Machinist, Tool & Die

Position Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual and CNC lathes to turn shafts, journals, and threaded features, control runout, concentricity, and surface finish to specification.
• Mill, drill, bore, and tap components on manual/CNC mills; perform precision layout and hole patterns.
• Perform surface and cylindrical grinding (OD/ID) and honing to achieve tight tolerances and finishes on critical features.
• Build, repair, and optimize tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and special tooling for production and R&D/pilot operations.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, isometrics, and 3D models; verify dimensions/tolerances before and during machining.
• Program, set up, and prove out CNC jobs (conversational or CAM); select tooling, speeds/feeds, work holding, and offsets to meet quality and takt.
• Inspect in process and final parts using micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, height gauges, pins, optical comparator, and (as available) CMM.
• Hold tight tolerances as required (e.g., shaft/bore fits down to ±0.0005 in; critical features to ±0.0002 in) and document results.
• Deburr and finish parts to meet surface roughness and edge break requirements.
• Assemble, fit, and try out tooling; diagnose and correct issues (alignment, clearance, spring/stripper force, galling, wear).
• Collaborate with Engineering on prototypes and engineering changes; redline prints and suggest design-for-manufacture/assembly (DFM/DFA) improvements.
• Manage toolroom organization (5S), maintain machines and tooling, and track spares/consumables; coordinate heat treat and coating services when needed.
• Record time, parts, and work details in SAP CMMS; maintain traceability/documentation as required.
• Follow all safety procedures including machine guarding, LOTO, hot work, ventilation, and PPE; actively contribute to hazard identification and JHAs.

Basic Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of hands-on toolroom experience as a Tool & Die Machinist/Maker or precision Machinist supporting production in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with manual lathe and mill operations and precision grinding (surface and OD/ID); ability to set up and run CNC lathe/mill.
• Strong blueprint/GD&T literacy; able to interpret fits, tolerances, and datum structures.
• Skilled with precision measurement (micrometers to 0.0001 in, indicators, bore gauges, gauge pins) and basic metrology practices.
• Safe operation of overhead cranes, forklifts, and standard shop equipment; ability to obtain/maintain internal certifications.
• Proficient documenting work and quality checks; basic competency with PCs and shop software (e.g., CAM, DNC, or machine controls) and CMMS (SAP preferred).
• Experience with wire EDM and/or sinker EDM, jig grinding, and hard turning.
• Familiarity with CMM programming/operation and statistical process control (SPC) for capability checks.
• CAD/CAM proficiency (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar).
• Experience collaborating directly with engineers on prototypes/ECOs; comfort providing manufacturability feedback.
• Background in fixture design and workholding/jig fabrication.