Job Opening: Manual Machinist

Location: Barkhamsted, CT

We are currently looking for an experienced Manual Toolroom Machinist and Toolmaker to assist with our manufacturing operations. This role involves producing, repairing, and modifying manufacturing fixtures, workholding devices, specially designed tooling, and precision gages. The ideal candidate should have a solid background in operating manual machines and be able to independently complete a project from a drawing or concept through machining, assembly, and final inspection.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacture and assemble precision fixtures, workholding devices, custom tooling, and gages to meet production and inspection requirements.
• Set up and operate manual jig borers, lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, and other toolroom equipment.
• Interpret engineering drawings, sketches, specifications, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing requirements to plan machining operations.
• Select appropriate materials, cutting tools, workholding methods, speeds, feeds, and machining sequences to achieve the necessary dimensions and finishes.
• Inspect finished components using micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gages, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and modify existing tooling, fixtures, and gages to address wear, dimensional issues, and manufacturing changes.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve tooling problems and enhance manufacturing efficiency and repeatability.
• Maintain toolroom equipment, keep work areas organized, and adhere to established safety and quality protocols.
• Perform additional machining and toolmaking tasks to support manufacturing operations.

Required Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience as a manual machinist, toolroom machinist, or toolmaker in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency with manual jig borers, grinders, lathes, and milling machines, including independent setup and operation.
• Experience in creating precision tooling, fixtures, workholding devices, and gages with tight tolerances.
• Ability to read technical drawings and accurately use precision inspection tools.
• Knowledge of shop mathematics, machining practices, material properties, and tooling selection.
• Mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, ability to prioritize tasks, and strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a toolmaker apprenticeship or technical training in machining or toolmaking.
• Experience in developing tooling from sketches or concepts and supporting prototype or one-off manufacturing projects.