Tool Maker Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Tool makers specializing in precision machining, die making, and manufacturing tooling can access H-1B visa sponsorship when their role requires specialized engineering knowledge. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field, though the three-for-one experience rule may apply for highly skilled machinists. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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This position is responsible for manufacture, repair, provide input on design of a variety of tools, dies, and specialized parts and devices used in machinery and production equipment. The work involves precise measurements and complex technical plans. Must be able to set up and operate the following equipment: surface grinder, tool and cutter grinder, various manual and CNC milling machines, lathes, saws and any other pieces of equipment that are required to perform the daily tasks. Must be self-motivated, flexible and able to work without supervision. Will work to help and support other Tool and Die Makers and Manufacturing Engineers as needed.
Primary Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Follow direction from the General Manager of the PBU or his designee.
- Read and interpret technical prints to gain a comprehensive understanding of the required parts.
- Help support and maintain all 6S standards in the immediate work area and others as needed.
- Use machine tools, welding equipment to manufacture and repair tools, dies, fixtures and other equipment that are used in the production areas.
- Adhere to all Environmental, Health & Safety rules when operating machinery.
- Work with close tolerances related to drilling, boring, reaming, milling and turning.
- Adhere to ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental, and OSHAS 18801 certification requirements.
- Program and run CNC mill and CNC lathe as required.
- Maintain a 40-hour workweek and ability to work overtime as needed.
- Set up and run manual mills and lathes as required.
- Perform other job-related duties as directed; follow instructions and guidelines.
- Measure finished parts to ensure they meet specifications using precise measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
- Requires regular attendance per the schedule assigned by the supervisor.
- Assemble, disassemble, and test products to ensure functionality and quality.
- Perform regular maintenance of machine tools to ensure optimal performance.
- Inspect finished products for defects and ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Work closely with engineers and other production staff to ensure that the tools and dies they produce meet the needs of the manufacturing process.
Knowledge and Skill Requirement:
This position should possess the following skills/knowledge:
- Technical / Vocational certification in Tool and Die, Manufacturing Technology, machining or related field is desired.
- Proficiency with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is desired.
- Four (4) years experience working as a Tool and Die Maker.
- Good working knowledge of standard shop mathematics.
- Good working knowledge of metal cutting feeds and speeds, threading terminology, and calculating angles for setting sine bars.
- Understanding of grinding principles and procedures.
- Able to read and interpret technical prints, sketches, design models, and/or verbal descriptions for planning operational sequences.
- Strong manual dexterity and ability to use hand tools.
- Knowledge of metal and other materials properties.
- Experience with precision measurement tools.
- Experience with Electrical Discharge Machining is desired.
Environmental / Atmospheric Conditions:
Typical office/factory environment with possibility of exposure to heat in production areas.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. in a safe manner.
- Must be able to perform repetitive motion. Examples: walking, reaching, bending, twisting, stooping, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
- Clarity of vision and the ability to focus on a fast and repetitious operation for extended period of time.
- Exposure to machine noise levels (hearing protection required).
- Exposure to heavy equipment or components needed to produce product (safety toed shoes required).
- Exposure to electrical and mechanical moving parts.
- Exposure to sparks, chips, and dust (eye protection required).
Please submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button.
Summary
This position is responsible for manufacture, repair, provide input on design of a variety of tools, dies, and specialized parts and devices used in machinery and production equipment. The work involves precise measurements and complex technical plans. Must be able to set up and operate the following equipment: surface grinder, tool and cutter grinder, various manual and CNC milling machines, lathes, saws and any other pieces of equipment that are required to perform the daily tasks. Must be self-motivated, flexible and able to work without supervision. Will work to help and support other Tool and Die Makers and Manufacturing Engineers as needed.
Primary Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Follow direction from the General Manager of the PBU or his designee.
- Read and interpret technical prints to gain a comprehensive understanding of the required parts.
- Help support and maintain all 6S standards in the immediate work area and others as needed.
- Use machine tools, welding equipment to manufacture and repair tools, dies, fixtures and other equipment that are used in the production areas.
- Adhere to all Environmental, Health & Safety rules when operating machinery.
- Work with close tolerances related to drilling, boring, reaming, milling and turning.
- Adhere to ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental, and OSHAS 18801 certification requirements.
- Program and run CNC mill and CNC lathe as required.
- Maintain a 40-hour workweek and ability to work overtime as needed.
- Set up and run manual mills and lathes as required.
- Perform other job-related duties as directed; follow instructions and guidelines.
- Measure finished parts to ensure they meet specifications using precise measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
- Requires regular attendance per the schedule assigned by the supervisor.
- Assemble, disassemble, and test products to ensure functionality and quality.
