Tool Maker

STEEL TOOL & ENGINEERING CO.; Trenton (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

Life Insurance

401K

Paid holidays

Paid vacations

Job summary

Steel Tool & Engineering Co. in Trenton, MI seeks a skilled Tool Maker to build, repair, and maintain precision tools used in aerospace manufacturing. You will interpret engineering drawings, set up CNC and manual machines, and produce tooling that meets tight tolerances.

The role requires strong metrology skills, problem solving, and attention to detail, with opportunities to participate in continuous improvement and 5S compliance in a fast-paced shop environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with CNC and manual machining and reading drawings.
• Ability to interpret dimensions, tolerances, and engineering specs.
• Familiarity with CAD drawings and CAM programming is a plus.
• Strong measurement skills using micrometers, calipers, and CMMs.

Responsibilities

• Blueprint Interpretation — Read engineering drawings and specs to determine tooling needs.
• Tool Fabrication — Machine, assemble, and finish tools using CNC and manual machines.
• Equipment Operation — Set up and operate machining equipment for precision components.
• Inspection & Conformance — Verify tools with measurement devices to ensure accuracy.
• Tool Repair & Maintenance — Diagnose wear and perform repairs to production tooling.
• Process Planning — Plan machining sequences and setups for efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement — Contribute to Kaizen and root-cause analysis.
• Documentation — Update setup sheets and communicate changes to teams.
• Safety & 5S — Maintain safe, clean, organized workspace.
• Repetitive tasks with few breaks; ability to lift 50lbs.

Skills

Precision Machining

Mechanical Aptitude

CAD/CAM Knowledge

Metrology

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Communication

Job description

Job Description

Tool Maker

Location: Trenton, MI

Company: Steel Tool & Engineering Co.

Industry: Aerospace Precision Machining & Fabrication

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Shift: 6am-4:30pm

About Us

Steel Tool & Engineering is a leading aerospace manufacturer specializing in precision machining, complex metal fabrication, and welded assemblies. As an AS9100-certified and NADCAP-accredited facility, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality, reliability, and compliance across all operations.

Overview

A Tool Maker builds, repairs, and maintains precision tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and specialized equipment used in manufacturing operations. This role requires expert machining skills, strong blueprint interpretation, and the ability to work independently from engineering documentation to produce high-accuracy components that meet tight tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Blueprint Interpretation — Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications to determine tooling requirements.
• Tool Fabrication — Machine, assemble, and finish tools using CNC machines, manual mills/lathes, grinders, and hand tools.
• Equipment Operation — Set up and operate CNC and manual machining equipment to produce precision components.
• Inspection & Conformance — Inspect finished tools using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, CMMs, and other measurement devices to ensure dimensional accuracy.
• Tool Repair & Maintenance — Diagnose wear or failure, perform repairs, and restore tooling to production-ready condition.
• Process Planning — Determine machining sequences, setups, and methods to efficiently produce tooling.
• Continuous Improvement — Participate in problem-solving, Kaizen activities, and root-cause analysis to improve tooling reliability and manufacturing processes.
• Documentation — Maintain accurate records, update setup sheets, and communicate tooling changes to engineering and production teams.
• Safety & 5S — Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized workspace.
• Repetitive tasks with few breaks
• Ability to lift 50lbs

Qualifications

• Precision Machining — Strong CNC and manual machining capabilities.
• Mechanical Aptitude — Ability to understand mechanical relationships, tolerances, and fits.
• CAD/CAM Knowledge — Experience with CAD drawings; CAM programming is a plus.
• Metrology — Skilled in using precision measurement tools.
• Problem Solving — Ability to troubleshoot tooling issues and propose effective solutions.
• Attention to Detail — High accuracy and consistency in machining and assembly.Communication — Clear communication with engineers, machinists, and production teams.
• Tool & Die apprenticeship, Journeyman certification, or equivalent experience is a plus.
• 3–5 years of experience in a tool room or precision machining environment preferred.

Benefits

• 100% Medical Paid (If you already have medical coverage and don’t request STE medical insurance, you can receive the medical waiver of $300 per month.)
• Dental and Vision Insurance (Includes Dependents)
• Life Insurance
• 401K
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacations

You Should Be Proficient In

• Troubleshooting Skills
• Metal Stamping & Forming (Progressive Die)
• Manual Machining Skills
• Tool/Die/Mold Repair Skills
• Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience