Aircraft Tool Maker, Bell Wichita FLRAA

Job Description - Aircraft Tool Maker, Bell Wichita FLRAA (335839)

Job Number: 335839

We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems, today Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. We are developing the future of Army Aviation with the Bell Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort. This position is onsite in Wichita, Kansas.

Bell Textron is seeking a dedicated Tool Maker to support operations at our cutting‑edge Wichita facility, where we’re building the fuselage for the MV‑75, the U.S. Army’s Future Long‑Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). This role is essential to ensuring precision tooling and smooth production flow in a high‑tech aerospace environment.

• Create, track and perform airframe fixture period inspections.
• Repair and upgrade assembly fixtures by use of power tools, NC and conventional mill and lathes.
• Create work aids to assist manufacturing.
• Verify all tooling using laser tracking standard practices.
• Help troubleshoot production issues by doing in‑process verification of tooling and provide feedback.
• Maintain crib inventory and manage tool distribution.
• Monitor calibration logs and tool serviceability.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering and Tool Design team for concept of tooling.

• Operating a laser tracker and integrating 3D models.
• Welding certification.
• Experience with inventory management systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for tracking tool usage and calibration.
• Lean manufacturing principles to support continuous improvement and waste reduction.
• Root‑cause analysis skills for tool‑related production issues.
• Effective communication to relay tool setup details across shifts and departments.
• Time management to prioritize tool setups and maintenance under tight schedules.
• Basic computer literacy for logging tool data and accessing digital work instructions.
• Adaptability to evolving tooling technologies and production demands.
• Spatial reasoning to visualize tool setups and machine interactions.
• Precision and attention to detail for maintaining tight tolerances.
• Team collaboration to support cross‑functional production goals.
• Initiative and curiosity to learn new tooling techniques and suggest improvements.
• Reliability in maintaining tool crib integrity and calibration schedules.
• Commitment to safety in handling sharp tools and operating machinery.
• Customer‑focused mindset to support internal stakeholders like assemblers and engineers.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience of tool making by use of hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments such as laser trackers.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• U.S. person status required (per ITAR/EAR regulations).

• Ability to stand for extended periods during machining and tool setup activities.
• Capability to lift and carry tooling components weighing up to 50 lbs safely and repeatedly.
• Manual dexterity to handle precision instruments, small tools, and intricate setups.
• Strong visual acuity to read technical drawings and perform accurate inspections.
• Willingness to perform repetitive motions, including gripping, twisting, and reaching.
• Comfortable working in a machine shop environment, exposed to noise, lubricants, and metal particulates.

• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
• 120 hours Vacation time
• 12-13 paid holidays per year
• 6 weeks parental leave
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups
• And so much more

NOTE:

Bell/Textron Relocation Assistance is NOT available for this role.

It’s time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let’s make history together.

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices and values.

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Non‑U.S. persons selected must meet eligibility requirements for access to export‑restricted information. The ITAR/EAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.