Tool Maker - 1st shift

Morton Industries; Morton (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Morton Industries, LLC is seeking a Tool Room Machine Operator to perform complex setups and machining operations, producing precision parts, tooling, dies, fixtures, and related components from blueprints and specifications.

The role requires strong machining knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while upholding Morton Industries’ safety, quality, and performance standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with manual machining and precision measuring.
• Ability to read blueprints and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Review blueprints and determine materials, dimensions, machining requirements, and sequence of operations.
• Set up and operate manual machine tools including lathes, milling machines, shapers, grinders, and other Tool Room equipment.
• Machine components to specified dimensions, tolerances, and surface requirements.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions, alignment, clearances, and conformance to specifications.

Skills

Machining knowledge

Blueprint reading

Manual machining

Precision measurement

Detail oriented

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lathe

Milling machine

Grinder

Job description

Position Summary

The Tool Room Machine Operator performs complex machine setups and machining operations to produce precision parts, tooling, dies, fixtures, and related components. This position works from blueprints, sketches, models, and specifications to manufacture parts requiring close tolerances and a high degree of accuracy.

Position Summary

The Tool Room Machine Operator performs complex machine setups and machining operations to produce precision parts, tooling, dies, fixtures, and related components. This position works from blueprints, sketches, models, and specifications to manufacture parts requiring close tolerances and a high degree of accuracy.

The role requires strong machining knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining Morton Industries’ standards for safety, quality, and performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Review blueprints, sketches, models, specifications, and other technical information to determine materials, dimensions, machining requirements, and sequence of operations.
• Plan layouts and determine appropriate machining, fabrication, and assembly methods.
• Measure, mark, and prepare metal stock for machining.
• Set up and operate manual machine tools including lathes, milling machines, shapers, grinders, and other Tool Room equipment.
• Machine components to specified dimensions, tolerances, and surface requirements.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions, alignment, clearances, and overall conformance to specifications.
• Position and secure workpieces, tooling, and machined components safely and accurately.
• Grind, smooth, fit, and assemble machined components into tools, dies, fixtures, assemblies, and mechanisms.
• Inspect existing dies, tools, jigs, and fixtures and recommend modifications or repairs to improve construction, performance, or functionality.
• Develop specifications from general descriptions and create sketches or layouts for specialty tooling when required.
• Identify machining, tooling, or dimensional issues and assist in determining effective solutions.
• Maintain equipment, tooling, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Follow all established safety, quality, and operating procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of machining practices, tooling, and material characteristics.
• Ability to set up and operate manual machining equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, and technical specifications.
• Ability to perform calculations and work accurately with close tolerances.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and inspection techniques.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Production, and other team members.
• Strong attention to detail with a consistent focus on quality and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.

MI VALUES & PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Integrity in Action

Works safely, responsibly, and ethically while taking ownership of decisions, workmanship, and results.

Focused on Team Success

Works collaboratively with Tooling, Engineering, Quality, Production, and other departments to support overall team and operational success.

Driven to Deliver

Completes machining and tooling assignments accurately and efficiently while meeting production and project requirements.

Consistent Progress

Looks for opportunities to improve machining methods, tooling performance, equipment utilization, and overall work processes.

Professional Authenticity

Communicates openly and respectfully, welcomes feedback, shares technical knowledge, and follows through on commitments.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee regularly works in a manufacturing and Tool Room environment and may be exposed to moving mechanical equipment, metalworking fluids, dirty or oily conditions, and elevated noise levels. The employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals associated with manufacturing operations.

Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn as required.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle tools and materials, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to communicate and hear in a manufacturing environment and may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or work in other positions necessary to complete assigned tasks.

The Employee Must Be Able To

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Perform work requiring close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

ATTENDANCE & SAFETY

Attendance

Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position. Employees are expected to meet all Morton Industries attendance requirements.

Safety

Employees are expected to continuously practice safe work habits and follow all Morton Industries policies, procedures, and requirements related to workplace health and safety.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Morton Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualifications

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or equivalent

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Attendance

In order to perform this job the employee must meet all Company attendance requirements.

Safety

The ability to continuously practice safe habits in the workplace while following all policies and procedures related to health and safety.

Morton Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, among other things, or as a qualified individual with a disability. Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.