Toolmaker I
About the role
The Toolmaker I plays a crucial role in the development of innovative cryogenic products at Bluefors in Syracuse, NY. They support the R&D Machine Shop team by producing prototype parts, tooling, and components used to validate new concepts and designs.
Main Responsibilities
- Study blueprints, sketches, models, and verbal instructions to determine machining requirements
- Set up and operate manual machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, grinders, and related equipment
- Machine and finish prototype and custom parts to precise tolerances
- Verify conformance of machined parts to specifications using measuring tools
- Perform hand and bench work as required to complete products
- Create specialized tooling for manufacturing and R&D applications
- Modify existing parts according to engineering instructions
- Meet deadlines and support multiple departments as needed
- Perform housekeeping duties and preventive maintenance on machines and equipment
- Maintain accurate records and documentation
- Adhere to Bluefors quality and safety standards
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Completion of apprentice training or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Five or more years of machining experience in a job shop or prototype environment preferred
- Experience machining materials such as copper and stainless steel
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and written or verbal instructions
- Familiarity with GD&T principles preferred
- Ability to set up and use measuring tools accurately
- Strong math skills and mechanical aptitude
- Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
- Dependability, adaptability, and commitment to quality workmanship
- Commitment to safety and alignment with company Leadership Principles and workplace competencies
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken
What We Expect from You
- Completion of apprentice training or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Five or more years of machining experience in a job shop or prototype environment preferred
- Experience machining materials such as copper and stainless steel
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and written or verbal instructions
- Familiarity with GD&T principles preferred
- Ability to set up and use measuring tools accurately
- Strong math skills and mechanical aptitude
- Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
- Dependability, adaptability, and commitment to quality workmanship
- Commitment to safety and alignment with company Leadership Principles and workplace competencies
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken
Additional Attributes
- Experience supporting research and development or prototype machining projects
- Ability to create custom tooling and fixtures for specialized applications
- Experience troubleshooting machining and fabrication challenges
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Willingness to support continuous improvement initiatives
- Positive, proactive attitude and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
- Team-oriented mindset with strong collaboration skills
- Alignment with company values, including safety, diversity, and organizational effectiveness
Physical Demands
- Frequently stand, reach with arms and hands, and use hand and finger dexterity
- Occasionally walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
- Talk and hear
- Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
- Regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
Work Environment
- Manufacturing environment
- Interacts primarily with internal customers in a professional, courteous, and cooperative manner
- Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts
- May occasionally be exposed to humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, heat, cold, risk of electrical shock, and vibration
- Noisy environment
- Employee must wear PPE as applicable
About Bluefors
The world's leading manufacturer of ultra-low temperature cryogen-free dilution refrigerators. We design and manufacture measurement systems that provide clean and quiet environments for scientific research, even at ultra-low temperatures. Our systems have options for wiring and superconducting magnets and can be customized to meet individual customer needs. We have a strong focus on the quantum computing and information community and are dedicated to supporting scientists and industries in advancing their endeavors. We bring together experts from various fields to achieve our mission of progress through continuous development, learning, and collaboration. In our agile company structure, customers interact directly with scientists and engineers who design their systems. We deliver systems worldwide and the markets for our products continue to expand. Currently, we employ over 600 professionals from more than 50 different nationalities. We offer competitive benefits packages, employee share programs, flexible working environments, and a non-smoking workplace.