Toolmaker/CNC Programmer

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a Tool Maker in Hampton, VA to lay out stock, set up machine tools, and fabricate dies, molds, and fixtures for wax injection tooling and precision parts. You will read blueprints, select materials, and ensure tight tolerances on complex components.

Responsibilities include operating lathes, mills, grinders, and performing quality checks. Requires five years of toolmaking and CNC programming experience; must be available for all shifts and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Resume and two professional references required.
• Minimum high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum five years of toolmaker and CNC programming experience and/or training.
• Must be available for all shifts; overtime/weekends as needed.
• US work authorization; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Read and follow work instructions precisely.
• Set up and operate machine tools to fabricate parts.
• Machine parts to specifications and verify conformance.
• Measure and document dimensions and tolerances.
• Assemble tools, dies, and fixtures as required.

Skills

CNC programming

Reading specs

Mathematics

Problem solving

CAD modeling

CAM software

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CNC Machines

CAM software

CAD software

Job description

• Locations One Howmet Drive, Hampton, VA, 23661, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability? None
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Responsibilities

This opening is with Howmet Aerospace – a world leader in investment casting of superalloys, aluminum and titanium primarily for jet aircraft and industrial gas turbine markets. For more information about Howmet Aerospace, visit us online atwww.howmet.com .

Howmet has challenging opportunities for individuals who are excited to engage with us in growing our business. Join us where you will be part of a dedicated team to manufacture high tech products, safely, accurately, and efficiently, you will perform a variety of hands‑on operations in accordance with standardized processes within customer specifications.

Howmet is currently looking for Tool Maker(s) to join our Industrial Gas Turbine (IGT) group in Hampton, Virginia. The available shift hours are 1st shift, M-F 7am-3pm and 2nd shift, M-F 3pm-11pm. Training is 1st shift, M-F 7am-3pm.

This position will receive an hourly “shift premium” of $1.00 p/hr. while assigned to an off shift.

Job Summary: The Tool Maker will analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to fabricate and repair wax injection molds, metalworking dies, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Essential Functions & Job Responsibilities:

• Ability to read and follow the information on work instructions.
• Record data either manually or by computer as required.
• Studies specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions and visualize product to determine materials. required and machines to be used to fabricate parts.
• Computes dimension, plan layout, and determine assembly method and sequence of operations.
• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock for machining.
• Sets up and operates machine tools, such as lathes, milling machine, and grinder to machine parts and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.
• Lifts machined parts and positions and secure parts on surface plate or worktable.
• Smooth flat and contoured surfaces and fits and assembles parts together into assemblies and mechanisms.
• Verifies dimensions, alignments, and clearances.
• Heat-treat tools or parts.
• Examines new or previously used dies, tools, jigs, and fixtures, and recommends design modifications regarding construction and function of part.
• Develops specifications from general descriptions for specialty tools and draws or sketches design of product.
• Must be detail oriented and possess the ability to machine parts with tight tolerances.
• Must comply with all company attendance policies and guidelines; this includes, but is not limited to, regular attendance and occasional overtime.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts, such as fundamentals of plane, solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts, such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or scheduled form.
• Ability to setup, program, and operate CNC machines.
• Ability to create CAD models and drawings to use with CAM software.

Equipment Used: Vertical milling machine, Bridgeport EZ Trax/Acu-Rite milling machine, tree journeyman CNC milling machine, personal computer, engine lathe, band saw, radial arm drill press, floor drill, pedestal grinder, surface grinder, precision tool grinder, abrasive cutoff saw, bridge crane heat treat oven, welding machine, acetylene torch, air grinders, power tools, and hand tools.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• An application must include a resume and two professional references for review and consideration.
• This position requires a minimum of high school diploma or GED certificate.
• This position requires a minimum of five years of toolmaker and CNC programming experience and/or training.
• Must be available for all shifts. Must be able to work overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

About Us

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

The Howmet engines business produces world‑class aerospace engine components, including investment castings, fasteners, rings and forgings. Our vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts enable the next generation of quieter, cleaner and more fuel‑efficient aerospace engines. Able to supply more than 90% of structural and rotating aerospace engine components.