About Core Tools
Core Tools is a family owned business in North Vancouver. Established in 1994. We specialize in precision CNC prototyping for industries that include clean tech, green energy, robotics, and many more. The majority of our work is low volume prototypes, tooling, fixturing, and precision parts and assemblies for the Hydrogen Fuel Cell sector, and Green Energy sector. Every job is custom, and requires your full attention.
The Role
We are adding a machinist and programmer to handle growing prototype and short-run work on Haas VMCs. You will set up and run your own jobs, select tooling and fixtures, program or edit toolpaths, and be accountable for first-article quality. We will orient you to our specific workholding setups and shop conventions.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate Haas VMCs (small and medium) for precision prototype and short-run parts
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and 3D CAD models
- Select tooling, design or specify workholding, and determine machining sequence
- Program and edit toolpaths; adjust feeds, speeds, and strategies at the machine
- Machine steel, aluminum, graphite, and engineering polymers to close tolerances
- Perform in-process measurement and first-article inspection using calipers, micrometers, and gauging
- Identify and flag DFM issues before cutting — raise problems early, not after the part is scrapped
- Perform routine machine maintenance and basic troubleshooting to keep equipment running
- Communicate directly with the owner on job status, technical questions, and schedule
Requirements
Required:
- Proven CNC machining experience on VMCs — you have made complex parts and can demonstrate it
- Ability to read and work from engineering drawings and 3D models independently
- Programming proficiency — you can program a job and edit toolpaths without supervision
- Sound measurement practice — you know what to measure, when to measure it, and what to do with the result
- Direct communicator — small shop, problems need to surface fast
- See job through — from raw stock to finished part. Program, setup, machine, deburr, inspect.
Preferred:
- Haas VMC experience — strong asset; not a hard requirement if your VMC background is solid
- Red Seal certification or equivalent — respected, not required
- Prior work in fuel cell, clean energy, or high-technology manufacturing
- Experience machining graphite or advanced engineering polymers
What This Role Is Not
- Production or high-volume machining — we prototype and run short series
- A supervised or entry-level position — you own your setups from day one
- Remote or hybrid — on-site in North Vancouver, Monday to Friday
Terms
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (half hour lunch, 10hr day)
- Location: North Vancouver, BC — on-site
- Employment: Full-time permanent, 2-month probationary period
- Compensation: Competitive, based on experience — discussed at interview
- Benefits: Extended health and dental after successful completion of probation
How to Apply
Send a short note describing your background and what you have machined, along with your resume, to:
[email protected]
No recruiters. Direct applications only.
Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
