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Contract Toolmaker Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

... toolmaker microscope, lasers, etc.) • Lead trade studies and engineering analyses of optical ... contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and optical coatings. • ...

Contract Toolmaker information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$16

$30

$41

How much do contract toolmaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract toolmaker in Riverside, CA is $30.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.59 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contract Toolmaker job?

A Contract Toolmaker is a skilled professional who designs, manufactures, and repairs precision tools, molds, and fixtures on a contract or temporary basis. They typically work with engineering teams to create custom tools for manufacturing processes, ensuring high accuracy and quality. Contract Toolmakers often use CNC machines, lathes, and milling equipment, as well as hand tools for fine adjustments. Their role is essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing, where precision tooling is critical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Toolmaker position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Toolmaker, you need expertise in precision machining, blueprint reading, and tooling assembly, typically backed by a technical diploma or apprenticeship in toolmaking or a related field. Familiarity with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and measurement instruments such as micrometers and gauges is essential, and certifications in machine operation can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate production, modification, and repair of specialized tools to meet client specifications and maintain efficient manufacturing processes.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Contract Toolmaker?

As a Contract Toolmaker, your typical day involves interpreting technical drawings, setting up and operating machinery such as lathes or milling machines, and fabricating or repairing precision tools, dies, and fixtures needed for production. You may also be responsible for conducting inspections using measurement devices, troubleshooting tool-related issues, and collaborating with engineers, machinists, or production teams to refine tool designs and ensure quality. Contract positions often involve adapting quickly to different client requirements and working environments. This variety provides valuable exposure to new techniques and processes, enhancing your skill set and professional growth.
What are popular job titles related to Contract Toolmaker jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract Toolmaker jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Toolmaker jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Toolmaker jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Toolmaker jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Toolmaker job openings:

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Attalon, Inc.

Tustin, CA • On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Description Job Description Optical Engineer Job Details The Optical Engineer's function is to plan, design, analyze, communicate, and execute the optical design for high performance optical assemblies, and to determine the following: (1) compliant preliminary and final optical designs, (2) optical sensitivity and tolerance analysis in coordination with mechanical and integration & test engineering, (3) document optical prescription and optical layout, (4) support fabrication, assembly, integration and test for 100% on-time delivery, (5) investigate, identify, and resolve engineering problems involved in the manufacturing of Coherent Aerospace and Defense products to provide a smooth transition into routine production. Responsibilities Very experienced professional with a full understanding in multiple areas of specialization (see list below); resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways. Understands the customers' business and has an intimate understanding of the customer's needs; can accurately anticipate customer needs.

This job is an advanced level career position. Key experience, knowledge, or specialization that will enhance effectiveness in this position includes: • Resource for information about optical sensors and optical sensor technology, including the design and modeling of ultraviolet, visual and infrared waveband systems, optically passive athermal sensors, illuminations and projection systems using coherent and incoherent sources. • Expert technical knowledge of a wide application of principles, theories and concepts in the field of precision optical system and subsystem design.

• Lead optical sensitivity and Monte Carlo tolerance analyses without guidance. • Expert understanding of Opto-Mechanical assemblies (Refractive vs Reflective, Visible vs MWIR, etc.) • Responsible to understand properties and application of optical materials: crystalline, glass, and polymer materials for refractive systems in the IR, SWIR, NIR, Visible, and UV portions of the spectrum. • Responsible to understand the applications and limitations with Anti-Reflective (AR), High-Reflective (HR), and filter optical coatings.

• Proficient regarding optical component or system test and metrology instruments, techniques, and performance testing, e.g. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Transmitted Wavefront Error, Surface Figure, focal length, encircled or ensquared energy, transmission, relative illumination, veiling glare, etc. • Provide design input on optical alignment techniques and optical alignment tools and metrology (interferometers, spectrophotometers, autocollimators, theodolites, measuring/toolmaker microscope, lasers, etc.) • Lead trade studies and engineering analyses of optical alignment and tests for optical instruments.

• Advocate for clean room protocols and processes and best practice associate with optical element cleaning, handling, and packaging. • Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and optical coatings. • Advanced understanding of optical component or system inspection per typical standards, e.g.

MIL-PRF-13830B or ISO 10110, including cosmetic or functional Scratch-Dig, particle or residue contamination, reflectance, transmittance, index of refraction, surface roughness, BRDF, etc. • Familiar with materials and mounting methods for opto-mechanical systems; preparation and use of primers, one and two part adhesives, and elastomers. • Familiar with mechanical metrology instruments and techniques and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing Knowledge of optical and mechanical materials and fabrication processes.

Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, optical physics, or a related discipline is required, along with an understanding of optical and mechanical manufacturing and test processes and the ability to apply engineering theories and concepts. • Minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 10 years experience with a Master's degree, or 7 years with a PhD. Preferred Qualifications • Ability to lead conceptual development, detailed analysis, conceptual and detailed computer aided (e.g.

Zemax, CodeV) design of optical imaging systems. • Expert understanding of physical optics, optical aberration theory and optical system performance criteria. • Proficient leading formalized optical engineering content for design and technical reviews throughout the program life cycle (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, PSR, etc.) • Experience with problem analysis and resolution.

Having wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Supporting analysis through MATLAB or similar a plus. • Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working with others.

• Ability to recommend and implement improvements. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. • Experience with networked PC based computer system (MS Office, spreadsheets, access, graphics, Email, MRP systems, and accounting software).

For California, the salary pay range for this role is $117,645.00-$211,830.00 Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Attalon, Inc.

is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Export Control Compliance This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S.

export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S.

government export license.