What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tool & Die Maker / Machinist position at Gordon, Inc.?
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Tuition assistance
About Us
Founded in 1964, Gordon Incorporated has built its culture on a core set of values, beliefs, and principles rooted in ethical, moral, and legal standards. We are a market leader and product innovator in the design, engineering, fabrication, and sale of architectural componentry.
About the Role
We're looking for a skilled Tool & Die Maker / Machinist to manufacture, repair, modify, and maintain precision tooling, dies, fixtures, gauges, machine components, and production equipment. This role blends manual and CNC machining, precision inspection, troubleshooting, and equipment setup — all in close coordination with our Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams. Every task is expected to be completed safely, accurately, and efficiently in line with company procedures, engineering requirements, and applicable safety standards.
What You'll Do
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, machining notes, and technical specifications
- Determine dimensions, tolerances, surface finish, reference points, setup requirements, and inspection methods
- Select appropriate stock, cutting tools, fixtures, work-holding devices, speeds, feeds, coolants, and lubricants
- Set up and operate manual and CNC equipment, including mills, vertical turning lathes, drill presses, grinders, saws, and hones
- Calculate and monitor speeds, feeds, offsets, and depths of cut to maintain quality and protect tooling
- Detect chatter, vibration, tool wear, dimensional drift, and other signs of malfunction — and adjust machine controls and setups to correct issues
- Fabricate and repair dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, machine components, and specialized production tooling
- Disassemble, inspect, fit, assemble, and test tooling to verify alignment, clearance, and operation
- Use precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, thread gauges, surface plates) to inspect in-process and completed work
- Document inspection results, production activity, and maintenance information accurately
- Set up and operate balancing equipment to inspect and correct imbalance in industrial rollers and rotating components
- Operate overhead cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment when trained and authorized
- Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve technical questions and improve manufacturability
- Provide technical guidance to less-experienced machinists as needed
- Follow all safety protocols, including lockout/tagout, PPE use, and machine guard inspection
What We're Looking For
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or GED required
- Completion of a recognized Tool & Die Maker or Machinist apprenticeship, an associate degree in Machine Tool Technology/Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent training preferred
- 5 years of tool & die, manual machining, or precision manufacturing experience preferred (candidates with less experience will be considered based on demonstrated skill)
- Experience with manual mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and precision measuring equipment required
- CNC machining, vertical turning lathe, balancing equipment, overhead crane, or aviation MRO experience a plus
Skills & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of manual machining methods, cutting-tool selection, work holding, and precision measurement
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
- Solid shop math skills (decimals, fractions, geometry, trigonometry, tolerance calculations)
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
- Comfortable using computers for production records and documentation
- Ability to work independently while upholding safety, quality, and productivity standards
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and bending; occasional sitting, climbing, crawling, and squatting/kneeling
- Constant use of hands/fingers
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. independently; heavier items moved with assistance or approved equipment
- Adequate close vision and depth perception for fine dimensional work
- Ability to hear machine operation, alarms, and verbal warnings
- Work performed around moving machinery, sharp metal, cutting fluids, industrial noise, and temperature variation
- Facial hair and other conditions must not interfere with required PPE, including tight-fitting respiratory protection when required