Synonyms for Artificer (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (someone who is the first to think of or make something):
discoverer, inventor
WordNet sense 2 (a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft):
artisan, craftsman, journeyman
WordNet sense 3 (an enlisted man responsible for the upkeep of small arms and machine guns etc.):
armorer, armourer
From the ODE community, based on WordNet
add/edit