Machinist & Tool Maker Apprentice

Job Summary

We’re hiring a Tool Maker & Machinist Apprentice to join one of the most coveted manufacturing brands in East Tennessee. This role is fundamentally a tool and die apprenticeship—you will work closely with our master tool and die team to learn a highly specialized trade that few get exposure to. You don't need to be an expert toolmaker on day one; instead, we are looking for someone with strong machining fundamentals on mills and lathes, excellent mechanical aptitude, and a hunger to learn.

In this role, you will focus on injection mold maintenance while utilizing surface grinders, lathes, and mill equipment to create and prototype fixtures, tooling, and gauges. Whether you are coming right out of a technical program (like TCAT) or have a couple of years of manual machining under your belt, this position offers the hands-on training and mentorship necessary to get your precision machining career off to an incredible start.

Why Join Us?

• Apprenticeship & Training: Learn the coveted tool and die trade from the ground up through hands-on, structured training with experienced professionals.
• Career Launchpad: An ideal environment for recent trade school graduates (e.g., TCAT) or junior machinists looking to elevate their fundamental skills.
• Premier Brand: Build your resume by working with one of the most respected and established manufacturing teams in East Tennessee.

Compensation

• $22.66 / hr
• Rapid training and promotion

Shifts

• 1st Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off and paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan
• Comprehensive on-the-job training and technical development programs

Responsibilities

• Mold Maintenance: Perform comprehensive injection mold maintenance, including teardown, cleaning, troubleshooting, repair, and reassembly.
• Manual & CNC Machining: Set up and operate manual equipment (lathes, mills, surface grinders) and ProtoTRAK-controlled machines to create precision parts.
• Tooling Fabrication: Manufacture and modify tooling, fixtures, gauges, and prototype components from engineering drawings, concepts, or sketches.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret technical blueprints to mark out designs on raw materials and execute accurate cuts.
• Precision Inspection: Utilize precision measuring instruments to verify quality, ensure dimensional accuracy, and adhere to strict quality standards.
• Collaborative Prototyping: Work closely with the engineering and production teams to troubleshoot machining processes and create prototype tooling.
• Continuous Learning: Complete assigned technical, administrative, and hands-on training programs to advance your proficiency in tool and die making.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience: 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, or equivalent hands-on training (recent trade school/TCAT graduates are highly encouraged to apply).
• Machining Fundamentals: Strong foundational skills in manual machining (mills, lathes, surface grinders) and a basic understanding of CNC operations.
• Mechanical Aptitude: A strong general mechanical skill set with the ability to take conceptual ideas through to final finish and assembly.
• Blueprint Reading: Proven ability to read blueprints, interpret instructional drawings, and utilize basic precision measurement tools.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred

• Specialized Experience: Prior experience with tool & die or injection mold maintenance.
• Formal Education: A diploma or certificate from a vocational/technical school (such as TCAT) in precision machining or machine tool technology.
• Shop Math Skills: Working knowledge of shop mathematics, including fractions, decimals, geometry, and basic algebra.
• Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic clamping systems, as well as forklift or hoist experience.