Toolmaker - Skilled Trade Machinist - 1st Shift

Toolmaker - Skilled Trade Machinist - 1st Shift

Toolmaker / Machinist 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.

You will join the Manufacturing/Tooling group within the Operations division, a cross-functional team of machinists, engineers, and production specialists focused on delivering robust tooling and process solutions for multiple product lines. The team supports production, quality, and engineering initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve yield, and scale manufacturing capability.

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.

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.

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.

For this role, we anticipate paying $20 - $39/hr. (Based on experience).