Prototype Tooling Machinist, Jigs & Fixtures

Smith Bros Tool; Utica (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life, accident, and disb.

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and paid time off

Weekly pay with overtime

Job summary

Smith Brothers Tool Company in Michigan is seeking a hands-on jig and fixture builder who thrives in a shop environment. You will fabricate and assemble precision jigs and fixtures to customer specifications, reading blueprints and GD&T, and using precision measuring tools.

You will work with engineers to resolve fit and tolerance challenges, operate manual lathes, Bridgeport mills, and grinders, and contribute to quality checks.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on jig and fixture building experience.
• Expert blueprint reading and practical GD&T application.
• Comfortable interpreting 3D CAD models and using precision hand metrology tools.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and assemble precision jigs, fixtures, and tooling to customer specifications and quality standards.
• Interpret blueprints, GD&T, and 3D CAD to establish reference points, locate tooling holes, and validate critical dimensions using precision measuring equipment.
• Run manual lathes, Bridgeport mills, and grinders for fabrication, fitting, and finishing.
• Create basic fabrication sketches, rework/repair existing tooling, and conduct final functional checks.
• Partner with engineers and other builders to resolve fit/assembly issues and maintain a safe, organized work area.

Skills

Jig & fixture fabrication

GD&T interpretation

Blueprint reading

Manual machining

Team collaboration

Job description

Build world-class tooling with a team that sweats the microns

Join Smith Brothers Tool Company to transform prints and CAD data into production-ready jigs and fixtures. If you thrive at the intersection of machining, assembly, and inspection—and enjoy collaborating to solve fit and tolerance challenges—this role is for you.

Role snapshot

• Fabricate and assemble precision jigs, fixtures, and tooling to customer specifications and quality standards.
• Interpret blueprints, GD&T, and 3D CAD to establish reference points, locate tooling holes, and validate critical dimensions using precision measuring equipment.
• Run manual lathes, Bridgeport mills, and grinders for fabrication, fitting, and finishing.
• Create basic fabrication sketches, rework/repair existing tooling, and conduct final functional checks.
• Partner with engineers and other builders to resolve fit/assembly issues and maintain a safe, organized work area.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands‑on jig and fixture building experience.
• Expert blueprint reading and practical GD&T application.
• Comfortable interpreting 3D CAD models and using precision hand metrology tools.
• Manual machining background (mills, lathes, grinders) preferred.
• Strong shop math, problem‑solving, and communication; meticulous attention to detail; able to work independently and on a team.

What we offer

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 100% company-paid life, accident, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Weekly pay with overtime currently available

Compliance notices

Employment eligibility

Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident status is required. No sponsorship available.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Smith Brothers Tool Company is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Core proficiencies

• GD&T
• Machine Building/Assembling
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Manual Machining Skills
• Blueprint Reading

Weekly payroll and current overtime availability make this a great fit for makers who like to stay busy and see their work in action.