Tool Maker Lead - CNC Milling & Turning in Meriden, Connecticut at DRT Holdings, LLC

DRT Aerospace is seeking an experienced Tool Maker to support our aerospace manufacturing operations by building, repairing, and maintaining precision tooling, fixtures, gauges, and production equipment. This is a hands-on role where you'll apply your machining expertise to solve problems, improve processes, and support the production of critical aerospace components.

If you enjoy complex machining, tight tolerances, and working in a true toolroom environment, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and production equipment
• Set up and operate CNC lathes, VTLs, milling machines, and 5-axis machining centers
• Machine parts from blueprints through final completion
• Support production operations as needed while maintaining toolroom priorities
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering drawings
• Verify dimensions using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, indicators, and height gages
• Troubleshoot tooling and machining issues to improve performance and reliability
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to develop tooling solutions and process improvements
• Maintain high standards for safety, quality, and workmanship

• 5+ years of Tool Making, Tool & Die, Precision Machining, or related manufacturing experience
• Strong CNC milling and turning experience
• Ability to machine parts independently from print to finished product
• Experience reading blueprints and applying GD&T principles
• Strong understanding of tight-tolerance machining and manufacturing processes
• Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills

• Aerospace manufacturing experience
• AS9100 manufacturing environment experience
• CNC setup, programming, or advanced troubleshooting experience
• Experience with large VTL machines
• Experience with multi-axis machining centers

Turning

• Bullard VTLs
• Okuma Horizontal Lathes
• Okuma TVL
• Nakamura Lathes

Milling

• Matsuura
• Niigata
• 5-Axis Machining Centers

• Day 1 Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(k)
• Weekly competitive pay
• Overtime opportunities
• Stable aerospace manufacturing environment
• Work on challenging, high-precision aerospace components
• Modern equipment and ongoing facility investments
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced machinists, engineers, and manufacturing professionals
• Long-term career growth opportunities

This is more than a production machining role. You'll work in a true toolroom environment where your craftsmanship, machining knowledge, and problem-solving abilities directly impact the quality and success of aerospace products used around the world.

#Aerospace

Keywords: Tool Maker, Tool & Die Maker, CNC Machinist, Precision Machinist, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, VTL Machinist, 5-Axis Machining, Aerospace Manufacturing, Toolroom Machinist, Fixture Builder, Jig Grinder, Okuma, Matsuura, Niigata, GD&T, Blueprint Reading, Precision Machining, Multi-Axis Machining.