Aerospace Precision Tooling Machinist
Company: Steel Tool & Engineering Co. | Location: Trenton, MI
Industry: Aerospace Precision Machining & Fabrication
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly | Shift: 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Day in the Life
When you arrive at our AS9100-certified, NADCAP-accredited facility, your first stop is the tool room—where tight tolerances meet creative problem solving. You’ll review engineering documentation and CAD drawings, translate them into machining sequences, and move from CNC setups to manual mills and lathes as you build, repair, and maintain the tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and specialized equipment that keep aerospace production moving.
Throughout the day, you’ll switch hats: precision machinist during fabrication, investigator during root-cause analysis, and quality champion during inspection with micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and CMMs. You’ll keep meticulous records, update setup sheets, and communicate design or process improvements to engineering and production—always with safety and 5S in mind.
What You’ll Do
- Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and specifications to define tooling requirements.
- Fabricate, assemble, and finish tooling using CNC equipment, manual mills/lathes, grinders, and hand tools.
- Set up and operate both CNC and manual machines to produce precision components.
- Verify dimensional accuracy using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, CMMs, and other metrology tools.
- Diagnose wear/failure and perform tool repair and preventative maintenance.
- Plan machining sequences, setups, and methods to deliver parts efficiently and accurately.
- Participate in continuous improvement, Kaizen, and root-cause problem solving.
- Document work, maintain accurate records, update setup sheets, and share changes with engineering/production.
- Uphold safety standards and 5S; maintain a clean, organized work area.
- Perform repetitive tasks with few breaks and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
What You Bring
- Strong CNC and manual machining skill set with a precision mindset.
- Mechanical aptitude with deep understanding of fits, tolerances, and assembly relationships.
- Comfort reading CAD drawings; CAM programming experience is a plus.
- Proficiency with precision measurement tools and inspection practices.
- Resourceful troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and consistency in build and assembly.
- Clear communication with engineers, machinists, and production teams.
- Tool & Die apprenticeship, Journeyman certification, or equivalent experience is a plus.
- 3–5 years in a tool room or precision machining environment preferred.
You’re Proficient In
- Troubleshooting Skills
- Metal Stamping & Forming (Progressive Die)
- Manual Machining Skills
- Tool/Die/Mold Repair Skills
- Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience
Why Steel Tool & Engineering
We are a leader in aerospace precision machining, complex metal fabrication, and welded assemblies—committed to quality, reliability, and compliance in everything we do.
Benefits
- 100% Medical Paid (If you already have medical coverage and don’t request STE medical insurance, you can receive the medical waiver of $300 per month.)
- Dental and Vision Insurance (Includes Dependents)
- Life Insurance
- 401K
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacations