Tool & Die Machinist

Position Title: Sr. Tool & Die Machinist

Location: Just South of Santee (San Diego)

Shift: 1 st Shift, M-F

Compensation: $36/hr. + Benefits & Overtime

Industry: Aerospace/Defense assemblies & components

About the Company:

Our client is a multi-national manufacturer of high-precision, close-tolerance components and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industries. Their San Diego facility, one of several dozen across the U.S., specializes in advanced CNC machining including multi-axis milling and mill-turn processes for high-strength, heat- and corrosion-resistant metals and alloys for extreme-performance applications. As a trusted supplier to major aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 contractors, this organization supports mission-critical applications across both commercial and military aircraft platforms.

Position Summary: Our client is currently seeking a Sr. Tool & Die Maker to join their 1st shift operations. This is a full-time, permanent position ideal for a seasoned machinist with deep experience building, repairing, and modifying close-tolerance tooling, jigs, dies, and fixtures used in complex metal forming environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, fabricate, and assemble jigs, fixtures, and dies to precise tolerances using raw stock, machined components, sheet metal, and fasteners.

Operate a wide range of conventional machine tools and metal fabrication equipment, including mills, lathes, jig bores, drill presses, and sheet metal tools.

Interpret blueprints, engineering sketches, and verbal instructions to construct or repair tooling and dies.

Rework difficult parts, including blending damaged surfaces and removing broken taps in blind holes.

Perform layout and dimensional planning using trigonometry and product design concepts.

Install bushings and verify dimensional conformance using precision measuring tools.

Maintain clear communication with engineers, tool designers, and internal teams on special tooling projects.

Uphold a clean, safe, and organized work environment while ensuring proper tool and material handling.

Qualifications:

Education: High School Diploma or GED required; vocational training in Tool & Die preferred.

Experience: At least 7 years in complex tool and die machining Skills:

Strong blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation.

Proficiency with shop tools, including cranes, jig bores, mills, forklifts, and pallet jacks.

Familiarity with tight tolerance machining and metal forming support tooling.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a production environment.