Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Indexable Cutting Tools

Key Responsibilities

• Design custom and indexable cutting tools used in precision CNC machining applications.
• Create CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation for production release.
• Review RFQs, prints, GD&T, material specifications, machine capabilities, and process requirements.
• Select and recommend appropriate indexable tooling solutions for turning, milling, drilling, grooving, threading, and boring applications.
• Prepare or support accurate cost estimates and quotations for both special tooling and standard indexable products.
• Work closely with sales, applications, customers, manufacturing, quality, and vendors to confirm feasibility, lead times, cost, and performance expectations.
• Support tooling recommendations based on workpiece material, setup rigidity, coolant application, machine horsepower, production volume, tool life, and cost per part.
• Ensure designs meet performance, cost, manufacturability, and delivery requirements.

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience with indexable cutting tools; 10+ years preferred.
• Experience designing indexable cutting tools such as boring bars, milling cutters, turning tools, grooving tools, threading tools, cartridges, form tools, or similar precision tooling.
• Strong understanding of metal cutting processes, CNC machining applications, and tooling performance.
• Strong knowledge of key machining and cost drivers, including: Speeds and Feeds, Tool life, Cycle time, Cost per part, Insert grade and geometry selection, Setup rigidity, Coolant application, Machine horsepower and limitations.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD or equal.
• Strong design aptitude with the ability to apply CAD/CAM knowledge to real-world manufacturing challenges.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Background

• Experience working for a cutting tool manufacturer, cutting tool distributor, or precision machining company.
• Experience quoting both special tooling and standard indexable products.
• Familiarity with aerospace, medical, automotive, defense, or general machining applications.
• Practical shop-floor experience or strong exposure to CNC machining operations.
• Experience supporting outside sales, applications engineering, and customer technical discussions.
• ERP, CRM, and Excel proficiency for quote development, tracking, and follow-up.
• Knowledge of insert nomenclature, carbide grades, coatings, chip breakers, clamping systems, coolant-through tooling, and tool failure analysis.