Toolroom Precision Machinist — Jigs, Fixtures & Workholding

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing; Matthews (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing in Matthews, NC is seeking an experienced machinist to translate engineering intent into precise tooling and prototype parts. You will set up and operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses, reading prints and GD&T to hold tight tolerances.

You'll design and refine workholding solutions, verify results with inspection tools, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in manual machining, toolroom, or toolmaking producing precision tooling, fixtures, jigs, workholding, or prototype components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Strong shop math and working knowledge of GD&T.
• Independent problem-solver with the ability to devise tooling/workholding solutions.
• Comfortable lifting up to 30 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Review prints, models, and specifications to determine materials, sequences, and machining methods.
• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses to create precision tooling and prototype parts.
• Select tooling, plan each operation, and fine-tune setups to hold tight tolerances.
• Design, develop, and refine workholding and fixture solutions that support production throughput and quality.
• Verify results with precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications and GD&T requirements.
• Handle finishing and light assembly as needed: deburr, polish, sandblast, part-mark, and install threaded inserts.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and contribute ideas to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Manual Machining

GD&T

Blueprint Reading

Mathematics

Lifting up to 30 lbs

Independent Problem-solver

Basic Computer Skills

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

Bridgeport Manual Mill

Manual Lathe

Surface Grinder

Job description

Step into the Toolroom and Own the Craft

When you start your day at Northeast Tool & Manufacturing, the workbench is ready: a Bridgeport vertical mill nearby, a surface grinder humming in the distance, and a blueprint for a new aerospace fixture waiting for your eye. You'll translate engineering intent into precise reality- building, modifying, and maintaining tooling, fixtures, jigs, workholding solutions, and prototype components that keep production running flawlessly.

A Day in the Life

• Review prints, models, and specifications to determine materials, sequences, and machining methods.
• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses to create precision tooling and prototype parts.
• Select tooling, plan each operation, and fine-tune setups to hold tight tolerances.
• Design, develop, and refine workholding and fixture solutions that support production throughput and quality.
• Verify results with precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications and GD&T requirements.
• Handle finishing and light assembly as needed: deburr, polish, sandblast, part-mark, and install threaded inserts.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and contribute ideas to continuous improvement initiatives.

What You Bring

• 2+ years in manual machining, toolroom, or toolmaking producing precision tooling, fixtures, jigs, workholding, or prototype components.
• Hands-on proficiency with manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and related shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Strong shop math and working knowledge of GD&T.
• Independent problem-solver with the ability to devise tooling/workholding solutions.
• Basic computer skills.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Comfortable lifting up to 30 lbs. independently and using lifting assistance when appropriate.

Bonus Points

• Experience with CNC machine setup and/or Wire EDM.
• Background designing or improving tooling, fixtures, and workholding.
• Exposure to AS9100 manufacturing environments.
• Experience machining high-temperature alloys such as Inconel and Monel.
• Forklift experience or the ability to obtain certification.
• Associate degree in machining or a manufacturing-related field.
• GD&T certification and/or Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (or higher).

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

About Northeast Tool & Manufacturing

We are a preferred supplier of precision machined components and complex assemblies for Aerospace, Defense, and Space. As an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer, we leverage advanced capabilities—including 5-Axis Milling, Multi-Axis Turning, and Wire EDM to deliver high-quality solutions for demanding applications.

Benefits & Culture

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 4% company-matched 401(k) through Fidelity
• Nine paid holidays (including your birthday)
• Collaborative, team-oriented environment with growth opportunities

Skills Spotlight

• GD&T
• Dovetail CNC
• CNC Tooling
• Manual Machining Skills

Machines You'll Use

• Manual Grinder
• Manual Lathe
• Manual Vertical Mill (Bridgeport)