Tool Grinder/Repair (Machining)

Tool Repair Technician

This role focuses on precision tool repair and fabrication within a manufacturing environment, with a strong emphasis on gear cutting, grinding, and inspection processes. You will set up and operate various manual and CNC machines, regrind tools to tight tolerances, and ensure all parts meet strict quality standards through detailed inspection and adherence to work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Understand gear cutting processes, tool regrind processes, wheel dressing processes, and gear and tool inspection requirements.
• Regrind tools using multiple machines, including manual lathe, manual milling machines, gear grinding equipment, surface or SV grinding machines, and wheel dressing machines.
• Set up machines accurately, confirm appropriate tooling, verify programs for specific parts, and gather all necessary information to ensure consistent quality.
• Perform scheduled machine checks and calibrations to maintain accuracy and reliability.
• Inspect parts against work instructions and make necessary adjustments to maintain required quality standards.
• Interpret blueprints for gears and tooling to ensure correct dimensions and specifications.
• Assist the Tool Preset Room (TPR) to support part quality and help prevent production downtime.
• Collaborate closely with related departments to minimize machine downtime and maintain machine accuracy.
• Perform precision grinding of tools to tolerances as tight as 10 microns.
• Inspect reground tools using microscopes such as Top-Con and Zoller to verify quality and specifications.
• Inspect gear products using gear measurement machines to ensure compliance with required standards.
• Create gears and tools needed to support ongoing production activities.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by following all manufacturing and safety guidelines, procedures, and regulations.
• Maintain established quality standards and work towards achieving target machine and tool availability goals.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience in tool repair and fabrication within a machine shop environment.
• Experience working with CNC machines and grinding machines.
• Knowledge of production and processing quality, including materials for tools and gears, processes, quality control methods, and relevant standards and techniques.
• General mechanical knowledge of machines and tools used in manufacturing and machining.
• Ability to understand and follow written work instructions.
• Basic math skills sufficient to perform measurements, interpret tolerances, and support precision work.
• Coordination skills to adjust actions in relation to others and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Critical thinking skills to use logic and reasoning in identifying strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints for gears and tooling.
• Ability to perform precision grinding to very tight tolerances, including tolerances down to 10 microns.
• Ability to use microscopes such as Top-Con and Zoller for tool inspection.
• Ability to use gear measurement machines to inspect gear products.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Good learning potential and willingness to develop deeper expertise in gear cutting and tool regrind processes.
• Experience in a fabrication machine shop environment.
• Familiarity with wheel dressing processes and related equipment.
• Comfort working closely with cross-functional departments to support production and maintenance activities.

Why Work Here?

You will join a manufacturing environment that values precision, quality, and continuous improvement, giving you the opportunity to develop specialized skills in gear cutting, grinding, and tool inspection. The role offers hands-on experience with a variety of machines and inspection technologies, along with the chance to collaborate across departments to keep production running efficiently. You can expect a culture that emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to clear processes, supporting both your professional growth and day-to-day success.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing and fabrication machine shop environment that uses manual lathes, manual milling machines, CNC machines, gear grinding equipment, SV grinding machines, wheel dressing machines, microscopes such as Top-Con and Zoller, and gear measurement machines. You will work around precision machinery and inspection equipment, following manufacturing and safety guidelines, procedures, and regulations. The environment emphasizes maintaining a safe, organized, and clean workspace to support high-quality production and reliable machine availability. Work hours and shifts typically follow standard manufacturing schedules, with an expectation of coordinating tasks with other departments to minimize downtime and maintain equipment accuracy. Appropriate industrial work attire and adherence to safety practices are required while working on the shop floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Durham, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Durham, NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 2026.