Tool Maker Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Tool makers specializing in precision machining, die making, and manufacturing tooling can access H-1B 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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Join Viant Medical – Where Your Craft Impacts Lives
Are you ready to make a difference in patients’ lives every day? At Viant Medical, a growing contract manufacturer of life-saving medical devices, we’re looking for skilled and motivated Tool Makers to join our team at key manufacturing sites across the U.S.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tool Maker II
Reports-Tooling Manager
Perform advanced mold making, repair, and modification work with minimal supervision. Support production and engineering by independently executing complex machining, troubleshooting mold performance issues, and mentoring junior team members. Operate a wide range of tool room equipment including CNC, EDM, and high precision manual machines to ensure high quality mold performance and adherence to customer specifications.
- Manufacture new molds and components per customer specifications with minimal oversight.
- Perform advanced repairs, modifications, and refurbishments on existing injection molds.
- Independently set up, program, and operate CNC machining centers, EDM sinkers, and WEDM equipment.
- Create fixtures, jigs, and auxiliary tooling to support production needs.
- Interpret complex blueprints, CAD models, and engineering drawings.
- Troubleshoot mold performance issues and recommend corrective actions.
- Verify part accuracy using precision inspection equipment and techniques.
- Ensure all work meets quality, dimensional, and functional requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and kick off meetings, providing technical input to improve manufacturability.
- Plan, schedule, and prioritize work to meet quoted hours and delivery deadlines.
- Prepare machining plans, prints, and instructions for helpers or apprentices.
- Document work performed and communicate follow up actions needed for mold assembly or production.
Education
- High School education or equivalent
- Completion of a state certified mold making apprenticeship preferred.
- Technical degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred but not required.
Experience
- 7+ years of mold making experience, including complex mold builds.
- 5+ years of tool room machining experience.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting injection molding issues.
- Proven ability to work independently on advanced tooling projects.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong mechanical aptitude and advanced problem solving skills.
- Proficiency in mold design theory and mold material processing.
- Excellent math skills including geometry and trigonometry.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and safely use pneumatic and power tools.
- Advanced knowledge of inspection equipment and measurement techniques.
- Computer literacy for interoffice communication and job documentation.
- Experience with Makino CNC and Charmilles Wire EDM equipment is a plus.
- Strong CNC programming skills (Vero, SOLIDWORKS, or equivalent).
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
COMPENSATION
We Offer market competitive compensation. Potential salary range for this role is $36.00-$44.00 per hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Viant provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Viant complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
INTRODUCTION
Join Viant Medical – Where Your Craft Impacts Lives
Are you ready to make a difference in patients’ lives every day? At Viant Medical, a growing contract manufacturer of life-saving medical devices, we’re looking for skilled and motivated Tool Makers to join our team at key manufacturing sites across the U.S.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tool Maker II
Reports-Tooling Manager
Perform advanced mold making, repair, and modification work with minimal supervision. Support production and engineering by independently executing complex machining, troubleshooting mold performance issues, and mentoring junior team members. Operate a wide range of tool room equipment including CNC, EDM, and high precision manual machines to ensure high quality mold performance and adherence to customer specifications.
- Manufacture new molds and components per customer specifications with minimal oversight.
- Perform advanced repairs, modifications, and refurbishments on existing injection molds.
- Independently set up, program, and operate CNC machining centers, EDM sinkers, and WEDM equipment.
- Create fixtures, jigs, and auxiliary tooling to support production needs.
- Interpret complex blueprints, CAD models, and engineering drawings.
- Troubleshoot mold performance issues and recommend corrective actions.
- Verify part accuracy using precision inspection equipment and techniques.
- Ensure all work meets quality, dimensional, and functional requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and kick off meetings, providing technical input to improve manufacturability.
- Plan, schedule, and prioritize work to meet quoted hours and delivery deadlines.
- Prepare machining plans, prints, and instructions for helpers or apprentices.
- Document work performed and communicate follow up actions needed for mold assembly or production.
Education
- High School education or equivalent
- Completion of a state certified mold making apprenticeship preferred.
- Technical degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred but not required.
Experience
- 7+ years of mold making experience, including complex mold builds.
- 5+ years of tool room machining experience.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting injection molding issues.
- Proven ability to work independently on advanced tooling projects.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong mechanical aptitude and advanced problem solving skills.
- Proficiency in mold design theory and mold material processing.
- Excellent math skills including geometry and trigonometry.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and safely use pneumatic and power tools.
- Advanced knowledge of inspection equipment and measurement techniques.
- Computer literacy for interoffice communication and job documentation.
- Experience with Makino CNC and Charmilles Wire EDM equipment is a plus.
- Strong CNC programming skills (Vero, SOLIDWORKS, or equivalent).
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
COMPENSATION
We Offer market competitive compensation. Potential salary range for this role is $36.00-$44.00 per hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Viant provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Viant complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Tool Maker
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.
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Get Access To All 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.
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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