Job Listings
Explore current career opportunities at Pilgrim Aerospace Fasteners
Open Positions
We have 5 open positions. Find the right fit for you.
Sales Engineer
Pilgrim Aerospace Fasteners is seeking a Sales Engineer with aerospace fastener expertise to connect our manufacturing capabilities with the needs of our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. In this role, you will combine hands-on manufacturing knowledge with strong customer communication skills to support technical sales discussions, quoting, customer qualification programs, and industry standards activities. You will help customers understand what we can manufacture and partner with our internal teams to develop practical solutions.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary technical contact during the sales cycle, answering customer questions about engineering, manufacturing, and specifications.
- Partner with Sales and Business Development on quoting, cost estimation, and proposals for aerospace fastener programs.
- Translate customer drawings, specifications, and PIAs into manufacturable solutions; explain feasibility, lead times, and cost drivers to technical and nontechnical audiences.
- Represent Pilgrim at industry standards meetings, including NAS, AS, IFI, and Boeing or other OEM technical working groups; share relevant changes with Engineering and Sales.
- Support qualification programs and technical documentation related to customer and industry specifications.
- Build trusted relationships with customer engineering, quality, and procurement teams.
- Identify product and manufacturing advantages, including proprietary designs and alternative materials or processes, that strengthen our competitive position.
- Provide internal sales training and technical support on product capabilities, materials, and process constraints.
- Travel as needed for customer visits, trade shows, and standards committee meetings.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
- At least 5 years of experience in aerospace fastener manufacturing, design, or quality.
- Working knowledge of aerospace quality requirements and processes, including FAI, CoC, QPL, and AS9100.
- Experience with or exposure to outside processing, such as plating, heat treatment, and coatings
- Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to engineers, buyers, and executives.
- Experience with or interest in industry standards bodies, such as NAS, IFI, SAE, or customer-specific technical committees.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate work across Engineering, Quoting, and Sales.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting in customer meetings.
2nd Shift CNC Supervisor
Are you an experienced CNC machinist who knows how to program, set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC machinery? This role uses those skills in a precision aerospace manufacturing environment where quality, consistency, and leadership matter. We are seeking a 2nd Shift CNC Lead to program, set up, operate, and support CNC machinery used in the manufacturing of aerospace fasteners and precision components. This position requires strong CNC machining knowledge, the ability to read blueprints and work instructions, and the ability to help guide production activity during 2nd shift. This position is ideal for someone with strong machining experience who enjoys taking ownership of equipment, supporting other operators, solving problems during production, and helping maintain consistent, quality output. If you have experience programming CNC machines, performing setups, making offsets and adjustments, inspecting parts, and keeping production moving, you may already have the mindset we are looking for: attention to detail, technical confidence, leadership ability, and pride in doing the job right.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support 2nd shift CNC machining operations
- Program, set up, and operate CNC machinery used to produce aerospace fasteners and precision components
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, work instructions, and production specifications
- Perform machine setups, changeovers, tool changes, offsets, and adjustments as needed
- Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency
- Troubleshoot CNC programming, setup, tooling, and operational issues during production
- Support CNC operators with setup, operation, inspection, and process questions
- Use calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measuring tools to verify product quality
- Inspect parts to ensure they meet required specifications and quality standards
- Follow work instructions, production requirements, safety procedures, and quality standards
- Identify machine, tooling, programming, or process issues early and escalate larger concerns when needed
- Maintain accurate production, setup, and quality records as required
- Help keep 2nd shift production organized, safe, and running efficiently
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
- Take ownership of assigned CNC equipment and contribute to consistent, reliable production output
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum 3+ years of CNC machining experience
- Experience programming and operating CNC machinery
- Strong knowledge of CNC setup, tooling, offsets, feeds, speeds, and machine adjustments
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, work instructions, and specifications
- Experience using calipers, micrometers, gauges, or other precision measuring tools
- Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with machinery, tools, and measurements
- Ability to troubleshoot CNC machining, setup, tooling, and operational issues
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to support and guide other team members in a production environment
- Ability to read and follow work instructions, procedures, and safety requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical requirements of the role
- Reliable attendance and ability to work the assigned 2nd shift schedule
Hot Forging Operator
The Hot Heading Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining the hot heading machines used to forge fasteners. This role requires expertise in operating heating equipment, setting up machinery, and ensuring the production of high-quality parts in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of fastener manufacturing processes and the ability to troubleshoot and maintain equipment to ensure optimal production efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Operate hot heading machines to form fasteners and components according to production specifications.
- Ensure machines are set up correctly, with the right dies, tooling, and material types.
- Monitor machine performance and adjust settings to maintain product quality and efficiency.
- Maintain a steady flow of material into machines to meet production schedules.
- Monitor the heat treatment of materials and adjust Induction header temperatures as required to ensure proper forging.
- Inspect forged parts for dimensional accuracy and quality, ensuring they meet specifications.
- Perform regular checks on material to ensure it is within tolerance, using measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
- Identify defects or deviations from specifications and work to correct issues in real-time.
- Ensure that all parts produced meet the necessary quality and safety standards.
- Perform routine maintenance on hot heading equipment to keep machines running smoothly.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues with machines, tooling, or materials as they arise during production.
- Work with maintenance teams to perform more complex repairs or adjustments when needed.
