Lead Prototype & Tooling Technician

We are seeking a dual‑threat Lead Technician to spearhead our new Prototype and Tooling department. This is a high‑visibility role where you will be the expert, hand‑crafting our next generation of exhaust tube assemblies while serving as the technical guardian of our production tooling. You’ll be working directly with premium CNC equipment and complex end‑forming technology. Key Responsibilities Precision Prototyping: Take new designs from print to physical part. You will be responsible for the setup and execution of prototype runs on our Crippa, Unison, and Alpine CNC benders . Tooling Maintenance & PM: Develop and execute a preventative maintenance program for all production tooling. This includes cleaning, identifying wear patterns, and performing precision adjustments to ensure “first‑time‑right” quality. Technical Troubleshooting: Support the production floor by diagnosing and resolving issues with end‑forming machines and bender tooling setups. Fabrication & Welding: Perform high‑quality MIG and TIG welding for prototype assembly and tooling repair. Tooling Inventory: Manage the organization and storage of bender die sets and end‑forming collets/tools. Technical Qualifications CNC Bending Knowledge: Hands‑on experience with multi‑stack or electric benders (specifically Crippa, Unison, or Alpine software and hardware). Fabrication Skills: Proficiency in MIG and TIG welding is required, specifically on thin‑wall stainless or aluminized steel common in exhaust systems. End‑Forming Knowledge: Experience with segmented expanders, ram formers, or rotary end‑forming machinery. Maintenance Mindset: Strong mechanical aptitude for tool‑and‑die work, including the use of precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.). The \"Unwritten\" Requirements (Candidate \"Green Flags\") The \"First Responder\": You are the person the team turns to when a part isn’t forming correctly, or a machine isn’t running properly. You don’t just “reset” the alarm; you diagnose the root cause. The Tooling Guardian: You treat high‑end tooling like a surgical instrument—clean, organized, and protected. You know that a clean tool is a consistent tool. The Hybrid Expert: You enjoy the variety of shifting from a welding bench to a tube bending machine to a maintenance rack in a single day. Education & Experience Education: High School Diploma or GED required. A technical degree or certification in Tool & Die, Precision Machining, or Industrial Maintenance is highly preferred. Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a metal fabrication environment as well as machine setup/programming. Proven track record in MIG/TIG welding, specifically on thin‑wall stainless steel (0.049\" – 0.065\" wall thickness). Physical Demands Strength: Must be able to lift and maneuver tooling and die sets weighing up to 50 lbs. Agility: Ability to bend, stoop, and reach into CNC machine cabinets for maintenance and setup. Stamina: This is a “boots on the floor” role; candidate must be comfortable standing for 8–10 hours per shift in a manufacturing environment. ITAR / Legal Requirements Compliance: This position requires access to information or items that are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Requirement: All applicants must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by ITAR (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident/Green Card holder, or have asylum/refugee status). Shift: Flexible First Shift (e.g., 5:30 AM – 2:30 PM, or 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Monday through Friday. Overtime: Occasional overtime may be required to meet prototype deadlines or address urgent production machine downtime. Flexibility: As this is a new role, a degree of flexibility is needed as we establish the workflow between R&D and Production. #J-18808-Ljbffr