Lead Toolmaker

RTX•East Hartford, CT

2d•$60,000 - $114,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Toolmaker manufactures complex hardware, components, and systems, including 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 collaborates with internal and external customers on unique fabrication assignments. Working with minimal supervision, the successful candidate develops manufacturing process plans, designs and implements workholding and fixturing solutions, performs machine setups and machining operations, and inspects completed hardware for compliance with design and quality requirements. The role requires a strong foundation in CNC and conventional machining and working knowledge of CAD/CAM programming. The candidate prioritizes multiple assignments and works to meet quality, delivery, and cost objectives while adhering to safety practices, standards, company policies, integrity, ethics, and legal requirements. The role offers hands-on involvement in complex prototype and test hardware fabrication, applying and further developing machining, process-planning, inspection, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Requirements

AA/AS degree or other two-year post-high-school training, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
CNC mill and lathe setup and operation experience.
Conventional machining experience.
Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
Demonstrated experience with CAD/CAM software and conversational CNC programming.
At least four years of experience in a prototype machine shop or similar manufacturing environment.
U.S. citizenship; only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program or contract.
Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and ability to build effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

Inspection and metrology experience using precision measurement tools.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
Process planning and machining strategy experience.
Experience selecting tooling, feeds, and speeds.
Experience working to tight tolerances, including holding tolerances to ±0.0002 inches.
Working knowledge of Siemens NX, SolidWorks, CAMWorks, or similar CAD and CAM software.
Aerospace and defense manufacturing experience.
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.
Aerospace, R&D, or prototype manufacturing experience is highly desirable.

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 on unique fabrication assignments.
Develop manufacturing process plans with minimal supervision.
Design and implement workholding and fixturing solutions.
Set up machines and perform machining operations using CNC and conventional methods.
Inspect completed hardware to ensure compliance with design and quality requirements.
Prioritize multiple assignments and meet or exceed quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
Follow safety practices, established standards, company policies, and applicable legal and ethical requirements.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance
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, depending on position level and collective-bargaining coverage