Tooling Engineer

This position reports to the Corporate Tooling & Process Manager and does not have direct reports. The role collaborates cross-functionally with Program Launch, Product Engineering, Development Engineering, Quality, Plant Operations, Sales, Customers, and external Suppliers.

Position Summary

The Corporate Tooling Engineer is responsible for leading the end-to-end development and implementation of production tooling, equipment, and fixtures across all programs. This role ensures designs are cost-effective, manufacturable, and delivered on time to support new launches, production stability, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position plays a critical role in supplier management, capital planning, and standardization of tooling practices across the organization

Major Duties and Responsibilities includes:

• Lead tooling and equipment development from concept through design, fabrication, validation, and production launch.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance in cost, quality, and delivery, while building long-term, value-driven partnerships
• Evaluate and approve tooling designs, manufacturing processes, and automation logic to meet production rate, quality, and efficiency targets
• Develop and maintain standardized tooling and engineering practices aligned with organizational and ISO requirements
• Drive cost optimization through design efficiency, use of standard components, and documentation of cost drivers for continuous improvement
• Oversee engineering changes, design revisions, and documentation control for all tooling and equipment
• Coordinate tooling builds, validation activities, and final customer or plant acceptance
• Analyze and communicate equipment capacity, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) relative to program volumes
• Manage tooling budgets, track expenditures, and report performance against financial targets
• Support new business development by providing tooling cost estimates and input for capital investment decisions
• Process purchase requisitions, approve supplier payments, and coordinate equipment logistics to manufacturing facilities
• Collaborate with plant teams to support production readiness, issue resolution, and continuous improvement efforts
• Travel as required to supplier and manufacturing locations for equipment reviews, validation, and program launches

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or engineering environment

Professional Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in tooling, manufacturing, or process engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Auto CAD.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and automation systems (including PLC/ladder logic

Preferred

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across technical and non-technical teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Analytical mindset with experience in cost evaluation and problem-solving
• Ability to read and interpret 2D drawings, 3D models, and GD&T.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, foam processing, sewing, or vacuum forming is a plus
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently and drive results.
• Team-oriented leader who supports knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
• Ability to clearly define objectives, communicate technical concepts, and align teams to execution
• Local candidates preferred