Tool Maker

The Tool Maker is responsible for designing, building, maintaining, and repairing precision tooling, fixtures, and molds used in the manufacturing of optical and precision components. This role supports production efficiency and product quality by ensuring tooling meets strict tolerances required for optical manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, fabricate, and maintain precision tooling, jigs, fixtures, and molds used in optical component manufacturing.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to produce high-precision tools.
• Operate manual and CNC machine tools including mills, lathes, grinders, and EDM equipment.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues affecting production and implement corrective solutions.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on existing tooling.
• Work closely with engineering and production teams to optimize tool performance and manufacturing processes.
• Inspect completed tools using precision measurement equipment (micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, CMMs).
• Maintain proper documentation for tooling designs, modifications, and repairs.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and company quality systems.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. The employee must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to loud.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Tool & Die Maker certification or technical training preferred.
• 3–5+ years of experience in tool making, tool & die, or precision machining.
• Strong knowledge of machining techniques including milling, turning, grinding, and EDM.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience working with tight tolerances and precision components.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in optics, plastics, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of injection molding tooling or optical tooling.
• Experience with CNC programming or advanced machining.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.