FWM Toolroom attendant

PHD Inc.; Fort Wayne, Northern (IN, KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PHD, Inc. in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking a Toolroom Attendant who enjoys solving machining challenges and creating fixtures, gauges, and tools to support production.

This hands-on role requires extensive experience with manual and CNC machining, CAD, GD&T, and tooling design, plus the ability to manage tooling, lead improvements, and train production staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in machining or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years manual and CNC machining experience, including grinding.
• At least 4 years writing, proving, or improving machining processes for milling and turning.
• Experience leading departmental projects or continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Strong blueprint-reading skills and GD&T knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and build fixtures, jigs, gauges, and specialized tools.
• Operate manual and CNC lathes, mills, grinders, and other tools to produce or repair components.
• Perform preventive and reactive maintenance on fixtures, tooling, and equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerances.
• Lead or support continuous-improvement projects from planning through implementation.

Skills

Manual & CNC machining

GD&T proficiency

Blueprint reading

Machining process optimization

Problem solving

CAD basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree (technical)

Tools

JD Edwards

Lotus Notes

CAD

MS Word & Excel

Job description

PHD, Inc. Fort Wayne Manufacturing - Fort Wayne, IN 46809

Overview

Position Type

Full Time

Job Shift

1st Shift

Description

At PHD, our manufacturing teams rely on dependable tooling, precision equipment, and practical solutions that keep production moving. We are seeking an experienced Toolroom Attendant who enjoys solving complex machining challenges, improving processes, and creating high-quality fixtures, gages, and tools.

This is a hands-on position for an accomplished machining professional who can take a project from concept through completion. You will use your experience with manual and CNC machining, grinding, CAD, GD&T, and tooling design to support manufacturing operations and reduce equipment downtime.

If you take pride in precision work, enjoy troubleshooting, and want the freedom to turn ideas into effective solutions, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

Conceptualize, design, and build fixtures, jigs, gages, and specialized tools used in the manufacturing of PHD products.

Operate manual and CNC lathes, mills, grinders, and other machine tools to produce or repair precision components.

Perform preventive and reactive maintenance on fixtures, tooling, gages, and equipment to improve reliability and minimize downtime.

Inspect, measure, and test completed tools and components to verify conformance with engineering specifications and quality standards.

Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.

Write, prove, troubleshoot, and improve machining processes for milling and turning operations.

Diagnose tooling and equipment problems and participate in root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

Research, select, purchase, organize, and maintain replacement tooling, cutters, components, and supplies.

Provide technical support to manufacturing and engineering teams involving tooling, fixtures, gages, machine setups, and processes.

Assist with training production employees on machine setups, procedures, and proper tooling use.

Develop and update work instructions, procedures, tooling documentation, and CAD designs.

Lead or support departmental continuous-improvement projects from planning through implementation.

Maintain a safe, clean, efficient, and well-organized toolroom.

What You’ll Bring

A minimum of 10 years of experience in machining or a closely related manufacturing field.

At least five years of hands-on experience with manual and CNC machining, including grinding.

At least four years of experience writing, proving, troubleshooting, or improving machining processes for milling and turning equipment.

Experience managing or leading departmental projects or continuous-improvement initiatives.

Demonstrated ability to design, build, repair, and maintain precision tooling, fixtures, and gages.

Strong blueprint-reading skills and a working knowledge of GD&T.

Thorough knowledge of shop mathematics, mechanics, machining practices, tolerances, and metal properties.

Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment.

Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently, prioritize competing needs, and follow projects through completion.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Basic CAD and computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with JD Edwards, Lotus Notes, or similar business systems is helpful.

A high school diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications

Toolmaker, machining, or related technical certification.

Associate degree from an accredited technical school.

Experience supporting a precision manufacturing environment.

Experience leading tooling, equipment, or process-improvement projects.

Why PHD?

PHD, Inc. is a family-owned global manufacturer headquartered in Northeast Indiana. We design and manufacture innovative automation products that help customers improve productivity around the world.

At PHD, you will have the opportunity to apply your experience, solve meaningful manufacturing challenges, and see the direct impact of your work. Our values—Customer Intimacy, Never Settle Mentality, Culture of Collaboration, and Mission-Focused—guide how we work, improve, and support one another.

Bring your machining expertise to a team that values craftsmanship, practical problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

PHD, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

CRITICAL SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 10 years experience in the Machining field
• 5 years of manual and CNC machining including grinding
• 4 years writing, proofing and improving CNC and manual machine processes for mills and turning machines
• 1 year of project management including developing, implementing and leading departmental continuous improvement projects
• PC skills necessary for this position include Microsoft Word, Excel, Lotus Notes, JD Edwards and Explorer for directory maintenance