Engineering Manager

Job Title: Engineering Manager – Tooling & Die Design

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Engineering Manager to lead and oversee our global Tool and Die Engineering team. This role is responsible for managing design engineers, ensuring technical excellence in die design reviews, process layouts, and simulation approvals, and serving as the primary technical escalation point for both customers and overseas tooling partners.

The Engineering Manager will drive engineering standards, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure all tooling programs meet customer requirements, production needs, quality standards, and timing commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Directly manage and mentor Tool and Die Design Engineers and related engineering staff.
• Set clear priorities, workloads, and expectations to support program timing and quality objectives.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to develop engineering talent.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and long-term skill development of the engineering team.
  
  

Technical Oversight & Decision Making

• Oversee and approve reviews of:
• AutoForm or equivalent forming simulations
• Process layouts and blank development
• Progressive, tandem, and transfer die designs
• Act as the final technical authority for engineering decisions and risk assessments.
• Ensure all engineering deliverables meet customer specifications, internal standards, and production press requirements.

Collaboration with Overseas Tooling Partners

• Lead technical alignment with overseas tooling and simulation partners.
• Ensure clear communication of expectations, standards, and corrective actions.
• Review and approve proposed design changes, countermeasures, and manufacturability improvements.
  
  

Customer & Cross-Functional Interface

• Serve as the primary engineering contact for customers on tooling-related technical topics.
• Support customer reviews, design approvals, and technical meetings as needed.
• Collaborate closely with:
• Program Management
• Manufacturing / Die Shop
• Quality
• Proactively identify and mitigate technical risks that could impact cost, quality, or timing.

Process Improvement & Standardization

• Develop, maintain, and enforce engineering standards, checklists, and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement in:
• Simulation review processes
• Design review workflows
• Communication with tooling partners
• Support implementation of structured engineering workflows and documentation systems.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in tool and die engineering within automotive or metal stamping environments.
• Proven experience with progressive, tandem, and transfer dies.
• Strong understanding of:
• Metal forming simulations (AutoForm or similar)
• GD&T
• Die construction and press requirements
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience managing engineers or technical teams.
  
  

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency with CAD and CAD-viewing tools such as NX, CATIA, and/or Spinfire.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills across multiple tooling programs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones.
• Ability to balance technical detail with high-level decision making.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on manufacturability and cost-effective solutions.
  
  

Key Performance Expectations

• High-quality, on-time engineering approvals for all tooling programs.
• Effective leadership and development of the engineering team.
• Strong technical alignment with customers and overseas tooling partners.
• Reduced engineering rework through standardized processes and early risk identification.