JAKTOOL is seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Senior Toolmaker / Machinist Mentor to share their technical knowledge and practical expertise with the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
This position is ideal for an accomplished machinist or toolmaker who enjoys teaching, mentoring, and helping others develop their skills. Retired and semi-retired professionals seeking meaningful part-time work are encouraged to apply.
The primary responsibility of this position is to provide hands-on instruction, technical guidance, and mentorship to junior toolmakers, manufacturing technicians, and manufacturing engineers in a precision prototype manufacturing environment.
The successful candidate will help develop technical competency, sound machining practices, problem-solving skills, and craftsmanship while supporting JAKTOOL's commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
This is a hands-on mentoring position rather than a traditional production or supervisory role.
II. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Mentoring & Technical Training
- Provide hands-on training and mentorship to junior toolmakers, machinists, and manufacturing technicians.
- Teach proper setup, operation, and maintenance of manual mills, lathes, grinders, and CNC equipment.
- Demonstrate machining fundamentals, including cutting speeds and feeds, tooling selection, workholding, machine setup, and finishing techniques.
- Instruct employees in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Teach proper use of precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauge blocks, and optical comparators.
- Develop employees' ability to independently troubleshoot machining challenges and identify practical solutions.
- Provide constructive feedback and coaching to improve technical proficiency, confidence, and workmanship.
- Work with manufacturing leadership to identify skill gaps and develop individualized training plans.
- Evaluate and communicate employee progress toward demonstrated technical competency.
Technical Expertise & Manufacturing Support
- Provide technical guidance on complex machining operations, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
- Assist Manufacturing Engineers in evaluating manufacturability, machining strategies, and process improvements.
- Demonstrate proper machining techniques through hands-on instruction and occasional direct machining support.
- Share practical experience in precision machining, prototype manufacturing, and toolmaking.
- Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of machining errors, tooling problems, and quality concerns.
- Recommend improvements to manufacturing methods, workholding, tooling, and machine setup to improve quality and efficiency.
- Reinforce sound practices for machine maintenance, shop organization, and safe equipment operation.
Knowledge Transfer & Continuous Improvement
- Help establish and document best practices for machining operations.
- Assist in developing practical training materials, setup instructions, and skills checklists.
- Promote an environment of continuous learning, teamwork, accountability, and craftsmanship.
- Encourage employees to understand not only how machining operations are performed, but why specific methods and techniques are used.
- Support the development of employee independence and sound technical judgment.
- Reinforce JAKTOOL's quality standards, safety expectations, and commitment to continuous improvement.
III: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 15 years of hands-on experience in precision machining, toolmaking, or a closely related manufacturing discipline preferred.
- Advanced proficiency with manual machining equipment, including mills, lathes, and grinders.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, machine setup, cutting tools, workholding, and machining fundamentals.
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and machining specifications.
- Extensive experience with precision measurement, inspection, and quality control techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to train, coach, or mentor less-experienced machinists or technicians.
- Strong practical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent communication skills, patience, and a genuine interest in developing others.
- Commitment to workplace safety, quality, and professional craftsmanship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Completion of a formal toolmaker or machinist apprenticeship, journeyman certification, or equivalent extensive hands-on experience.
- Experience in precision prototype manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other high-tolerance manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with CNC equipment such as HAAS, DMG Mori, or Tsugami.
- Experience with CNC programming and CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam.
- Experience working in an ISO 9001 quality management environment.
- Previous experience as a lead machinist, master toolmaker, shop trainer, or technical instructor.
A college degree is not required. Extensive practical experience and demonstrated machining expertise are more important than formal academic credentials.
IV. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a genuine passion for the machining trade and a desire to pass along decades of accumulated knowledge.
- Be patient, approachable, and comfortable working with employees at varying skill levels.
- Take pride in craftsmanship, precision, and doing things correctly.
- Have the ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear, practical manner.
- Lead by example through professionalism, humility, and a willingness to share knowledge.
- Encourage employees to think independently rather than simply providing answers.
- Enjoy working collaboratively in a small, team-oriented manufacturing environment.
JAKTOOL welcomes experienced professionals interested in sharing their knowledge and making a meaningful contribution to the development of the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.