Aircraft Tool Maker, Bell Wichita FLRAA

About the role

We are developing the future of Army Aviation with the Bell Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) part of the US Army's Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort. This position is onsite in Wichita, Kansas.

Responsibilities

• Create, track and perform airframe fixture period inspections.
• Repair and upgrade assembly fixtures by use of power tools, NC (Numerical Controlled) and conventional mill and lathes.
• Create work aids to assist manufacturing.
• Verify all tooling by using laser tracking standard practices.
• Help troubleshoot production issues by doing in process verification of tooling and provide feedback.
• Maintain crib inventory and manage tool distribution.
• Monitor calibration logs and tool serviceability.
• Collaborate with Process engineering and tool design team for concept of tooling.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience of tool making by use of hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments such as laser trackers etc.
• Experience operating a laser tracker and ability to integrate 3D models.
• Reliability in maintaining tool crib integrity and calibration schedules.
• Precision and strong attention to detail for maintaining tight tolerances and commitment to quality.
• Spatial reasoning to visualize tool setups and machine interactions.
• Troubleshooting and root cause analysis for tool-related production issues.
• Effective communication to relay tool setup details across shifts and departments.
• Team collaboration to support cross-functional production goals.
• Customer-focused mindset to support internal stakeholders like assemblers and engineers.
• Time management to prioritize tool setups and maintenance under tight schedules.
• Basic computer literacy for logging tool data and accessing digital work instructions.
• Adaptability to work with evolving tooling technologies and production demands.
• Initiative and curiosity to learn new tooling techniques and suggest improvements.
• Commitment to safety.
• Welding certification is a plus.

Qualifications

• Ability to stand for extended periods during machining and tool setup activities.
• Capability to lift and carry tooling components weighing up to 50 lbs safely and repeatedly.
• Manual dexterity to handle precision instruments, small tools, and intricate setups.
• Strong visual acuity to read technical drawings and perform accurate inspections.
• Comfortable working in a machine shop environment, exposed to noise, lubricants, and metal particulates.

Skills

• Basic computer literacy.
• Attention to detail.
• Physical stamina and strength.
• Technical aptitude.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration.

Benefits

• Monday-Thursday 4x10 work schedule.
• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO).
• 120 hours Vacation time.
• 12-13 paid holidays per year.
• 6 weeks parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups.

Pay

Competitive salary.

Schedule

Monday-Thursday 4x10 work schedule.

Benefits

• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO).
• 120 hours Vacation time.
• 12-13 paid holidays per year.
• 6 weeks parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups.

Company Information

• Recruiting Company: Bell Textron Inc.
• Primary Location: US-Kansas-Wichita
• Job Field: Manufacturing
• Schedule: Full-time
• Shift: First Shift
• Relocation: Unavailable
• Worksite: Onsite

Additional Information

• Job Posting Date: 07/22/2026, 9:01:24 PM
• Note: Bell/Textron Relocation Assistance is NOT available for this role.