Sr Tool & Die Maker - Aerospace Industry

PRECISE METAL PRODUCTS, LLC; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Full-time position

Opportunities in aerospace tooling

Job summary

Precise Metal Products is seeking an experienced Senior Tool & Die Maker to support design, fabrication, repair, modification, and maintenance of precision tooling used in aerospace and high-precision sheet-metal manufacturing.

The candidate will independently take tooling requirements from print or concept through fabrication, tryout, troubleshooting, and final production implementation, working closely with Engineering and Manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of tool & die making experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Extensive experience machining and fitting precision components.
• Experience with manual and CNC equipment (mills, lathes, grinders).
• Experience building and troubleshooting dies, fixtures, and production tooling.
• Strong understanding of metal forming and sheet-metal processes.
• Ability to use precision inspection equipment (micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, repair, and maintain precision dies and tooling.
• Interpret drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and tooling requirements.
• Machine precision components using manual and CNC equipment.
• Set up and operate mills, lathes, grinders, and related tooling.
• Perform precision fitting, grinding, and hand finishing.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and determine corrective actions.
• Conduct tooling tryouts and adjust to achieve required dimensions.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing on tooling solutions.
• Assist with New Product Introduction and tooling development.
• Maintain tooling documentation and status records.

Skills

Tool & Die making

GD&T

Reading drawings

Machining and fitting

Metallurgy knowledge

Problem solving

Independence from prints

Quality focus

Tools

Manual milling equipment

CNC equipment

Surface grinder

Lathe

CAD models

Inspection equipment

Job description

Position Summary

Precise Metal Products is seeking an experienced

Position Summary

Precise Metal Products is seeking an experienced Senior Tool & Die Maker to support the design, fabrication, repair, modification, and maintenance of precision tooling used in aerospace and high-precision sheet-metal manufacturing. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled toolmaker who can independently take a tooling requirement from print or concept through fabrication, tryout, troubleshooting, and final production implementation. This position requires strong knowledge of machining, forming, dies, fixtures, tolerancing, and precision measurement, along with the ability to work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, modify, repair, and maintain precision dies, forming tools, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing tooling.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, specifications, and tooling requirements.
• Machine precision components using manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and CNC equipment.
• Set up and operate conventional and CNC machining equipment as required.
• Perform precision fitting, grinding, polishing, and hand finishing of tooling components.
• Troubleshoot tooling and forming problems and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform tooling tryouts and make adjustments to achieve required part dimensions and quality.
• Work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing to develop practical tooling solutions.
• Assist Engineering with new product introduction (NPI) and tooling development.
• Build and maintain production fixtures and inspection fixtures.
• Reverse-engineer existing tooling and components when required.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on production tooling.
• Maintain accurate tooling documentation and communicate tooling status and issues.
• Ensure tooling is manufactured to applicable customer, engineering, and quality requirements.
• Help establish and improve tooling standards, processes, and best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced toolmakers and machinists.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of tool & die making, toolmaking, or closely related precision manufacturing experience.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Extensive experience machining and fitting precision components.
• Proficiency with manual machining equipment, including:
• Vertical mill
• Engine lathe
• Surface grinder
• Drill press
• Sawing equipment
• Experience building and troubleshooting dies, fixtures, jigs, forming tools, and production tooling.
• Strong understanding of metal forming and sheet-metal manufacturing processes.
• Ability to use precision inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work from drawings, sketches, CAD models, and verbal instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Experience with precision sheet-metal forming and hydroforming.
• Experience with progressive, compound, draw, stretch-forming, or other forming dies.
• CNC machining experience.
• CNC programming experience.
• Wire EDM experience.
• Experience designing functional gauges, inspection and production fixtures.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium.
• Experience working to AS9100, customer-specific requirements, or other aerospace quality systems.
• Experience with precision welding or tooling repair.
• Experience troubleshooting complex forming and dimensional issues.

Skills & Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Highly skilled and detail-oriented
• Mechanically inclined
• Self-motivated and dependable
• Comfortable working from limited direction
• A strong problem solver
• Quality focused
• Able to prioritize multiple tooling projects
• Willing to mentor and train other employees
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move tooling and materials as required.
• Ability to safely operate machine tools and shop equipment.
• Ability to work with small precision components and perform detailed hand work.
• Must be able to wear required PPE.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience and skill level
• Full-time, stable manufacturing position
• Opportunity to work on precision aerospace and industrial components
• Opportunity to work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing
• Opportunity to contribute to tooling development and process improvement
• Career advancement opportunities
• Professional and skilled manufacturing environment

Senior-Level Expectations

This position is intended for someone who can own a tooling project from start to finish, not simply operate a machine. The Senior Tool & Die Maker should be capable of looking at a drawing or manufacturing problem, determining the best tooling approach, building or modifying the tooling, troubleshooting the first parts, and delivering a production-ready solution.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Precise Metal Products Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.