Job Description

A leading aerospace and defense manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Tool Builder to join its growing team. This company specializes in the design, fabrication, and assembly of high-precision tooling, molds, fixtures, and automated manufacturing systems used in advanced aerospace applications.

This role is ideal for a skilled trades professional with strong manual machining experience, blueprint interpretation skills, and the ability to build tooling from concept through completion.

Position Summary

The Tool Builder is responsible for laying out, fabricating, assembling, and repairing jigs, fixtures, forms, templates, bond tools, and related tooling used in the production of aerospace components and assemblies. This position requires the ability to work from engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and models while utilizing a variety of hand tools, power tools, precision measuring equipment, and manual machine tools.

The successful candidate will be capable of independently completing tooling projects while assisting and supporting other tool builders as needed.

Essential Responsibilities

• Follow all safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
• Operate cranes, forklifts, and other material-handling equipment.
• Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and model-based definitions (MBD).
• Build, assemble, modify, and repair tooling, fixtures, templates, jigs, and bond tools.
• Utilize precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, and laser measurement systems.
• Set up and operate a variety of manual machining and shop equipment.
• Machine, cut, shape, and finish materials to required specifications.
• Work with aluminum, steel, Invar, and other tooling materials.
• Utilize hand tools, power tools, grinders, and fabrication equipment.
• Perform deburring, grinding, fitting, and finishing operations.
• Prepare sketches and fabrication instructions when required.
• Accurately track labor hours and project progress.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience setting up and operating manual machine tools, including:- Lathes

  • Bridgeport Mills
  • Surface Grinders

• Minimum of 5 years of experience using precision inspection and measurement equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T.

• Understanding of customer specifications and manufacturing requirements.

• Ability to complete projects independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to develop detailed fabrication and machining instructions.

• Must qualify as a U.S. Person in accordance with applicable export control regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace tooling or manufacturing experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts when required.
• Experience collaborating with production leadership to achieve operational goals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Frequent standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Strong visual acuity, including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Ability to use hands and arms for repetitive and precise movements.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and fabrication shop environment.
• Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, airborne particles, vibration, and industrial noise.
• Occasional exposure to chemicals and manufacturing materials.
• Safety glasses required in manufacturing areas.
• Safety footwear strongly recommended.
• Travel between local facilities may be required.
• Weekend work may be required based on production needs.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) with Company Match