Toolmaker

Job Title: CNC Toolmaker / Tool and Die Machinist

Job Description

This role works in the toolmaking and CNC department of a custom metal manufacturing operation that provides fabrication, welding, machining, painting, and related services. You will build and repair dies, manufacture jigs and fixtures, and set up and operate CNC vertical mills to produce precision machined parts. You ensure all tooling and equipment operate within tight tolerances, meet quality standards, and support safe and efficient production.

Responsibilities

• Build basic new dies to support custom metalwork manufacturing projects.
• Repair and maintain most existing dies to ensure reliable and consistent performance.
• Manufacture jigs, fixtures, and machined parts to support production and tooling needs.
• Set up and operate CNC vertical mills to produce precision components to specification.
• Perform between 5 and 10 CNC setups per day, adjusting tooling and workholding as needed.
• Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings to determine machining requirements.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances during and after machining to ensure parts meet specifications.
• Ensure all tooling and dies function properly and operate within tight tolerances.
• Maintain high safety standards while working with CNC equipment, dies, and tooling.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to prioritize work and meet production schedules.
• If experienced at the programming level, create or modify CNC programs and use CAD tools such as SolidWorks to support programming and design needs.
• Keep the work area organized and contribute to a clean, efficient machine shop environment.

Essential Skills

• Previous CNC machining or toolmaking experience.
• Hands-on experience with CNC mills, specifically CNC vertical mills.
• Ability to perform CNC setup, including tooling changes, workholding, and program selection.
• Experience with Fanuc CNC controls or similar control systems.
• Toolmaking and tool and die experience, including building and repairing dies.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Experience with die repair and general tooling maintenance.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work within tight tolerances.
• Commitment to safe work practices in a machine shop environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CNC programming experience, particularly on Fanuc-controlled machines.
• Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks for tooling or part design.
• Ability to manage multiple setups per day and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills related to tooling and dies.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package and meaningful financial incentives. Employees receive a 50% 401(k) match up to a defined annual contribution, along with a discount on company stock purchases. Machinists start with a competitive amount of paid time off, with additional PTO for certain shifts. There is a sign-on bonus available for a limited time, as well as shift differentials for second and weekend shifts. The company provides a year-end bonus based on overall performance, standard health and dental benefits, and company-paid life insurance for employees and their families. This combination of benefits, incentives, and support reflects a strong commitment to long-term employee well-being and financial security.

Work Environment

The role is based in a standard CNC and toolmaking machine shop within a good-sized facility. The CNC shop is separate from the main facility, providing a focused environment for machining and toolmaking work. The shop is relatively clean but can be loud due to machines running, so hearing protection and other appropriate PPE are typically required. The primary schedule runs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., with some flexibility depending on candidate needs, and additional shift options may include second and weekend shifts with shift differentials. You will work with CNC vertical mills, tooling, dies, and related equipment in a production-oriented yet safety-conscious environment.

This is a Permanent position based out of Lakeville, MN.

The pay range for this position is $62000.00 - $81000.00/yr.

50% match of 401K up to $10,000 15% discount on Ottertail Corp stock machinist get 2 weeks PTO to start, 3 weeks if on 2nd shift -Currently offering a $5K sign on bonus as well but that is not a permanent offer - going through end of March -20% shift differential on 2nd shift and 33% for weekend shift (1st shift - 12 hour days) -Company offers year end bonus (depends on profit/revenue) -Standard benefits for health, dental, etc -Life insurance provided for employee, spouse and dependents and paid by company

This is a fully onsite position in Lakeville,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.