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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JOB SUMMARY: The Tool Maker II is responsible for performing a variety of manual duties and using independent thinking to process and complete tooling functions for the operation of Indium machinery. Work is performed with little direction and with minimal supervision.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (COMPETENCIES):
- Fabricate tooling as specified and scheduled by the Tool Design Manager and issue the same to the tool library
- Choose, set up, and operate machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, sharpeners, and grinders to fashion tooling
- May estimate labor hours and materials to build as quoted tooling or repairs
- Lubricate machines and maintain department equipment as necessary to create the required tooling
- Complete all required documentation to track work, record scrap, and maintain the accuracy of completed parts and required inventory
- Suggest changes in design involving application, economy, and process of manufacture to the proper personnel
- Perform sharpening, CAD functions, and welding operations when necessary
- Work with and manipulate different tooling with minimal scrapped parts
- Make determinations regarding a variety of support tools such as mics, gages, lathes, dies, and hand tools
- Read and interpret complex drawings and diagrams and perform related tasks
- Identify key areas of improvement in operating functions and communicate these effectively to management
- Uphold the standards necessary to maintain our business certifications and to maintain good quality standards and practices associated with them
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- 4 years of related work experience or 2 years of related work experience plus a Tooling Journeyworker Card required
- Proven ability to operate standard tool room and/or machine shop equipment
- Ability to interpret dimensional drawings
- Ability to design custom tooling & fixtures
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Advanced math skills
- Basic organizational skills
- Provide own source of transportation for any local/day travel, including travel between Indium Corporation facilities
SHIFT/SITE:
Monday - Friday
1st Shift: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
111 Business Park Drive, Utica, NY
WAGE DISCLOSURE:
The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum for the position. The actual range will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, prior experience, knowledge, skills, and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications and internal equity.
The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components include health, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, retirement plan, volunteer opportunities, paid holidays, overtime opportunities, and many more.
$25.00 per hour - $31.00 per hour
($52,000 - $64,480 annually)
Indium Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to building an innovative workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, pregnancy status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

JOB SUMMARY: The Tool Maker II is responsible for performing a variety of manual duties and using independent thinking to process and complete tooling functions for the operation of Indium machinery. Work is performed with little direction and with minimal supervision.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (COMPETENCIES):
- Fabricate tooling as specified and scheduled by the Tool Design Manager and issue the same to the tool library
- Choose, set up, and operate machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, sharpeners, and grinders to fashion tooling
- May estimate labor hours and materials to build as quoted tooling or repairs
- Lubricate machines and maintain department equipment as necessary to create the required tooling
- Complete all required documentation to track work, record scrap, and maintain the accuracy of completed parts and required inventory
- Suggest changes in design involving application, economy, and process of manufacture to the proper personnel
- Perform sharpening, CAD functions, and welding operations when necessary
- Work with and manipulate different tooling with minimal scrapped parts
- Make determinations regarding a variety of support tools such as mics, gages, lathes, dies, and hand tools
- Read and interpret complex drawings and diagrams and perform related tasks
- Identify key areas of improvement in operating functions and communicate these effectively to management
- Uphold the standards necessary to maintain our business certifications and to maintain good quality standards and practices associated with them
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- 4 years of related work experience or 2 years of related work experience plus a Tooling Journeyworker Card required
- Proven ability to operate standard tool room and/or machine shop equipment
- Ability to interpret dimensional drawings
- Ability to design custom tooling & fixtures
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Advanced math skills
- Basic organizational skills
- Provide own source of transportation for any local/day travel, including travel between Indium Corporation facilities
SHIFT/SITE:
Monday - Friday
1st Shift: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
111 Business Park Drive, Utica, NY
WAGE DISCLOSURE:
The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum for the position. The actual range will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, prior experience, knowledge, skills, and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications and internal equity.
The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components include health, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, retirement plan, volunteer opportunities, paid holidays, overtime opportunities, and many more.
$25.00 per hour - $31.00 per hour
($52,000 - $64,480 annually)
Indium Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to building an innovative workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, pregnancy status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
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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.
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.
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Find Tool Maker JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do tool makers qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, tool makers can qualify for H-1B 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.
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