Toolmaker - Skilled Trade Machinist - 1st Shift

About the role

Your Job Toolmaker / Machinist is responsible for creating, maintaining, and optimizing precision tooling, fixtures, and prototype components that enable reliable, repeatable production and quality outcomes. This role combines hands-on precision machining with collaboration across engineering and production teams to support new product introductions, continuous improvement, and long-term equipment readiness.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and maintain precision tooling, fixtures, gauges, and prototypes that support manufacturing and quality objectives.
• Translate engineering drawings and process requirements into manufacturable tooling solutions that meet tolerance, fit, and functional needs.
• Collaborate with design engineers and production leads to improve tool life, reduce setup time, and simplify part handling for high-throughput production.
• Troubleshoot tooling and fixturing issues on the shop floor and implement corrective and preventive solutions that improve reliability and product quality.
• Support new product introductions by building and validating initial tooling, performing first-article checks, and providing feedback to product development teams.
• Mentor and train junior machinists and apprentices on precision practices, setup techniques, and safe operation of equipment.
• Ensure tooling documentation, calibration status, and change control are maintained to support traceability and compliance.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 - 4 years of hands-on experience as a toolmaker, machinist, or equivalent in a job shop or production environment.
• Completion of a recognized tool & die, machining apprenticeship, or vocational program; OR equivalent journeyman certification.
• Proficient reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) tolerance notation.
• Demonstrated ability to operate manual and CNC machine tools (e.g., mills, lathes, surface grinders, drill presses) with measurable accuracy to specified tolerances.
• Able to lift and handle tooling components up to company-specified weight limits and comply with shop safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience programming and operating CNC mills and lathes (G-code, Fanuc, Haas, or Mazak) and/or CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion, or Siemens NX).
• Hands-on experience with EDM, surface grinding, jig boring, or CNC probing/CMM for precision measurement and inspection.
• Demonstrated background in tooling design for production environments (modular fixtures, quick-change devices, workholding optimization).
• Familiarity with quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100), FAI/first-article inspections, and document control for tooling.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, 5S, Kaizen) and applying them to reduce cycle times or improve tool life.
• Welding and fabrication skills (TIG/MIG) for minor tool repairs and fixture assembly.
• Knowledge of metallurgy and heat-treat considerations for tooling materials.

Skills

• Proficiency in CNC programming and operation.
• Experience with CAM software.
• Understanding of GD&T and engineering drawings.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve tooling issues.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to mentor and train others.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid vacation/time off.
• Education assistance.
• Infertility assistance, paid parental leave, and adoption assistance.

Pay

$20 - $39/hr. (Based on experience).

Schedule

N/A