Toolmaker

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training, machining certificate, apprenticeship, or trade school education preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, layouts, and specifications.
• Strong mathematical skills, including working with decimals, fractions, measurements, and tolerances.
• Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).

Experience Requirements

• 2 to 10+ years of CNC machining and toolmaking experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience setting up, programming, and operating CNC mills, lathes, and grinding equipment.
• Experience with Mazak, Integrex, Milltronics, Haas, UMC, horizontal CNC machines, and manual mills/lathes preferred.
• Proficiency reading, writing, editing, and troubleshooting G-Code.
• Experience using Mastercam or other CAD/CAM programming software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of specialty tooling, machining processes, and precision manufacturing.
• Ability to machine complex parts using unique materials while maintaining tight tolerances.
• Skilled in performing quality inspections using measuring and inspection equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience using root cause analysis methods such as 5 Whys.
• Excellent communication, organization, time management, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to mentor and cross-train other machinists and toolmakers.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift.
• Frequently lift, carry, and move materials, tools, and machine components.
• Ability to safely work around CNC machinery, cutting tools, and manufacturing equipment.
• Manual dexterity required for machine setup, inspection, and precision machining tasks.
• Ability to maintain focus and accuracy while producing precision components.

Job Duties

• Program, set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and live-tooling equipment.
• Manufacture precision components according to blueprints, technical drawings, and customer specifications.
• Align, secure, and adjust cutting tools and workpieces to achieve required dimensions and tolerances.
• Verify part quality using measuring instruments and perform in-process inspections.
• Read and interpret G-Code and make programming edits as required.
• Complete production reports, inspection documents, and purchase requisitions accurately.
• Perform preventative maintenance, basic machine repairs, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Deburr, clean, and inspect finished parts while maintaining a safe and organized work area.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S and root cause corrective actions.
• Collaborate with customers, supervisors, and team members to deliver high-quality parts on time with minimal scrap and rework.