Lead Toolmaker

Posted: 2026-10-21 | Location: East Hartford, CT (RTRC H, 411 Silver Ln) | Role type: Onsite | U.S. citizenship required (no security clearance needed)

About the role

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With three market-leading businesses, world-class operations, and investments in research and development, RTX offers capabilities and opportunity no one else can. The successful candidate will be responsible for manufacturing complex hardware, components, and systems that push the boundaries of technology, participating in project meetings, supporting manufacturing process development, contributing to design reviews, and producing hardware for testing, demonstration, and evaluation. This role requires close collaboration with a variety of internal and external customers on unique fabrication assignments involving prototype and test hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing process plans for complex prototype and test hardware
• Design and implement work holding and fixturing solutions
• Perform machine setups and execute machining operations on CNC mills and lathes
• Operate conventional machining equipment
• Inspect completed hardware to ensure compliance with design and quality requirements
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Use CAD/CAM software and conversational CNC programming for manufacturing
• Prioritize multiple assignments and meet quality, delivery, and cost objectives in a fast-paced R&D environment
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with internal and external customers
• Adhere to safety standards, continuous improvement practices, company policies, integrity, ethics, and legal compliance

What you will learn

The candidate will leverage existing expertise in CNC and conventional machining, CAD/CAM programming, work holding, setup, process planning, and inspection while continuing to develop skills through hands-on involvement in the fabrication of complex prototype and test hardware. This role provides the opportunity to apply established machining knowledge while expanding technical, manufacturing, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities within a fast-paced research and development environment.

Requirements

• AA/AS degree (or other 2-year post high school training) with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience
• CNC mill and lathe setup and operation
• Conventional machining experience
• Reading engineering drawings and interpreting GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Demonstrated experience with CAD/CAM software and conversational CNC programming
• At least four years of experience in a prototype machine shop or similar manufacturing environment

Preferred qualifications

• Inspection and metrology using precision measurement tools
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications
• Process planning and machining strategy
• Selection of tooling, feeds, and speeds
• Working to tight tolerances (±0.0002")
• Working knowledge of Siemens NX, SolidWorks, CAMWorks, or similar CAD and CAM software
• Aerospace and defense manufacturing experience
• Proto-TRAK programming for Mills and Lathes
• Wire EDM and sinker EDM
• Metallurgy knowledge
• Simultaneous 5-axis machining and programming
• Machining nickel-based superalloys and titanium alloys
• Cost estimating and scheduling
• Global Trade Compliance awareness
• Manufacturing directly from sketches, prints, and CAD models
• Machining additively manufactured (3D-printed) parts

Pay

Salary range: $60,000 – $114,000 USD (good faith estimate representative of all experience levels; actual offer considers role, function, responsibilities, experience, location, education/training, and key skills).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee assistance program
• Employee Scholar Program
• Parental leave
• Paid time off and holidays
• Potential eligibility for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (dependent on position level and collective-bargaining agreement coverage; payments not guaranteed)

Schedule & location

Onsite role at RTX Research & Technology Center (RTRC H), 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT. Commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee's personal responsibility. Candidates may be asked to attend select interview steps in-person regardless of role designation.