Toolmaker

Ellaway Blues Consulting; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellaway Blues Consulting seeks an experienced Toolmaker to join a growing advanced manufacturing environment in Dallas. You will design, build, modify, and repair precision tooling and machined components that support production and prototype development.

This hands-on role requires a strong manual machining background, the ability to read blueprints and GD&T, and collaboration with engineers to establish shop standards and processes for a world-class machine shop.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Tool Maker/Precision Machinist experience.
• Strong manual lathe and manual milling machine skills.
• Hands-on with precision surface grinding.
• Experience setting up and operating CNC machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience helping establish or expand a machine shop is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes, mills, and surface grinders to manufacture tooling and components.
• Operate CNC machining equipment as needed for production and prototyping.
• Build, modify, repair, and maintain tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and components.
• Collaborate with engineering to prototype tooling and develop manufacturing solutions.
• Perform precision turning, milling, drilling, tapping, grinding, and finishing operations.
• Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications.
• Inspect finished parts with precision measuring tools to ensure accuracy.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and implement repairs or design improvements.
• Assist in establishing machine shop standards, tooling inventory, workflows, and PM practices.
• Maintain tooling documentation and keep the shop tidy and compliant with safety norms.

Tools

Manual lathes

Manual milling machines

Surface grinders

CNC machining equipment

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Toolmaker to join a growing advanced manufacturing company supporting production, engineering, and tooling operations. This is a highly hands-on role where you'll work directly with engineers to design, build, modify, and repair precision tooling and custom-machined components that support manufacturing and prototype development.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong manual machining background who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges and takes pride in building a world-class machine shop from the ground up. We're looking for someone who has experience helping establish machine shop processes, equipment, tooling, organization, and best practices within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes, manual mills, and surface grinders to manufacture precision tooling and custom components
• Operate CNC machining equipment as needed for production and prototype work
• Build, modify, repair, and maintain tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and other precision-machined components
• Partner with engineering to prototype new tooling and develop manufacturing solutions
• Perform precision turning, milling, drilling, boring, tapping, threading, grinding, and finishing operations
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring equipment to ensure dimensional accuracy and quality
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and implement effective repairs or design improvements
• Help establish and organize machine shop standards, tooling inventory, workflows, preventive maintenance practices, and shop layout
• Maintain tooling documentation and work orders
• Keep the machine shop clean, organized, and compliant with all safety requirements

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years of Tool Maker, Precision Machinist, or Tool & Die experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong experience operating manual lathes and manual milling machines
• Hands-on experience with precision surface grinding
• Experience setting up and operating CNC machining equipment
• Ability to machine complex parts to tight tolerances
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills
• Experience using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, height gauges, and bore gauges
• Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Experience helping establish, organize, or expand a machine shop is highly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting prototype development and new product introduction
• Experience designing or improving tooling and fixtures
• Experience implementing machine shop best practices, tooling organization, and preventive maintenance programs

If you enjoy building precision tooling, operating manual equipment, solving complex machining challenges, and helping build a best-in-class machine shop, we'd love to hear from you.