Aerospace Tool Builder

Aerospace Tool Builder — Aerospace Manufacturing (Tooling, Fixtures & Jigs)

AJG Aerospace is a fast-growing aerospace manufacturer with world-class new equipment, seeking an experienced Aerospace Tool Builder to join our manufacturing team. You'll take tooling packages from machined components to completed, properly aligned, inspection-ready tools — building fixtures, jigs, templates, and other aerospace tooling to tight dimensional requirements. Building aerospace tooling isn't just putting parts together; it takes precision, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and ownership of the finished product. If that describes how you work, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll do:

• Build and assemble aerospace tooling, fixtures, jigs, molds, templates, and support structures from engineering drawings, CAD models, and tooling specifications.
• Perform fitting, alignment, shimming, drilling, tapping, reaming, fastening, and precision mechanical assembly to achieve required tolerances and interfaces.
• Install hardware, bushings, inserts, locating devices, clamps, pins, brackets, and other tooling components.
• Assemble large tooling structures and components using cranes, forklifts, and other lifting equipment, following proper rigging practices.
• Measure components using precision measuring equipment (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators) and perform precision layout and fabrication.
• Grind, sand, deburr, drill, tap, ream, countersink, and blend/finish tooling surfaces and components as required.
• Coordinate with CNC machining personnel when additional machining is needed, and maintain proper tooling datums, locating points, and reference surfaces throughout the build.
• Identify and correct fit-up, alignment, interference, and dimensional issues, and troubleshoot root causes with Engineering, CNC Programming, Machining, and Quality.
• Maintain accurate build documentation and inspection records, verify critical characteristics throughout the build, and flag nonconforming conditions to Quality and Manufacturing leadership.
• Protect tooling from damage or contamination, and maintain traceability of materials, hardware, and components when required.
• Support customer and internal inspections of completed tooling and work within AJG's quality system and applicable aerospace requirements.
• Recommend design or process improvements that improve tooling quality, assembly time, and repeatability.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, and follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements when operating hand tools, power tools, and lifting equipment.

What we're looking for:

If you have strong hands-on fabrication and mechanical assembly skills and take real ownership of your work, we encourage you to apply — including experienced machinists or fabricators ready to make the leap into precision aerospace tool building.

Must-have:

• Hands-on fabrication and mechanical assembly experience, with the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable using precision measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators).
• Ability to work to tight tolerances with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to safely handle and rig large tooling and components.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred (a strong plus, not required):

• 5+ years of experience in tool building, fixture building, mold making, aerospace manufacturing, or fabrication — if you have less tenure but strong hands-on fundamentals, we still want to hear from you.
• Aerospace tooling experience, including large composite, aluminum, Invar, or steel tooling.
• Experience building CNC-machined aerospace tooling — or a general machining/fabrication background and a strong interest in making the leap into precision tool building.
• Experience with jigs, fixtures, molds, drill templates, assembly tooling, or inspection fixtures.
• Experience working from 3D CAD models and familiarity with GD&T.
• Experience with vacuum fixtures, composite tooling, bonding, drilling, trimming, or assembly tooling.
• Familiarity with AS9100 aerospace quality systems.
• Forklift, crane, rigging, or lifting experience.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• PTO
• 401k Match

Special Requirements

Due to U.S. Government regulations related to this work, all candidates must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident). Proof of status is required prior to employment.

Benefits:

• 401(k) 4% Match
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person