Toolmaker I

We are looking for a Toolmaker I to join our R&D Machine Shop team at Bluefors in Syracuse, NY. In this role, you will support the development of innovative cryogenic products by producing prototype parts, tooling, and components used to validate new concepts and designs. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled machinist who enjoys precision work, problem-solving, and contributing to cutting-edge technology in a collaborative research and development environment. Interested? Keep reading!

Your tasks will include studying blueprints, sketches, models, and verbal instructions to determine the materials, tooling, and machining processes required to fabricate prototype and custom parts. You will set up and operate manual machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, grinders, and other equipment, while maintaining precise tolerances and verifying conformance to specifications. In addition, you will perform hand and bench work as needed, create specialized tooling for manufacturing and R&D applications, and modify existing parts according to engineering instructions. You will support departments by meeting project deadlines, maintaining accurate records, performing housekeeping and preventive machine maintenance, and always adhering to Bluefors quality and safety standards.

We are looking for a candidate who has completed apprentice training or possesses an equivalent combination of education and hands-on machining experience. The ideal candidate will have experience operating manual machine tools in a job shop or prototype environment and demonstrate the ability to machine intricate parts from drawings or sketches. You should have strong blueprint-reading skills, including familiarity with GD&T principles, and be comfortable using measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances accurately. Excellent math skills, hand-eye coordination, and written and verbal communication abilities are essential. You should also be dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

We also appreciate candidates who have experience machining a variety of metals and materials, including copper and stainless steel, as well as those with a strong mechanical aptitude and passion for precision craftsmanship. Experience supporting research and development projects, creating custom tooling, or troubleshooting machining challenges will help you stand out. Candidates who demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and process improvement will thrive in this role. A positive attitude and alignment with our values of safety, teamwork, and organizational effectiveness are highly valued.

We offer you an interesting, challenging, and responsible position, along with the support of a highly skilled and growing organization. This is an excellent opportunity for your professional growth in a dynamic, enthusiastic, and collaborative team where we work together and support each other. We foster a multicultural work environment with room to grow, where you can use your potential and further develop your skills.

We offer a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), long- and short-term disability, life insurance, training, tuition reimbursement, vacation, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

Location: Syracuse, NY

Pay range: $25.00 – $35.00/hr (DOE)

Main Responsibilities include the following:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Study blueprints, sketches, models, and verbal instructions to determine machining requirements

• Set up and operate manual machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, grinders, and related equipment

• Machine and finish prototype and custom parts to precise tolerances

• Verify conformance of machined parts to specifications using measuring tools

• Perform hand and bench work as required to complete products

• Create specialized tooling for manufacturing and R&D applications

• Modify existing parts according to engineering instructions

• Meet deadlines and support multiple departments as needed

• Perform housekeeping duties and preventive maintenance on machines and equipment

• Maintain accurate records and documentation

• Adhere to Bluefors quality and safety standards

• Perform additional duties as assigned

What We Expect from You

• Completion of apprentice training or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Five or more years of machining experience in a job shop or prototype environment preferred

• Experience machining materials such as copper and stainless steel

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and written or verbal instructions

• Familiarity with GD&T principles preferred

• Ability to set up and use measuring tools accurately

• Strong math skills and mechanical aptitude

• Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

• Dependability, adaptability, and commitment to quality workmanship

• Commitment to safety and alignment with company Leadership Principles and workplace competencies

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken

We Also Appreciate

• Experience supporting research and development or prototype machining projects

• Ability to create custom tooling and fixtures for specialized applications

• Experience troubleshooting machining and fabrication challenges

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Willingness to support continuous improvement initiatives

• Positive, proactive attitude and flexibility in a fast-paced environment

• Team-oriented mindset with strong collaboration skills

• Alignment with company values, including safety, diversity, and organizational effectiveness

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, reach with arms and hands, and use hand and finger dexterity. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
This role operates in a manufacturing environment and interacts primarily with internal customers in a professional, courteous, and cooperative manner. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as applicable. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and may occasionally be exposed to humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, heat, cold, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization.

Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of disability status, veteran status, or any other New York State or federally protected characteristic.