Master Tool Maker - CNC Milling & Turning

DRT Aerospace, LLC; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Day 1 Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(k)

Weekly competitive pay

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

DRT Aerospace, LLC is seeking an experienced Tool Maker to support aerospace manufacturing by building and maintaining precision tooling, fixtures, gauges, and production equipment. You will work in a true toolroom environment, solving problems and improving processes with your machining expertise.

You will set up and operate CNC lathes, VTLs, milling machines, and 5-axis centers, read blueprints, apply GD&T, and ensure tight tolerances.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Tool Making, Tool & Die, Precision Machining, or related manufacturing experience.
• Strong CNC milling and turning experience.
• Ability to machine parts independently from print to finished product.
• Experience reading blueprints and applying GD&T principles.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and production equipment.
• Set up and operate CNC lathes, VTLs, milling machines, and 5-axis machining centers.
• Machine parts from blueprints through final completion.
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering drawings.
• Verify dimensions using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, indicators, and height gages.

Skills

CNC milling

CNC turning

Blueprint reading

GD&T understanding

Problem-solving

Toolmaking experience

Tools

CNC lathes

VTLs

Milling machines

5-axis machining centers

Job description

Pay: Weekly & Competitive Pay + Shift Differential + Day 1 Benefits & 401K

Shift(s) Available

• 1st Shift | Monday - Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

DRT Aerospace is seeking an experienced Tool Maker to support our aerospace manufacturing operations by building, repairing, and maintaining precision tooling, fixtures, gauges, and production equipment. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll apply your machining expertise to solve problems, improve processes, and support the production of critical aerospace components.

If you enjoy complex machining, tight tolerances, and working in a true toolroom environment, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

What You’ll Do

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and production equipment
• Set up and operate CNC lathes, VTLs, milling machines, and 5-axis machining centers
• Machine parts from blueprints through final completion
• Support production operations as needed while maintaining toolroom priorities
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering drawings
• Verify dimensions using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, indicators, and height gages
• Troubleshoot tooling and machining issues to improve performance and reliability
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to develop tooling solutions and process improvements
• Maintain high standards for safety, quality, and workmanship

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of Tool Making, Tool & Die, Precision Machining, or related manufacturing experience
• Strong CNC milling and turning experience
• Ability to machine parts independently from print to finished product
• Experience reading blueprints and applying GD&T principles
• Strong understanding of tight-tolerance machining and manufacturing processes
• Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace manufacturing experience
• AS9100 manufacturing environment experience
• CNC setup, programming, or advanced troubleshooting experience
• Experience with large VTL machines
• Experience with multi-axis machining centers

Equipment Experience a Plus

Turning

• Bullard VTLs
• Okuma Horizontal Lathes
• Okuma TVL
• Nakamura Lathes

Milling

• Matsuura
• Niigata
• 5-Axis Machining Centers

Why Join DRT Aerospace?

• Sign‑On Bonus
• Day 1 Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(k)
• Weekly competitive pay
• Overtime opportunities
• Stable aerospace manufacturing environment
• Work on challenging, high-precision aerospace components
• Modern equipment and ongoing facility investments
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced machinists, engineers, and manufacturing professionals
• Long-term career growth opportunities

Apply Today

This is more than a production machining role. You'll work in a true toolroom environment where your craftsmanship, machining knowledge, and problem‑solving abilities directly impact the quality and success of aerospace products used around the world.

Keywords

Tool Maker, Tool & Die Maker, CNC Machinist, Precision Machinist, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, VTL Machinist, 5-Axis Machining, Aerospace Manufacturing, Toolroom Machinist, Fixture Builder, Jig Grinder, Okuma, Matsuura, Niigata, GD&T, Blueprint Reading, Precision Machining, Multi-Axis Machining.

#Aerospace

1st Shift | Monday - Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM