Toolmaker

Toolmaker / Tool Room Machinist

Kamatics is seeking a Toolmaker / Tool Room Machinist to support production by designing, building, repairing, and modifying tooling and fixtures within the Tool Room. This role is responsible for performing a wide range of manual machining operations to fabricate custom tooling, fixtures, gauges, and production support equipment while minimizing downtime and ensuring high-quality manufacturing.

This position emphasizes fixture building, manual machining, abrasive machining, and hands-on tool fabrication, including working with specialty rubberized materials and proprietary coating processes. The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver with strong blueprint interpretation skills who enjoys tackling complex machining challenges and working independently to support production.

About Kamatics: Kamatics is a global leader in high-performance bearings and engineered tribological solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Our team develops self-lubricating bearings and precision components that deliver durability, reliability, and performance in the harshest environments. We take pride in engineering excellence, collaborative problem solving, and a culture built on innovation and customer trust.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual machine tools, including mills, engine lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, and other Tool Room equipment.
• Design, build, modify, repair, and maintain custom tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and production support equipment from engineering drawings.
• Interpret complex blueprints and GD&T requirements to manufacture precision tooling to specification.
• Machine components to tight tolerances (typically .001 ") while maintaining high quality standards.
• Perform precision grinding, lapping, polishing, grit blasting, and other finishing operations as required.
• Troubleshoot tooling, fixture, and machining issues while developing practical solutions to minimize downtime and improve manufacturability.
• Evaluate existing tooling and recommend design or process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and tool life.
• Support production by providing Tool Room expertise for machining, fixture modifications, and tooling repairs.
• Assist in the creation of rubberized blanks, including measuring, mixing, and processing materials through detailed multi-step curing processes.
• Apply and support KAron coating processes (training provided).
• Develop and document tooling procedures, setup instructions, and best practices.
• Train and support production personnel on tooling usage, fixture setup, and proper machining techniques.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure tooling is properly identified and stored.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following all company safety procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, process optimization, and tooling improvements.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical school or apprenticeship in Tool & Die, Machining, or Manufacturing Technology preferred.

Experience

• 58+ years of hands-on Toolmaker or Tool Room Machinist experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong Tool Room experience building and repairing production tooling and fixtures.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong background operating manual mills, engine lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, and other conventional Tool Room equipment.
• Experience designing, building, modifying, and repairing tooling, fixtures, jigs, and gauges from engineering drawings.
• Advanced blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation.
• Experience machining to .001" tolerances or tighter.
• Experience machining materials such as tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, or similar materials.
• Experience using precision inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, gauge pins, and other measuring instruments.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to independently determine machining methods and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with abrasive machining or grinding processes.
• Basic CNC machining knowledge is beneficial; however, this role is primarily focused on manual Tool Room machining.
• Experience working with specialty materials such as rubberized compounds or engineered plastics is a plus.
• Creative problem solver with a hands-on approach.
• Patient and detail-oriented, particularly when performing complex, multi-step manufacturing processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tooling projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Production teams to solve machining challenges.

Benefits:

At Kamatics, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

Kamatics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a "U.S. person" as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.