Supplier Tooling Engineer

Supplier Tooling Engineer – Plastics (Automotive Manufacturing)

Location: Vandalia, OH or Troy, MI

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Compensation: $110,000 – $135,000

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Seeking an experienced Supplier Tooling Engineer to support the plastics supplier side of the business at a corporate level. This role supports multiple manufacturing locations globally and plays a critical role in new program launches and ongoing production support.

This position focuses on tooling for plastic injection molding, blow molding, and stamped components, primarily supporting exterior automotive products such as door trim, closure systems, and latching components. The ideal candidate will be someone who can hit the ground running, confidently working with suppliers, tooling designs, and cost evaluations across global markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage supplier tooling for exterior product manufacturing processes, including:
• Injection molding
• Blow molding
• Stampings
• Castings
• Cold forming
• Spring winding
• Welding and plastic components
• Work directly with suppliers to review tooling designs, mold flow analysis, specifications, and pricing
• Evaluate tooling options and select the most reliable and cost-effective supplier solutions
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and product specifications to determine tooling requirements
• Support the purchasing team by developing tooling quotes and comparing regional costs (U.S., Mexico, China, etc.)
• Ensure suppliers are compliant with internal tooling processes and procedures
• Maintain accurate tooling records within internal systems (including tooling databases and ERP platforms)
• Generate purchase orders, tooling tags, and documentation for new and existing tools
• Identify and document obsolete or outdated tooling
• Support internal and customer audits and communicate findings back to suppliers
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, purchasing, and supplier management teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required)
• 5 years of experience in a Supplier Tooling or Tooling Engineering role within plastics manufacturing
• Automotive or medical device experience preferred
• Packaging, food & beverage plastics experience not preferred
• Strong technical background reviewing tooling designs, blueprints, and specifications
• Experience working with global suppliers and understanding tooling costs across different regions
• Familiarity with ERP or tooling management systems (experience with Plex is a plus)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and with external suppliers

Work Environment & Flexibility

• This role is based out of either a Midwest technical center or corporate headquarters
• After onboarding and training, the position is eligible for a hybrid schedule (3 days onsite / 2 days remote)
• Occasional full onsite weeks may be required depending on project or plant needs

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary with strong growth potential
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• PTO starting at 2 weeks, plus an additional week off between Christmas and New Year’s
• Additional PTO accrual with tenure (up to 25 days total)
• Collaborative, stable organization with long-term growth and new program launches