Tool Designer

SUMMARY

The Tooling Designer is responsible for the development and management of tooling and gage designs to meet customer requirements and manufacturing capabilities. This role collaborates across engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure cost-effective, timely, and high-quality tooling solutions. The Tooling Designer also supports tool launches, continuous improvement projects, and design standardization while maintaining a strong focus on safety, feasibility, and performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Design new tooling and gages to meet customer and internal manufacturing requirements.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and launch teams to validate tooling feasibility and implementation.
• Participate in launch, quality, and tooling review meetings, offer technical expertise and design input.
• Support “in-press” tryouts and document necessary tooling changes.
• Maintain and update all tooling designs, including folder structures and historical reference data.
• Train and mentor junior design staff and provide support across departments as needed.
• All other responsibilities as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Design Integrity: Ensures robust, practical, and cost-effective tooling designs.
• Project Coordination: Manages multiple concurrent tooling projects with strong follow-through.
• Technical Judgment: Makes well-reasoned decisions based on data, feedback, and experience.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with tooling, maintenance, production, and suppliers.
• Continuous Improvement: Pursues tooling innovations and lean manufacturing practices.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

• Toolmaker Journeyman Card preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in tooling engineering, design, build, or troubleshooting (preferred).
• Experience in tool launches and manufacturing process integration required.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD files, and mechanical drawings.
• Proficient in 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., Inventor, AutoCAD, or equivalent).
• Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Understanding of manufacturing systems such as PLEX or other ERP systems.
• Able to accurately estimate tooling cost and timing and develop supporting documentation.

SOFT SKILLS

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Clear and professional presentation of technical concepts to team members, leadership, and vendors.
• Able to handle conflict with diplomacy and resolve tooling-related issues proactively.
• Adaptable, coachable, and able to handle shifting priorities.
• Highly organized and committed to deadlines.

PHYICAL DEMANDS 

• Must be able to stand, walk, and use hands for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift or move up to 35 pounds.
• Requires close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those a team member may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Noise levels in the work environment are typically moderate although hearing protection is required. 

Benefits: 

• Medical - 1st of the month following hire date. 
• Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, & Life Insurance
• Free ASPC Health and Wellness Clinic - located in Grand Haven 
• $100 annually for safety boots 
• Prescription safety glasses program 
• Paid Holidays & your birthday is a paid holiday.

Automatic Spring Products Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will take the necessary steps to ensure reasonable accommodations are provided for those with disabilities throughout the application and interview process, as well as during employment.