Tool Crib Supervisor

Job Description

Position Title: Tool Crib / Preset Lead / Supervisor

Employment Type: Direct Hire – Benefited

Schedule: 1 ^st Shift

Compensation: $28-$38 Starting

ITAR Requirements: U.S. Citizens/Perm. Residents

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Industry: Aerospace and Defense Precision Manufacturing

Company & Position Overview

Our client is a well-established precision CNC manufacturer that supports the aerospace and defense sectors as they have for nearly half a century. They specialize in producing tight-tolerance, complex components from materials such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and engineered polymers used for mission and flight critical applications.

The facility is fully equipped with three, four, and multi-axis CNC milling centers among other turning and automated precision machines, and they operate under ISO 9001 & AS 9100 quality system certifications in addition to ITAR registration.

We’re helping this team find a highly skilled Tool Crib Manager with strong technical knowledge of cutting tools, presetting, and tooling standards. This individual will oversee and optimize tooling operations to ensure CNC production runs at peak efficiency and in full compliance with aerospace quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the tool crib, including organization, labeling, min/max levels, cycle counts, and vendor tooling programs.
• Assemble and preset cutting tools (HSK, CAT40/50, shrink-fit, hydraulic, ER collet) per setup sheets, ensuring proper torque, stick-out, and clearance for multi-axis machining.
• Operate and maintain tool presetters (Zoller, Speroni) to measure and record tool offsets; upload data to CNC controls, ERP, and CAM libraries.
• Maintain and update standard tool libraries, cutter data sheets, and commonization strategies to reduce changeovers and costs.
• Implement AS9100-compliant processes for tool control, calibration, traceability, and consumable lot tracking; conduct audits and support root-cause investigations.
• Forecast tooling demand, issue purchase orders, and negotiate pricing, lead times, and MOQs with approved suppliers.
• Partner with programmers to validate tool lists, holders, and cutting parameters; provide feedback to improve toolpaths, chip evacuation, and tool life.
• Support setups with tool kitting, shadow boards, and point-of-use delivery systems.
• Lead 5S and safety practices in tooling areas; train staff on safe handling of hot tools, cutting fluids, and sharp edges.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 5+ years in a CNC machining environment (aerospace/defense preferred) with 2+ years in a tooling, preset, or tool crib leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of cutting tools and holders (end mills, indexable, drills, taps, reamers; shrink-fit/hydraulic/ER/HSK/CAT).
• Hands-on experience with tool presetters and offset management; understanding of runout, stick-out, balance, and their effect on tool life and surface finish.
• Familiarity with AS9100 processes, traceability, and documentation.
• Ability to read prints and process documentation; comfortable with speeds/feeds, chip load, engagement, and MRR fundamentals.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• ITAR-eligible (U.S. person) and able to lift 40+ lbs; comfortable operating heat-shrink equipment.
• Preferred: experience supporting 5-axis or multi-axis CNC operations and understanding clearance/rigidity trade-offs for complex geometries.