Prototype & Tooling Machinist

DRT Aerospace, LLC; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day 1 Benefits & 401K Company Match

Paid time off and holidays + Floating?

Career advancement opportunities

Training and professional development

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Stable, growing aerospace environment

Job summary

DRT Aerospace, LLC is seeking an experienced Prototype & Tooling Machinist to support aerospace tooling development in a true toolroom environment. You will build, repair, and optimize tooling, fixtures, gauges, and prototype components, contributing to prototypes and tooling solutions for critical aerospace programs.

The role emphasizes craftsmanship, problem-solving, and collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.

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

Multi-Axis Machining

Tools

CNC Lathes

VTLs

5-Axis Machining Centers

Okuma/Niigata/Matsuura/Nakamura machines

Job description

Location:

Meriden, CT

Pay:

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

Shift Available: 2nd Shift | Monday - Friday | 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM EST

DRT Aerospace is seeking an experienced Prototype & Tooling Machinist to support our aerospace manufacturing operations by building, repairing, and improving precision tooling, fixtures, gauges, and prototype components. This is not a production-only machining role. You'll work in a true toolroom environment where craftsmanship, creativity, and problem-solving are valued. From prototype development to tooling solutions that support critical aerospace programs, your work will directly impact manufacturing performance and product quality.

Why Join DRT Aerospace?

At DRT Aerospace, you'll be part of a team that manufactures critical aerospace components for industry-leading customers. We invest in our people, promote internal growth, and provide opportunities to make a meaningful impact on operational success.

Benefits Include

• Day 1 Benefits & 401K Company Match
• Paid time off and holidays + Floating Holiday
• Career advancement opportunities
• Training and professional development
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Stable, growing aerospace manufacturing environment

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

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.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 35 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Frequent use of hands for machine operation, tooling changes, and inspection activities.
• Ability to safely work around moving mechanical equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Visual acuity required for inspection of precision components and reading technical documentation.

Work Environment

This position works in a manufacturing environment where exposure to machine noise, metal chips, cutting fluids, oils, and moving equipment is common. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when required.

ITAR and DRT Aerospace

DRT Aerospace supports customers in the aerospace and defense industries and complies with all applicable U.S. export control regulations. This position may involve access to export‑controlled information, technology, products, or technical data. As a result, employment is contingent upon the successful verification of eligibility to access such information in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) . Candidates will be required to provide documentation supporting their eligibility if selected for employment.

#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.

2nd Shift | Monday - Friday | 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM EST