Tooling Engineer/Designer – New Product Development

Tooling Engineer/Designer – New Product Development

For over 86 years, The Cly-Del Manufacturing Company has been a trusted partner in precision metal forming, specializing in Eyeletype™ and deep drawn components that power industries from consumer goods to defense. As a family-owned and locally rooted company, we pride ourselves on our engineering excellence, investment in innovation, and long-term relationships with customers and employees alike.

We are seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer/Designer to focus on the design and development of new transfer press tooling and the redesign of existing tooling for Eyeletype™ and deep drawn metal components. This role will play a critical part in new product development, supporting customer growth, and ensuring best-in-class tooling solutions. Experience with progressive stamping tooling is a strong bonus. We are looking for someone who can combine creativity, technical expertise, and hands-on knowledge to drive new product development and innovation.

Desing and Development

·       Lead the design of new transfer press tooling for Eyeletype™ and deep drawn metal components, as well as redesigns of existing tools for improved performance.

·       Apply deep knowledge of draw reductions, clearances, punch and die radii, component sizing, and transfer system mechanics to ensure optimal designs.

·       Create detailed tooling drawings in SolidWorks, maintaining accuracy and integration with ERP system or PDM.

·       Support prototype and sample development for customer validation.

·       Design auxiliary tooling systems for existing presses (transfer slides, cross-motion devices, in-die sensing, etc.).

Technical Analysis & Optimization

·       Evaluate press configurations and determine best tooling/process layouts based on component geometry, material characteristics, and cost-efficiency.

·       Recommend tool steels, coatings, and finishes to maximize tool life and part quality.

·       Conduct root-cause analysis and develop solutions for tooling performance issues, material flow challenges, and press-to-press transfers.

·       Support continuous improvement initiatives by developing and implementing tooling standards.

Project Leadership & Collaboration

·       Drive tooling projects from concept through launch, coordinating across Commercial, Operations, Tool Room, Quality, and Manufacturing.

·       Conduct structured design reviews and secure cross-functional approvals before build and release.

·       Manage and coordinate project assignments with the Sales Team to meet specific customer requirements

·       Collaborate directly with customers to understand application requirements and deliver robust, production-ready solutions.Attend sales and engineering meetings to support product development at customer locations when necessary

·       Manage vendor relationships for purchased tooling components (bushings, springs, wear items). 

Documentation & Quality Compliance

·       Maintain part drawings, gage drawings, tooling records, and process documentation.

·       Ensure design revisions are tracked and accurately documented.

·       Support APQP/PPAP requirements through detailed tooling records, design reviews, and validation reports.

Education

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering/Design with a focus in tool & die design, OR

·       Journeyman tool and die maker with extensive industry experience designing and drafting tooling.

Experience

·       Minimum 7–10 years of tool design/engineering experience.

·       Demonstrated expertise in transfer press tooling and deep draw metal forming.

·       Progressive stamping tooling experience strongly preferred.

·       SolidWorks proficiency required; ERP integration experience a plus.

·       Technical Excellence: Work with a company known for decades of precision metal forming leadership.

·       Immediate Benefits: Medical, dental, vision from day one.

·       Financial Security: Company-paid disability and life insurance.

·       Retirement Planning: 401(k) with company contribution.

·       Work-Life Balance: Paid holidays and vacation from hire.

·       Professional Growth: Paid education programs and career advancement opportunities.

·       Safety First: Safety glasses and shoe reimbursement.

·       Collaboration: Partner directly with customers and cross-functional teams on innovative engineering solutions.

The Cly-Del Manufacturing Company is an equal opportunity employer. 

We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fair treatment for all employees and applicants. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.