Lead Toolmaker

RTX•East Hartford, CT

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Toolmaker manufactures complex hardware, components, and systems, particularly prototype and test hardware, in a fast-paced research and development environment. The role participates in project meetings, supports manufacturing process development, contributes to design reviews, and produces hardware for testing, demonstration, and evaluation. It involves collaboration with internal and external customers and multidisciplinary teams on unique fabrication assignments. Working with minimal supervision, the Lead Toolmaker develops manufacturing process plans; designs and implements work-holding and fixturing solutions; performs machine setups and machining operations; and inspects completed hardware for compliance with design and quality requirements. The position requires a strong foundation in CNC and conventional machining and working knowledge of CAD/CAM programming. The candidate is expected to prioritize multiple assignments and meet or exceed quality, delivery, and cost objectives while following safety requirements, established standards, company policies, and legal and ethical obligations. The role is classified as onsite in East Hartford, Connecticut. U.S. citizenship is required to access information under the program or contract. No security clearance is required.

Requirements

AA/AS degree or other two-year post-high-school training, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
At least four years of experience in a prototype machine shop or similar manufacturing environment.
CNC mill and lathe setup and operation experience.
Conventional machining experience.
Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
Demonstrated experience with CAD/CAM software and conversational CNC programming.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Inspection and metrology experience using precision measurement tools.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
Process planning and machining strategy experience.
Knowledge of tooling, feeds, and speeds selection.
Experience working to tight tolerances.
Working knowledge of Siemens NX, SolidWorks, CAMWorks, or similar CAD and CAM software.
Aerospace and defense manufacturing experience.
Experience holding tolerances to ±0.0002 inches.
Proto-TRAK programming for mills and lathes.
Wire EDM and sinker EDM experience.
Metallurgy knowledge.
Simultaneous 5-axis machining and programming experience.
Experience machining nickel-based superalloys and titanium alloys.
Cost estimating and scheduling experience.
Global Trade Compliance awareness.
Experience manufacturing directly from sketches, prints, and CAD models.
Experience machining additively manufactured (3D-printed) parts.
Experience in aerospace, R&D, or prototype manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Manufacture complex hardware, components, and systems, including prototype and test hardware.
Participate in project meetings, support manufacturing process development, and contribute to design reviews.
Collaborate with internal and external customers and multidisciplinary teams on fabrication assignments.
Develop manufacturing process plans with minimal supervision.
Design and implement work-holding and fixturing solutions.
Perform machine setups and CNC and conventional machining operations.
Inspect completed hardware to verify compliance with design and quality requirements.
Prioritize multiple assignments and meet or exceed quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
Follow safety requirements, established standards, company policies, and legal and ethical requirements.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
401(k) match
Flexible spending accounts
Flexible work schedules
Employee assistance program
Employee Scholar Program
Parental leave
Paid time off
Holidays
Potential annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation, subject to eligibility and program conditions