Jeff Hagen
Elkhart
Summary
Skilled Tool Die Maker with comprehensive background in tooling, machining, and die repair. Experience includes designing, developing, and modifying tools, dies, prototypes or special devices to produce quality products. Strengths lie in problem-solving skills and proficiency in CAD software for accurate design of blueprints. Previous roles have significantly improved production efficiency through innovative tooling solutions.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Tool & Die Maker
Norco Industries
Elkhart
01.2026 - Current
- Fabricated precision tools and dies using various machining techniques.
- Operated CNC machines to produce accurate components for production.
- Inspected finished products for quality assurance and adherence to specifications.
- Collaborated with engineers to refine tool designs and manufacturing processes.
- Maintained workshop equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety standards.
- Assisted in troubleshooting machinery issues during production runs.
- Fabricate die parts from drawings or sketches using a variety of materials including steel, aluminum and plastics.
- Troubleshoot existing tooling issues and make necessary repairs or adjustments.
- Utilize precision measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers and dial indicators to verify dimensions of completed products.
Process Engineer
POLYWOOD Furniture
Syracuse
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Developed a process to roll and etch plastic baord corners online
- Redesigned tube pierce form die to reduce punch breakage
- Developed air knife to equalize heat being blown on parts
Maunfacturing Engineer / Toolroom Manager
Utilimaster
Bristol
07.2020 - 08.2024
- Designed large assembly fixtures for truck bodies
- Designed the tooling for two truck body lines
- Managed toolroom employees and ordering materials needed for tool builds
- Track costs of projects running through the toolroom
- Worked with Engineer teams on tolerance stack uos and print revisions
- Use of Solidworks on all design work
- Designed efficient vehicle layouts to optimize space and functionality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance product development processes.
- Analyzed engineering data to identify areas for process improvement.
- Coordinated project timelines and resource allocation across teams.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss project progress updates.
Process Engineer /Tool Design Engineer
Boyd Corp
Elkhart
06.2017 - 08.2020
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve process issues.
- Designed new and modified existing tools for olastic extrusion lines
- Worked with toolroom on buildimg and maintaining tools
- Created drawings and processes for new parts
Manufacturing Engineer
Atwood Mobile Products
Elkhart
06.2014 - 06.2017
- Designed manufacturing processes to enhance production efficiency and quality control.
- Analyzed product specifications and developed engineering solutions for manufacturing challenges.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and new technologies.
- Design Dies and Fixtures using Solidworks
- Worked with robots and programers to obtimize output
- Created detailed documentation for engineering designs and manufacturing procedures.
- Reviewed engineering drawings for accuracy prior to releasing them into production environment.
- Created new processes for fabrication, assembly, testing, and inspection of products to meet customer requirements.
Toolroom Manager
Cequent
Elkhart
05.1985 - 06.2014
- Managed daily operations of tool room and inventory control systems.
- Oversaw maintenance and repair of tools and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper tool usage and safety protocols.
- Coordinated tool distribution and tracking for production teams.
- Collaborated with production managers to forecast tool needs.
- Enforced safety standards to ensure a secure working environment.
- Resolved tool-related issues promptly to minimize downtime in operations.
- Maintained and monitored inventory levels of tool room equipment.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of parts and materials.
- Researched new products to determine best fit for company needs.
- Developed training programs for personnel utilizing the toolroom resources.
- Organized, labeled, and stored tools according to size, type, and purpose.
- Designed Dies Fixtures Gages using Soliworks Cad
- 5s toolroom and maintained
- Worked with OEM customers like Ford , Nissan , Gm, Chrsler and Toyota
- Overseen 13 toolmakers across 3 shifts
Education
Journeyman Tool Die Maker - Tool Die
Elkhart Area Career Center
Elkhart, INDIANA 01.1997 - 01.2001
Yes - Welding
Elkhart Area Career Center
08.1984 - 04.1986
Skills
Tool Die Design
Prog Dies
Form tools
Weld fixtures
Inspection Gages
Plastic Extrusion Dies
Product parts
- CNC machining
- Tool fabrication
- Toyota Production System
- Quality inspection
- Blueprint interpretation
- Solidworks 23 yrs
- Jit / Lean manufacturing
- Die Setup Trainer
- Die Sensor
- Six sigma
- AQPQ process training
- ISO 9000 ISO14001 Training
- 5s
Languages
English
Professional
Affiliations
Spend my spare time
- Remodeling homes
- Car repair
- Landscaping
- Cornhole
- Fishing/ hunting
- With friends and family
Timeline
Tool & Die Maker
Norco Industries
01.2026 - Current
Process Engineer
POLYWOOD Furniture
08.2024 - 08.2025
Maunfacturing Engineer / Toolroom Manager
Utilimaster
07.2020 - 08.2024
Process Engineer /Tool Design Engineer
Boyd Corp
06.2017 - 08.2020
Manufacturing Engineer
Atwood Mobile Products
06.2014 - 06.2017
Journeyman Tool Die Maker - Tool Die
Elkhart Area Career Center
01.1997 - 01.2001
Toolroom Manager
Cequent
05.1985 - 06.2014
Yes - Welding
Elkhart Area Career Center
08.1984 - 04.1986