Prototype & Tooling Machinist
Description
Location: Meriden, CT
Shift Available: 2nd Shift | Monday - Friday | 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM EST
Why Join DRT Aerospace?
At DRT Aerospace, you'll be part of a team that manufactures critical aerospace components for industry-leading customers. We invest in our people, promote internal growth, and provide opportunities to make a meaningful impact on operational success.
Benefits Include:
Day 1 Benefits & 401K Company Match
Paid time off and holidays + Floating Holiday
Career advancement opportunities
Training and professional development
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Stable, growing aerospace manufacturing environment
What You'll Do
- Build, repair, modify, and maintain tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and production equipment
- Set up and operate CNC lathes, VTLs, milling machines, and 5-axis machining centers
- Machine parts from blueprints through final completion
- Support production operations as needed while maintaining toolroom priorities
- Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering drawings
- Verify dimensions using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, indicators, and height gages
- Troubleshoot tooling and machining issues to improve performance and reliability
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to develop tooling solutions and process improvements
- Maintain high standards for safety, quality, and workmanship
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of Tool Making, Tool & Die, Precision Machining, or related manufacturing experience
- Strong CNC milling and turning experience
- Ability to machine parts independently from print to finished product
- Experience reading blueprints and applying GD&T principles
- Strong understanding of tight-tolerance machining and manufacturing processes
- Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment
- Excellent mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Aerospace manufacturing experience
- AS9100 manufacturing environment experience
- CNC setup, programming, or advanced troubleshooting experience
- Experience with large VTL machines
- Experience with multi-axis machining centers
Equipment Experience a Plus
- Turning | Bullard VTLs, Okuma Horizontal Lathes, Okuma TVL, Nakamura Lathes
- Milling | Matsuura, Niigata, 5-Axis Machining Centers
Apply Today
This is more than a production machining role. You'll work in a true toolroom environment where your craftsmanship, machining knowledge, and problem-solving abilities directly impact the quality and success of aerospace products used around the world.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
Frequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 35 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.
Frequent use of hands for machine operation, tooling changes, and inspection activities.
Ability to safely work around moving mechanical equipment and manufacturing processes.
Visual acuity required for inspection of precision components and reading technical documentation.
Work Environment
This position works in a manufacturing environment where exposure to machine noise, metal chips, cutting fluids, oils, and moving equipment is common. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when required.
ITAR and DRT Aerospace
DRT Aerospace supports customers in the aerospace and defense industries and complies with all applicable U.S. export control regulations. This position may involve access to export-controlled information, technology, products, or technical data. As a result, employment is contingent upon the successful verification of eligibility to access such information in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Candidates will be required to provide documentation supporting their eligibility if selected for employment.
#Aerospace
Keywords: Tool Maker, Tool & Die Maker, CNC Machinist, Precision Machinist, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, VTL Machinist, 5-Axis Machining, Aerospace Manufacturing, Toolroom Machinist, Fixture Builder, Jig Grinder, Okuma, Matsuura, Niigata, GD&T, Blueprint Reading, Precision Machining, Multi-Axis Machining.
2nd Shift | Monday - Friday | 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM EST