Tool Crib Attendant

Job Summary:

The Tool Crib Attendant is responsible for managing, purchasing, and maintaining the inventory of tools, equipment, and general machine shop supplies required for daily operations. This position acts as a liaison between Engineering, Production, and vendors to ensure tool availability, prioritize needs, and support scheduling. The role includes responsibility for managing Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI), negotiating pricing and lead times, and ensuring accurate and timely fulfillment of shop needs.

Who is FMI?

FMI Aerostructures is one of the largest independent manufacturing businesses serving the aerospace & defense industry. Our 250-member team has been a trusted supply chain partner that manufactures critical structural components and complex assemblies for major aerospace players for over 40 years.

Why FMI makes a difference?

Customers are at the center of everything at FMI. We are excited that this team can work with key partners like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin using our critical components to help important new aerospace programs take flight. Our machinists are the best in the industry, and we are investing to support their continued success. When they win, our customers win.

Why FMI could be the right fit for your career?

This is an opportunity to work locally for a long-standing, stable business that is investing to grow.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Job Responsibilities:

- Manage and organize the inventory of tools, equipment, and machine shop supplies to ensure accuracy, availability, and timely replenishment.

- Maintain and oversee Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) systems, ensuring vendors meet stocking levels and delivery timelines.

- Purchase tools and shop supplies based on production requirements, inventory thresholds, and engineering specifications.

- Work closely with Engineering and Production teams to schedule and prioritize tooling needs for manufacturing jobs.

- Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering and the shop floor for tool release coordination, changes, and approvals.

- Issue tools and supplies to personnel and accurately record all transactions in the inventory management system.

- Communicate with vendors to obtain quotes, negotiate pricing, and manage lead times and delivery schedules.

- Coordinate tool repairs, regrinds, and calibrations with internal teams or outside service providers.

- Conduct regular physical audits of inventory, reconcile discrepancies, and report findings to management.

- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe tool crib environment to ensure efficient operations.

- Provide training and guidance to shop personnel on proper tool usage, handling, and storage.

- Support general purchasing for the machine shop as needed to meet production and maintenance requirements.

- Generate and maintain accurate inventory, usage, and purchasing reports.

- Ensure compliance with all internal policies, procedures, and ITAR regulations.

Required Skills/Abilities:

-Familiarity with tooling, cutting tools, and general machine shop supplies (especially in aerospace or precision manufacturing).

-Strong organizational and inventory control skills.

-Effective communication and interpersonal skills across departments and with external vendors.

-Ability to lift and move items up to 50 lbs.

-Experience with VMI systems and vendor collaboration.

-Basic math and data entry skills.

-Strong multitasking, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities.

-Flexibility to work overtime when necessary.

-This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Educational Qualification and Experience:

- High school diploma or GED required.

- 1-3 years of experience in a tool crib, inventory control, or purchasing role within a manufacturing environment.

- Experience with VMI programs, ERP systems, or inventory software preferred.

Physical Demands:

*The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

*While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

*The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

*While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places and vibrations. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

PI272033723