Master Tool Maker - CNC Milling & Turning

DRT Holdings, LLC; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Weekly competitive pay

Overtime opportunities

Stable aerospace environment

Modern equipment

Long-term career growth

Job summary

DRT Aerospace in Meriden, CT seeks an experienced Master Tool Maker - CNC Milling & Turning to build, repair, and maintain precision tooling and fixtures for aerospace components.

This hands-on role requires setting up CNC lathes, milling centers, reading blueprints with GD&T, and collaborating with engineering and quality to ensure tight tolerances. Shift: 1st shift, Mon-Fri 7:30 AM–4:30 PM; pay weekly with benefits and 401k; sign-on bonus and overtime opportunities offered.

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.
• Strong understanding of tight-tolerance machining and manufacturing processes.
• Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Tool making

CNC milling

CNC turning

GD&T

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Tools

Nakamura Lathes

Niigata

5-Axis Machining Centers

Okuma

Matsuura

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Master Tool Maker - CNC Milling & Turning

FT REG-V2 2WKS@HIRE Craft Workers Meriden, CT, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 2243

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

• Nakamura Lathes

Milling

• Niigata
• 5-Axis Machining Centers

Why Join DRT Aerospace?

• Sign-On Bonus
• 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

#Aerospace

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.