Tool Builder

A-Line Staffing Solutions; Chesterfield Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A-Line Staffing Solutions is seeking experienced Tool Builders / Toolmakers to build, assemble, modify, and repair precision tooling used in aerospace component manufacturing. This is a hands-on role requiring interpreting drawings, machining parts, and completing tooling projects with minimal supervision.

Candidates should have 5+ years in tooling, experience with manual machining, GD&T, blueprint reading, and precision inspection.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with hands-on tooling.
• Experience setting up and operating manual machining equipment.
• Proficiency in reading aerospace blueprints and GD&T.
• Experience with precision inspection equipment (micrometers, calipers).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and models.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, modify, and repair jigs, fixtures, forms, templates, and other tooling.
• Interpret aerospace blueprints, engineering drawings, MBD models, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Layout tooling components and determine appropriate machining and fabrication methods.
• Set up and operate manual machining equipment including lathes, Bridgeport mills, surface grinders, drill presses, and other shop machinery.
• Work with materials including aluminum, steel, Invar, and other manufacturing materials.
• Use hand tools, power tools, grinders, and other shop equipment to fabricate tooling.

Skills

Machining experience

Blueprint reading

GD&T knowledge

Inspection with micrometers

Toolmaking

Tools

Lathes

Bridgeport mills

Surface grinders

Jigs & fixtures

Job description

Aerospace Tool Builder / Toolmaker 4 Positions Available

Pay: $24–$34 per hour, depending on experience

We are seeking experienced Tool Builders / Toolmakers to build, assemble, modify, and repair precision tooling used in the manufacture of aerospace components and assemblies. This is a hands‑on manufacturing position for someone who can take an engineering drawing or model, understand the requirements, machine and fabricate the necessary components, and complete the tooling project with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate has experience with tool building, manual machining, jigs, fixtures, aerospace tooling, blueprint reading, GD&T, and precision inspection.

What You'll Do

• Build, assemble, modify, and repair jigs, fixtures, forms, templates, and other manufacturing tooling.
• Interpret aerospace blueprints, engineering drawings, MBD models, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Lay out tooling components and determine appropriate machining and fabrication methods.
• Set up and operate manual machining equipment including: Lathes Bridgeport mills Surface grinders Drill presses Other shop machinery.
• Work with materials including aluminum, steel, Invar, and other manufacturing materials.
• Use hand tools, power tools, grinders, and other shop equipment to fabricate and finish tooling.
• Measure and inspect components using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Perform deburring, grinding, fitting, and finishing of tooling.
• Assemble tooling and verify dimensions and fit.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and make necessary adjustments or repairs.
• Complete tooling projects from initial layout through final assembly and inspection.
• Maintain accurate work practices and follow applicable customer and engineering requirements.
• Operate cranes, forklifts, and other material‑handling equipment as required.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with strong hands‑on machining/tooling experience.
• 5+ years of experience setting up and operating manual machining equipment, such as lathes, Bridgeports, surface grinders, or similar equipment.
• 5+ years of experience using precision inspection equipment, including micrometers and calipers.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T.
• Ability to understand customer requirements and engineering specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on fabrication skills.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and solve tooling problems.
• Ability to take a tooling project from drawing to completed product with little to no assistance.
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work safely around machinery and manufacturing equipment.

Strongly Preferred Backgrounds

• Aerospace Tool Builder
• Tool Builder
• Toolmaker
• Aerospace Toolmaker
• Tool & Die Maker
• Jig & Fixture Builder
• Fixture Builder
• Tooling Technician
• Tooling Machinist
• Precision Machinist
• Manufacturing Toolmaker
• Prototype Machinist
• Aerospace tooling experience is highly desirable.
• Experience building precision jigs, fixtures, forms, templates, or other manufacturing tooling is particularly relevant.

Schedule

Typical start times are between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, with most employees finishing around 4:00–4:30 PM. Candidates should be willing to work overtime, weekends, or varied shifts when business needs require it.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk throughout the manufacturing environment.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as needed.
• Frequently lift and move materials weighing approximately 35 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Use your hands and arms for precision work, tool operation, and material handling.
• Work around machinery, tooling, metal materials, and other typical manufacturing‑shop conditions.

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to apply your toolmaking and precision machining skills to aerospace manufacturing, working on the tooling that supports the production of aircraft components and assemblies. If you are an experienced toolmaker or machinist who enjoys building things from engineering drawings and taking a project from start to finish, this position may be a strong fit.

ITAR Eligibility

This position involves work subject to U.S. Government export‑control regulations. Applicants must meet applicable ITAR eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State.