- Keep detailed records of machine setups, maintenance performed, and any issues encountered during production.
- Follow all safety protocols and ensure compliance with industry safety standards.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to all safety and quality guidelines.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required to ensure safety during operations.
- Report safety hazards or incidents to supervisors immediately.
- Maintain 5s Standards
- Maintain accurate records of production quantities, machine settings, and any issues or delays that arise.
- Report production progress and any equipment-related concerns to the Hot Heading Supervisor.
- Provide feedback on machine performance and suggest improvements for efficiency.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (required).
- 3+ years of experience operating hot heading machines in a manufacturing environment (preferred).
- Experience in the fastener or aerospace manufacturing industry is a plus.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment.
- Knowledge of heat treatment processes and how they affect material properties.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
- Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and precision.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining safety and quality standards.
- Good communication skills and ability to work well with others in a team-oriented environment.
Cold Forging Operator
The Cold Heading Setup Operator will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining cold heading machinery used in the production of fasteners. This role requires a strong understanding of cold heading processes, the ability to read blueprints, and the skills to ensure that production runs smoothly and efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate cold heading machines to manufacture fasteners, including bolts, Insert Rivets, and other precision components.
- Adjust machine settings, tooling, and material feeds to ensure the production of quality fasteners in line with customer specifications.
- Perform routine machine maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure consistent machine performance and minimize downtime.
- Perform in-process inspections of fasteners using various measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and other quality control tools to ensure they meet dimensional and quality standards.
- Monitor production quality, making adjustments to machinery and processes as necessary to maintain the required tolerances and standards.
- Document inspection results and communicate any quality issues to the quality control team or production manager.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve production times.
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve production issues and optimize workflows.
- Assist with training new operators on cold heading processes, equipment, and best practices.
- Maintain 5S standards
- Follow all safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, including ISO 9001, AS9100, and other relevant certifications.
- Report any safety concerns or equipment malfunctions immediately to ensure prompt resolution.
- Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on cold heading machinery to minimize downtime and ensure optimal machine operation.
- Work closely with maintenance personnel to address more complex mechanical or electrical issues.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (required); technical certification or specialized training in machining, cold heading, or manufacturing processes (preferred).
- 2+ years of experience as a Cold Heading Setup Operator or in a similar role within fastener or precision manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of cold heading machines, tools, and materials used in fastener manufacturing.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
- Proficient in the use of precision measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify quality issues and make adjustments to machinery.
- Solid mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with other departments
- Cold Heading Setup: 2 years (Required)
Senior Carbide Tool & Die Maker
Pilgrim Aerospace Fasteners is seeking an experienced Senior Carbide Tool Maker for our manufacturing facility in Chandler, Arizona. This is a highly skilled, hands-on manual toolroom position focused on manufacturing, grinding, modifying, repairing, and troubleshooting carbide and hardened-steel tooling used in aerospace fastener production. The ideal candidate is an experienced manual toolmaker or precision grinder who can independently manufacture, repair, and inspect precision tooling to tolerances as tight as 0.0001 inch. If your background is in carbide tooling, tool & die, tool and cutter grinding, precision grinding, or manual precision toolmaking, we want to speak with you.
Responsibilities
- Manufacture, grind, modify, sharpen, repair, and maintain precision carbide and hardened-steel tooling
- Perform precision grinding using manual grinders and toolroom equipment
- Produce and inspect tooling to tolerances as tight as 0.0001 inch
- Build, repair, and rework dies and other precision production tooling
- Work from blueprints, engineering drawings, dimensions, specifications, existing tooling, and physical samples
- Independently set up and operate manual toolroom equipment, including: Surface grinders, Precision grinders, Manual lathes, Manual mills, Other related toolroom machinery
- Use micrometers, indicators, height gauges, optical comparators, calipers, and other precision inspection equipment
- Inspect completed tooling for dimensional accuracy, geometry, fit, finish, and function
- Troubleshoot worn, damaged, or underperforming tooling and determine the appropriate repair, rework, or dimensional correction
- Perform tool sharpening, fitting, polishing, and precision reworking
- Support precision tooling used in hot- and cold-heading/forging operations for aerospace fastener manufacturing
- Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to solve tooling and manufacturing problems
- Recommend improvements to tool geometry, materials, design, and manufacturing methods to improve tool life and production performance
- Support urgent tooling repairs when necessary to minimize production downtime
Requirements
- 5+ years of hands-on experience preferred in tool making, tool & die, carbide tooling, precision grinding, or a closely related precision manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated senior-level capability in manual precision toolmaking and grinding
- Hands-on experience manufacturing, repairing, or reworking tooling used in hot- or cold-heading/forging operations
- Experience machining and/or grinding carbide, hardened tool steel, or similar tooling materials
- Demonstrated ability to manufacture, repair, and troubleshoot precision tooling
- Ability to consistently work to tolerances as tight as 0.0001 inch
- Strong manual machining skills
- Ability to independently set up and operate manual grinders, mills, and lathes
- Strong blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation skills
- Proficiency using precision measuring and inspection equipment
- Working knowledge of GD&T
- Strong shop math, geometry, and trigonometry skills
- Strong understanding of tool geometry, dimensional relationships, tolerances, and precision fit
- Ability to diagnose tooling problems and determine appropriate corrective action
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision
- High school diploma or equivalent
Apply Now
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