Department: NIAR Advanced Machining & Prototyping (AMP)

Campus Location: Other Kansas Location

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a "U.S. Person”.

Job Details

Join NIAR’s Advanced Machining & Prototyping (AMP) team in a hands-on role that keeps high‑precision manufacturing running smoothly. As the Tool Crib Technician, you’ll manage inventory, maintain accurate tool records, support floor operations, and ensure tools and equipment are ready when needed. If you’re organized, detail‑driven, and enjoy supporting fast-paced technical work, this position offers a great opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge manufacturing and research.

Job Summary

Receives, stores, and issues tools, machine tool fixtures, gages, materials, equipment, and asset inventory. Maintains accurate tool records and inventory. Issues tools accurately according to work orders and ensures a quick turnaround for tool replacement and setup. Ensures tool traceability, readiness and/or calibration compliance according to policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations.

Essential Functions

Accurately and promptly issues, tracks, and verifies tools.
Maintains accurate records of tool use, condition, and return; identifies and reports damaged, broken, worn out, or missing tools.
Prepares and maintains accurate documentation for calibration and inspection of tools, gages, materials, and/or equipment.
Communicates shortages as needed; performs and/or assists with procurement and restocking of items.
Ensures tool availability aligns with requirements and needs of the department.
Organizes and labels all drawers, bins, and racks.
Prepares and maintains calibration and usage logs; removes out-of-calibration tools from service.
Performs periodic tool crib inventory and supports internal audits.
Supports floor operations by pre-staging tool kits and verifying setups for priority jobs.
Maintains safety and cleanliness standards in all tooling and storage areas.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Six (6) months of directly related experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of inventory management and stock control practices.
Basic knowledge of procurement processes and vendor communication.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to issue, track, and verify tools accurately.
Effective organizational skills to maintain orderly tool crib areas, bins, and racks.
Clear communication skills for reporting shortages, damages, and coordinating with operations staff.
Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues with missing, damaged, or out-of-calibration tools.
Time management skills to prioritize tasks such as pre-staging tool kits for urgent jobs.
Teamwork and collaboration skills to support operations, procurement, and audit teams.
Ability to maintain accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to proactively identify and report tool issues before they impact operations.
Ability to sustain safety and cleanliness standards in tooling and storage areas.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to position self to move and/or transfer materials, mail, equipment and/or supplies.
Ability to inspect and/or surveil materials, equipment, reports, and/or incidents and identify any errors, needs and/or determining factors.
Ability to position self for inspection, construction or maintenance of equipment and/or buildings including confined, elevated and loud noise spaces.
Ability to position self to place, construct, and/or maintain equipment and items in designated spaces. This includes but is not limited to the ability to work in confined and elevated spaces.
Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.
Ability to move, transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, or equipment.