponsorship as a tool and die maker?
A four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field is the clearest path, but USCIS also accepts equivalency combinations. Three years of specialized experience can substitute for one year of education, so a two-year associate degree plus six years of directly relevant tool and die work could meet the standard. The employer documents this equivalency in the I-129 petition.
Which industries sponsor tool and die makers most often?
Automotive component suppliers, aerospace manufacturers, and medical device companies account for the majority of sponsorships in this occupation. These sectors rely on proprietary tooling built in-house and face persistent shortages of experienced die makers, which makes them more willing to file Labor Condition Applications and support the full H-1B process. Use Migrate Mate to browse verified sponsoring employers in these industries.
Can a tool and die maker get a green card through the EB-3 category?
Yes. Tool and die maker fits the EB-3 skilled worker category, which requires at least two years of training or experience. The employer must complete PERM labor certification with DOL to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available, then file an I-140 petition with USCIS. Wait times depend on your country of birth, with India and China facing significant priority date backlogs while most other nationalities move faster.
What happens to my H-1B status if the employer closes or lays me off?
You have a 60-day grace period after involuntary termination to find a new sponsoring employer, change to another visa status, or depart the U.S. A new employer can file a fresh H-1B petition and you can begin working once that petition is filed, without waiting for USCIS approval. Acting quickly is essential because the 60-day window doesn't extend for job search delays.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Tool and Die Maker jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.