Tool Maker D

L3Harris Technologies; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay, FL seeks an experienced Tool Maker D to fabricate, assemble and troubleshoot precision tooling for prototypes and low‑volume manufacturing. You will operate CNC mills/ lathes, read drawings, and ensure tight tolerances while supporting continuous improvement.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in machining, GD&T, and tool fabrication, with safety and ISO/AS9100 awareness. This role offers growth and the chance to contribute to mission‑critical projects.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience or 2 years post‑Secondary/Associates Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
• Proficiency with Windows OS and Office products; familiarity with CAD/CAM software.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate CNC milling machines, lathes, or other machining centers per work instructions.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and Work Orders; verify dimensions and finishes.
• Monitor machine performance and inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, and gauges; document results.

Skills

MS Windows

MS Office

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associates Degree

Tools

MasterCam

AutoCAD

Creo

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission‑critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end‑to‑end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Tool Maker D

Job Code: 42348

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Description

Responsible for fabricating, building, handling, repairing and integrating complex parts, assemblies and machines normally used in engineering prototypes, one of a kind product or low volume manufacturing. Provides highly skilled labor for extremely tight or critical tolerances. Hardware is fabricated and assembled using engineering standards and is oftentimes considered fragile, high precision, highly sensitive and of high value. May interface with engineers in prototyping and optimizing assembly processes and procedures for manufacturability. May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures. May require handling knowledge such as use of overhead cranes and equipment and rigging best practices. May design and fabricate manufacturing assembly aids and tooling. May lead and manage multiple builds and assemblies.

Essential Functions

Machine Setup & Operation

• Program, set up, load, and operate CNC milling machines, lathes, or other machining centers according to work instructions.
• Select, install, and adjust tools, fixtures, and materials to ensure accurate machining.
• Run first‑piece inspections and adjust machine settings as needed.

Drawing & Specification Interpretation

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), and Work Orders.
• Verify dimensions, tolerances, and required finishes before machining operations.

Process Monitoring & Quality Control

• Monitor machine performance and cutting operations to ensure parts meet specification.
• Inspect finished parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measurement equipment.
• Document in‑process inspection results, maintain records, and report deviations.

Troubleshooting & Adjustments

• Detect tool wear, machine errors, or abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
• Adjust feeds, speeds, and offsets to optimize machining accuracy and efficiency.

Material Handling & Workflow

• Load raw material and unload finished components.
• Organize and stage parts to support production schedules.
• Follow safe material handling practices to avoid damage and ensure workplace safety.

Maintenance & Upkeep

• Perform routine preventive maintenance such as cleaning, lubrication, and tool replacement.
• Maintain machine calibration and report issues requiring advanced repair.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety guidelines, lockout/tagout procedures, and use required PPE.
• Comply with company policies, ISO/AS9100 and L3Harris standards and regulations.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Communicate with Machine Shop Leadership, Production Control, Engineers, and other team members regarding design or machining issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, Lean/5S practices, and process standardization.
• Demonstrate adaptability by supporting overtime requirements, working across multiple locations, and adjusting to shifting program priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience in computer skills including MS Windows and office products.
• Experience understanding of programming and design using MasterCam, AutoCAD, and Creo software.
• Requires highly developed job knowledge/skills. Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience or 2 years post‑Secondary/Associates Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Capable of working closely with subject matter experts and following verbal and detailed direction.
• Exceptional organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of initiative and ability to work autonomously.
• Experience in taking the lead role to solve a problem, a sense of responsibility, ownership and follow‑through.
• Previous experience working with a team, pro‑active, and customer oriented with a sense of urgency to accomplish a given task or goal.
• Can support 2nd shift rotational schedule as required.
• Willingness to support general shop maintenance and supplemental shop areas.
• Ability to obtain a Security Clearance.
• Highly developed support individual contributor. Works autonomously.
• May act as a mentor to lower level peers and provide guidance on tasks.
• Works on assignments requiring judgement and initiative.
• Communicates with others within and outside the department on matters that involve obtaining or providing information requiring explanation or interpretation to understand and reach agreement. Makes recommendations for solutions.
• Works to achieve operational targets within job area which has impact on the overall achievement of results for the team. Work is of larger scope, typically on less structured task‑related activities requiring judgement.
• Work is structured within identified boundaries and procedures. May work on assignments requiring judgement and initiative. Uses knowledge and experience to resolve issues.
• Must have good computer skills including MS Windows and office products.
• Expert with safe fabrication/machine practices, understanding of material SDS, able to comply with wearing appropriate PPE, and follow heavy lifting criteria
• Expert knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication shop equipment operation and technology.
• Expert capability with general shop measuring equipment, micrometers, calipers, gauge pins, etc.
• Advanced understanding of programming and design using MasterCam, AutoCAD, and Creo software.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.