Lead Tool Designer

About the Role

The Lead Tool Designer serves as a vital link between engineering precision and shop-floor performance. In this role, you will lead the design and modeling of high-precision fixtures, gages, and assembly tooling, ensuring that all equipment is optimized for repeatability, safety, and manufacturing efficiency. You will apply advanced GD&T practices and CAD expertise to solve complex work-holding challenges, while acting as a technical leader who drives design standards and collaborative problem-solving. This position is ideal for an experienced designer who takes ownership of the entire design lifecycle—from initial concept to final shop-floor implementation—to support the rigorous demands of our production environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and update SolidWorks CAD models and drawings for complex fixtures, tools, jigs, gages, assembly tooling, production aides, 3D printing, etc., focusing on work holding for mills, FHD EDM, Sinker EDM, etc.
• Apply your knowledge of GD&T best practices to ensure designs are accurate and manufacturable.
• Collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization, providing clear communication and working both independently and as part of a team.
• Lead design reviews and problem-solving discussions, offering innovative solutions and driving positive change.
• Validate design specifications and shop floor application of new product, tools, or equipment (includes Manufacturing Engineers).
• Provide cost/benefit analyses on tool design alternatives.
• Provide tactical support to the tool room for builds and revisions.
• Design quality into fixtures as well as develop, maintain, and follow standards.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior designers to foster a culture of design excellence and best-practice adherence.
• Conduct proactive risk assessments for new tooling designs to ensure operator safety and compliance with safety standards.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment while embracing and driving positive change inside and outside the organization when appropriate.
• Assist in project planning, estimating design time, and tracking milestones to ensure designs are completed on schedule to meet production demands.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, or Apprentice Graduate in a machining, engineering, or drafting related program with minimum of 4 years of experience with graphical based CAD Software (SolidWorks, NX or similar) for modeling and drafting OR HS diploma (or equivalent) with 7 years of experience with graphical based CAD Software (SolidWorks, NX or similar) for modeling.
• MS Office user-level knowledge (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to lift/push/pull at least 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to wear all required personal protective equipment, for example: safety glasses, gloves, ear plugs, and safety shoes.
• This role requires being 100% onsite.
• Travel between sites in Parsippany, NJ and Allentown, PA is required depending on business needs.
• Occasional assistance to shifts outside of normal working hours may be required, as our facilities operate 24 hours per day on three shifts.
• This role requires use of technical data subject to U.S. Government export restrictions and is only for U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and protected individuals). GE will require proof of status prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including sequencing, as it relates to work holding or similar applications.
• Strong understanding and application of GD&T principles.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated proficiency interpreting drawing requirements.
• Experience with Power Generation or Aerospace Industries and components.
• Understanding of metal fabrication and welding processes.
• Knowledge of COTS fasteners, clamps, etc.
• Experience with PLM systems.
• Strong problem-solving and organization skills, with above-average shop math skills in geometry and trigonometry.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
• Ability to effectively communicate to multiple levels of the organization, both verbally and through written communication.
• Ability to multi-task and productively manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Self-motivated and self-driven with proven project leadership.
• Ability to accept new challenges, take ownership, and make decisions.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Pay

The pay range for this position is between $98,000.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. Bonus eligibility includes a discretionary annual bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services.
• GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants.
• Tuition assistance.
• Adoption assistance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability benefits.
• Life insurance.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Permissive time off.

Relocation assistance provided.