Pattern Maker

Build Something Different Every Day

RL Industries, Inc. is a Fairfield-based engineering and manufacturing company that designs and builds custom equipment for the chemical, semiconductor, and defense industries. Our equipment is used around the world, but the craftsmanship behind it starts here in Greater Cincinnati.

Your woodworking experience can open the door to a specialized manufacturing career. We are looking for a hands-on Industrial Pattern Maker / Custom Woodworker to turn drawings and ideas into wood patterns, plugs, jigs, fixtures, templates, shipping crates, pallets, and equipment saddles used to manufacture, support, and ship fiberglass equipment. If you take pride in accurate cuts, clean fits, smooth finishes, and solving practical build challenges, your skills can translate well to this work. Cabinetmakers, millworkers, furniture makers, model makers, prototype builders, and experienced shop woodworkers are encouraged to apply.

Why Cincinnati-Area Woodworkers Should Consider This Role

• Move beyond repetitive production work by building custom, low-volume tooling for varied projects.

• Use familiar shop skills such as layout, cutting, shaping, fitting, assembly, sanding, sealing, and finishing.

• Work directly with engineering, manufacturing, and fiberglass-lamination teams to solve real fabrication challenges.

• Build a long-term path in custom manufacturing without a four-year degree requirement.

What You Will Build

• Precision wood patterns and plugs that establish the shape and dimensions of fiberglass components.

• Jigs, fixtures, and templates that improve repeatability, fit, and fabrication efficiency.

• Custom tooling for one-of-a-kind and low-volume equipment used in chemical, semiconductor, and defense applications.

• Custom shipping crates, pallets, and equipment saddles that protect and support finished products during handling, storage, and shipment.

• Repairs and modifications to existing tooling as designs, processes, and customer requirements evolve.

What You Will Do

• Build, modify, and repair wood patterns, plugs, jigs, fixtures, and templates, and construct custom shipping crates, pallets, and equipment saddles.

• Turn blueprints, drawings, dimensions, and work instructions into accurate, shop-ready tooling.

• Set up and safely operate the woodworking equipment you know, including table saws, band saws, sanders, and hand and power tools.

• Measure, lay out, cut, shape, fit, assemble, seal, and finish components to achieve the dimensional accuracy and surface quality required for fiberglass tooling.

• Work side by side with engineering, manufacturing, and fiberglass-lamination team members to solve fit, function, and fabrication issues.

• Use a tow motor and bridge crane to move materials and tooling when qualified and authorized.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Relevant Backgrounds

You may already have the right foundation if your background includes custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, furniture making, industrial or foundry pattern making, model making, mold or plug building, prototype fabrication, exhibit fabrication, or another hands-on skilled trade. Direct fiberglass experience is helpful but not required when you bring solid woodworking fundamentals, blueprint-reading ability, mechanical aptitude, and pride in your work.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

• Previous hands-on woodworking experience.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to read blueprints or detailed drawings.

• Ability to safely use woodworking tools and equipment.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with employees across departments and levels.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industrial or foundry pattern making, model making, cabinetmaking, architectural millwork, furniture making, prototype fabrication, tooling, or tool-and-die experience.

• Experience building custom shipping crates, pallets, skids, supports, or equipment saddles.

• Experience building or modifying jigs, fixtures, molds, templates, or other custom tooling.

• Experience in fiberglass, composites, or custom manufacturing.

• Tow-motor or forklift experience.

• Bridge-crane or overhead-crane experience.

• Trade school or vocational training.