- Perform regular maintenance of machine tools to ensure optimal performance.
- Inspect finished products for defects and ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Work closely with engineers and other production staff to ensure that the tools and dies they produce meet the needs of the manufacturing process.
Knowledge and Skill Requirement:
This position should possess the following skills/knowledge:
- Technical / Vocational certification in Tool and Die, Manufacturing Technology, machining or related field is desired.
- Proficiency with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is desired.
- Four (4) years experience working as a Tool and Die Maker.
- Good working knowledge of standard shop mathematics.
- Good working knowledge of metal cutting feeds and speeds, threading terminology, and calculating angles for setting sine bars.
- Understanding of grinding principles and procedures.
- Able to read and interpret technical prints, sketches, design models, and/or verbal descriptions for planning operational sequences.
- Strong manual dexterity and ability to use hand tools.
- Knowledge of metal and other materials properties.
- Experience with precision measurement tools.
- Experience with Electrical Discharge Machining is desired.
Environmental / Atmospheric Conditions:
Typical office/factory environment with possibility of exposure to heat in production areas.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. in a safe manner.
- Must be able to perform repetitive motion. Examples: walking, reaching, bending, twisting, stooping, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
- Clarity of vision and the ability to focus on a fast and repetitious operation for extended period of time.
- Exposure to machine noise levels (hearing protection required).
- Exposure to heavy equipment or components needed to produce product (safety toed shoes required).
- Exposure to electrical and mechanical moving parts.
- Exposure to sparks, chips, and dust (eye protection required).
Please submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button.
See all 44+ Tool Maker Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Tool Maker roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Tool Maker Jobs
Emphasize Engineering Components
Focus on CAD design, process engineering, and precision measurement aspects of your role rather than just machining. USCIS recognizes tool maker positions that require engineering analysis and technical problem-solving.
Target Aerospace and Medical Device Companies
These industries frequently sponsor tool makers due to strict precision requirements and specialized tooling needs. Companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and medical device manufacturers regularly file H-1B petitions for tooling specialists.
Highlight Degree Requirements in Job Descriptions
Ensure job postings specify that a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required, not just preferred. This strengthens the specialty occupation argument for H-1B approval.
Document Complex Tooling Projects
Prepare detailed examples of precision tooling work, die design projects, and manufacturing process improvements. USCIS wants evidence that your role requires specialized knowledge beyond basic machining skills.
Consider EB-3 for Permanent Residency
Tool makers often qualify for EB-3 skilled worker category, which has shorter wait times than EB-2. PERM labor certification success rates are higher for manufacturing roles with clear skill requirements.
Leverage Manufacturing Experience
Three years of specialized tooling experience can substitute for one year of education under H-1B regulations. Document your progression from machinist to tool maker to strengthen your petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tool makers qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, tool makers can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when their role requires specialized engineering knowledge in precision tooling, die design, or manufacturing processes. The position must require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field. USCIS approval depends on demonstrating that the role involves complex technical analysis beyond routine machining work.
What degree do I need for tool maker visa sponsorship?
Most sponsored tool maker positions require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or materials science. Some employers accept machining technology or precision manufacturing degrees from accredited programs. If you lack a four-year degree, twelve years of progressive tooling experience may qualify under the three-for-one substitution rule.
Which industries sponsor tool makers most frequently?
Aerospace, automotive, medical device, and precision manufacturing companies sponsor tool makers most often. These industries require specialized tooling for complex parts and have established H-1B sponsorship programs. Defense contractors and companies making FDA-regulated devices particularly value skilled tool makers for their precision requirements and regulatory compliance needs.
How to find Tool Maker jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Tool Maker jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting skilled tradespeople with sponsoring employers. Focus on manufacturing companies, automotive firms, and precision engineering businesses that commonly hire Tool Makers on skilled worker visas like the UK Skilled Worker visa or U.S. H-1B. These employers often need experienced toolmakers for specialized machinery and production roles.
What's the difference between machinist and tool maker for sponsorship?
Tool makers focus on creating precision tools, dies, and fixtures, which USCIS views as requiring more specialized engineering knowledge than general machining. Sponsored tool maker roles emphasize design, problem-solving, and process engineering aspects. Job descriptions must clearly distinguish tool making duties from routine production machining to qualify for H-1B specialty occupation status.
Can tool makers get permanent residency through employment?
Yes, tool makers typically qualify for EB-3 skilled worker permanent residency, which requires two years of training or experience. Current wait times for EB-3 are shorter than EB-2 in most countries. The PERM labor certification process for manufacturing roles has good success rates when employers can demonstrate they couldn't find qualified U.S. workers for specialized tooling positions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Tool Maker jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.