Tool Maker

Worcester, MA | Full-Time | On-Site

Compensation: Up to $40.00 per hour

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Tool Maker to support the design, fabrication, repair, and maintenance of precision tooling used in the manufacturing of bearings, metal stampings, machined components, and assemblies. This hands-on role is responsible for building and maintaining jigs, fixtures, dies, gauges, master tooling, and specialized production tooling that support high-quality manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled machinist and tool maker with strong blueprint reading, precision machining, and problem-solving abilities. This individual will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to develop tooling solutions that improve production efficiency, maintain tight tolerances, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Layout, plan, fabricate, assemble, modify, and repair precision tooling, including jigs, fixtures, dies, gauges, master tooling, and specialized manufacturing tools.
• Determine the most efficient sequence of machining and fabrication operations to produce precision tooling that meets engineering specifications.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, sketches, and technical specifications to manufacture and repair tooling.
• Set up and operate manual machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, and other precision equipment.
• Perform precision fitting, assembly, and adjustment of tooling components to achieve required tolerances and performance.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and perform preventative maintenance and repairs to minimize production downtime.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to develop tooling solutions for new products, production improvements, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Assist with research, development, and continuous improvement of tooling designs and manufacturing methods.
• Verify tooling dimensions using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, and optical measuring equipment.
• Recommend tooling improvements that increase productivity, improve quality, and extend tooling life.
• Maintain accurate tooling documentation, maintenance records, and revision history.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, quality standards, and manufacturing procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required. Technical school, apprenticeship, or Journeyman Tool Maker certification preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of Tool Maker experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience manufacturing and repairing dies, fixtures, jigs, gauges, molds, or other precision tooling.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proficiency operating manual machine tools including mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses.
• Experience working with hardened tool steels, alloy steels, aluminum, stainless steel, and other engineering materials.
• Strong understanding of machining practices, tolerancing, fits, finishes, and precision measurement.
• Experience using precision inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and gauges.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Engineering and Production teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting bearing manufacturing, metal stamping, machining, or precision component manufacturing.
• CNC machining and CNC programming experience.
• Wire EDM or Sinker EDM experience.
• TIG welding, brazing, or precision repair experience.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience designing or modifying tooling using CAD software.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Apprenticeship completion or Journeyman Tool Maker certification.