Tooling Design Engineer

Position Summary

The Tooling Engineer is a professional individual contributor responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of tooling, jigs, fixtures, and related manufacturing equipment used in production processes. This role applies in-depth technical knowledge and analytical thinking to execute tooling activities with some autonomy, while working within established engineering practices, manufacturing standards, and business procedures.

The Tooling Engineer partners with production, design engineering, quality, sourcing, and other cross-functional teams to deliver practical, cost-effective tooling solutions that support product quality, operational efficiency, and on-time execution. The role also supports troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and standardization efforts across new and existing tooling applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain tooling, jigs, fixtures, and production support equipment for manufacturing operations
• Execute tooling projects and technical assignments with some autonomy, guided by established engineering standards, functional practices, and review of results
• Collaborate with design engineering, production, quality, and sourcing teams to ensure tooling solutions meet technical, quality, cost, and delivery requirements
• Support internal and external customers by addressing tooling-related needs and helping maintain alignment on timing, quality, and cost objectives
• Conduct feasibility assessments and cost analyses for tooling designs, modifications, and improvement opportunities
• Support the installation, setup, validation, and calibration of tooling in the manufacturing environment
• Troubleshoot tooling-related issues such as wear, defects, malfunctions, and process variation, and recommend or implement practical corrective actions
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, 3D models, maintenance instructions, and tooling standards
• Evaluate materials, components, and supplier options for tooling applications using technical judgment and established criteria
• Drive improvements to tooling reliability, durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness through continuous improvement activities
• Support current and legacy tooling and fixture applications to ensure ongoing manufacturing performance
• Ensure tooling designs and applications comply with safety requirements, quality standards, and company procedures
• Provide technical support and guidance to production personnel on proper tooling use, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of internal build standards and tooling best practices
• Apply GD&T principles in tooling and fixture design and review activities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Relevant experience in tooling engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical design, or a related technical role
• Experience with CAD software and 3D modeling tools
• Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Working knowledge of GD&T
• Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities in a manufacturing environment
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for manufacturing applications
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, equipment setup, and process improvement
• Experience supporting production teams in a shop-floor environment
• Knowledge of material selection, fabrication, machining, and assembly processes
• Experience working with suppliers and outside tooling vendors
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methods