Tooling Engineer

Tooling Engineer

Full-Time

Onsite: Torrington, CT

Description

The Tooling Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, maintaining, and optimizing injection molds and precision tooling. This role supports new product introductions (NPI), production tooling, tool/mold transfers, and cross-functional collaboration with Program Managers, Manufacturing, Toolshop, Quality, Customers, and Quoting teams to ensure robust, compliant, and high-performing molds and tools throughout their lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Tool Design, Development & Transfers:

• Design injection molds and precision tooling to ensure manufacturability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Mastercam).
• Review and refine tooling designs to meet NPI and production requirements.
• Support tool/mold transfers, including analysis, troubleshooting, redesign, and modifications to ensure full functionality at the receiving site.
• Evaluate materials, mold steels, and components to optimize cost, quality, and durability.

Manufacturing Support, Testing & Maintenance:

• Program and operate 3-axis CNC machines to manufacture precision components.
• Conduct mold trials, develop prototypes, and validate tooling to ensure quality, performance, and compliance.
• Troubleshoot tooling design or manufacturing issues during NPI, production, and transfers.
• Perform tooling grooming, preventive maintenance, and repairs to maximize mold life and production efficiency.
• Support Manufacturing and Quality engineers with new equipment, tools, and molds to ensure seamless integration and functionality.
• Assist production teams in optimizing tool performance, reducing cycle times, and minimizing scrap.

Project & Process Management:

• Manage tooling projects from concept through production, ensuring schedules, budgets, and quality requirements are met.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Program Managers, Production, Toolshop, Quality, and Customers.
• Participate in quoting, cost analysis, and capacity planning to support new product launches.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives for tooling, injection molding processes, and cost optimization.

Vendor & Supplier Coordination:

• Work closely with external mold shops, tool vendors, and suppliers to ensure tooling meets specifications, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, provide technical guidance, and resolve tool-related issues with vendors.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Maintain complete documentation for tooling, mold trials, maintenance, and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and company standards for all designs, manufacturing activities, and tooling lifecycle management.
• Support internal and external audits as required.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Plastics, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field (or equivalent experience).
• 3 years of experience in tooling, mold design, or manufacturing engineering; medical device experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with injection mold design, 3-axis CNC machining, mold maintenance, and tool/mold transfers.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, Mastercam, CATIA, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of precision measurement techniques (micrometers, gauges, CMM).
• Strong understanding of ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 quality systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with multi-cavity molds, hot runner systems, and complex medical device tooling.
• Familiarity with mold flow analysis, DFM/DFA principles, process optimization, and advanced machining strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a global engineering team.
• Experience coordinating with vendors, suppliers, and external tool shops.