Supervisor, Tooling

About the role

Role Overview: The Tooling Supervisor provides leadership and technical direction for the development and lifecycle management of production tooling systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers, toolmakers, and metrology specialists to develop innovative, reliable, and cost-effective tooling solutions that enhance safety, quality, and productivity.
• Manage talent development through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Develop and improve tooling policies, standards, and best practices.
• Oversee external tooling design reviews and ensure supplier compliance with standards.
• Manage tooling projects from concept to production release, supporting schedule commitments.
• Evaluate and improve existing tooling designs for safety, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Manage procurement, budgets, supplier relationships, and tooling lifecycle records.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for tooling and quality issues.
• Participate in tooling review boards, influence tooling design decisions, and determine internal or external fabrication needs based on capabilities and schedules.
• Monitor and achieve key performance indicators including on-time tooling delivery, budget adherence, tooling availability, and quality defect rates.

Requirements

• Exposure to noise, heat, cold, dust, and aircraft odors.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, climb, lift up to 50 lbs, and work safely in compliance with regulations.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to follow safety and operational instructions are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years in manufacturing or tooling.
• Proven experience in aerospace tooling design, fabrication, and lifecycle management.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of CAD software (CATIA), engineering drawings, GD&T, and metrology.
• Skilled in project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiar with lean methodologies and supplier/vendor management.