Rapid Prototype Toolmaker & Fixture Builder

Torrey Holistics; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kform in Sterling, VA is seeking a rapid prototype toolmaker and fixture builder to turn rough CAD drawings into tight‑tolerance parts for defense and dual‑use programs. You will program, set up, and run CNC mills and lathes, then switch to manual equipment as requirements evolve.

You’ll collaborate with engineers to move from design intent to real hardware quickly, inspect parts with calipers and micrometers, and contribute to DFMA feedback, fixture design, and production readiness in a

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in CNC/manual machining, prototype fabrication, toolmaking, model making, or similar.
• Ability to read drawings, understand design intent, and apply GD&T fundamentals.
• Hands‑on CNC mill setup and operation experience.
• Manual machining: mills, lathes, saws, drills, and standard tools.
• Knowledge of aluminum, steels, stainless, plastics, and specialty materials.
• Competence inspecting parts and applying basic quality practices.
• Comfort working from incomplete inputs and asking the right questions.

Responsibilities

• Machine prototype and low‑volume components for defense/dual‑use systems.
• Program, set up, and run CNC mills and lathes; switch to manual equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with engineers to move from design intent to real hardware quickly.
• Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, height/thread gauges, and surface plates; confirm drawing, functional, and assembly needs.
• Maintain shop organization, tooling health, machine readiness, and safe practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across prototyping, machining, and manufacturing.

Skills

CNC setup/operation

Manual machining

Reading drawings

GD&T fundamentals

Problem-solving

Communication

Safety mindset

Attention to detail

Tools

Fusion 360

Mastercam

SolidWorks CAM/HSMWorks

Job description

Rapid Prototype Toolmaker & Fixture BuilderAt Kform, we help top defense and dual‑use startups convert breakthrough designs into producible, fieldable hardware. We cover the full stack—design, engineering, prototyping, machining, quality, and production readiness—because national security programs move in weeks, not years.Is This You?Do you enjoy turning rough sketches and evolving CAD into tight‑tolerance parts?Can you jump from CAM to a manual lathe, then into an engineering conversation about DFM?Are you comfortable giving candid feedback on tolerances, setup, and material selection?Do you thrive when ownership is high, timelines are short, and quality matters?What You’ll DoMachine prototype and low‑volume components for complex defense/dual‑use systems.Program, set up, and run CNC mills and lathes; switch to manual mills, lathes, saws, drill presses, and grinders as needed.Work from CAD models, drawings, sketches, notes, and verbal guidance amid evolving requirements.Provide actionable feedback on manufacturability, tolerances, materials, setup strategy, tool access, fixturing, finishes, and cost/lead time.Build/modify/repair prototypes, fixtures, tooling, test articles, brackets, enclosures, panels, mounts, and assemblies.Collaborate directly with engineers to move from design intent to real hardware quickly.Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, height/thread gauges, and surface plates; confirm drawing, functional, and assembly needs.Support assembly, fit checks, test setups, and troubleshooting.Capture setup notes, issues, lessons learned, and design change recommendations.Maintain shop organization, tooling health, machine readiness, and safe practices.Contribute to continuous improvement across prototyping, machining, and manufacturing.How You’ll OperateComfortably move between:CNC mills and lathesManual machining equipmentCAD models and engineering drawingsCAM toolpaths and workflowsInspection tools and metrology practicesPrototype assemblies and hands‑on buildsFixtures, soft jaws, and custom workholdingTechnical conversations with engineersProduction feedback and refinementMust‑Haves3–5 years in CNC/manual machining, prototype fabrication, toolmaking, model making, or similar.Ability to read drawings, understand design intent, and apply GD&T fundamentals.Hands‑on CNC mill setup and operation experience.Manual machining: mills, lathes, saws, drills, and standard tools.Knowledge of aluminum, steels, stainless, plastics, and specialty materials.Competence inspecting parts and applying basic quality practices.Comfort working from incomplete inputs and asking the right questions.Mechanical aptitude and practical problem‑solving.Safety mindset in a fast‑moving shop.Clear, direct communication with engineers, technicians, and production.Nice‑to‑HavesPrototype/R&D, defense/aerospace, robotics, machine shop, or advanced manufacturing background.Programming with Fusion 360, Mastercam, SolidWorks CAM, HSMWorks, or similar CAM.Experience with both CNC mills and CNC lathes.Tight‑tolerance machining for complex assemblies.Fixture design, soft jaws, custom workholding, production tooling.Low‑volume production, engineering builds, EVT/DVT, production readiness experience.GD&T practice, inspection documentation, first article inspection, AS9100‑style quality.Exposure to sheet metal, welding, finishing/coating, additive, or assembly.History of improving DFM/DFA with engineers.Interest in manufacturing, American industry, defense technology, and hard problems.Skills That MatterCNC setup/operation and real‑world machining strategyManual machining and fabricationDrawing interpretation, tolerancing, and disciplined inspectionCAM programming and toolpath developmentWorkholding, fixturing, and setup planningPrototype fabrication and rapid iterationMaterials knowledge and cutting tool selectionDFM feedback and collaborationShop organization, safety, and machine careClear communication with engineers, technicians, suppliers, and productionOwnership, judgment, and attention to detailTech & Machines You’ll UseCNC Mill: 3–4 axis VMC (Haas, Doosan)CNC Mill: 5‑axis VMC (Haas)CNC Lathe: 2–4 axis (Haas)3D Modeling: SolidWorksCAD/CAM: Fusion 360, Mastercam, SolidWorks CAM/HSMWorksWork EnvironmentHands‑on time with machines, tooling, materials, fixtures, prototypes, inspection equipment, and production hardware.Standing, walking, lifting, setup, deburring, and inspection near active manufacturing operations.PPE as appropriate for task, equipment, and area.Occasional support for customer projects, supplier coordination, testing, or production needs.Why KformWe operate on continuous improvement, aggressive value creation, and extreme ownership. We’re building the capability to bring advanced defense products into production faster. If you want to work directly with engineers, solve real manufacturing problems, and ship hardware that matters, join us.Core ProficienciesCNC ProgrammingDesign for Manufacturability (DFM)CNC Machine Setup & ChangeoverCAD/CAM Software