Tool Designer III

Job Summary

The Tool Designer III leads the design of complex, high-precision tooling, fixtures, and production equipment from concept through fabrication that support manufacturing operations. This role drives manufacturability improvements, mentors junior designers, and partners with engineering teams to influence product design early in development.

Responsibilities And Tasks

• Lead the design of complex, high-precision, or automated tooling and test fixtures.
• Perform advanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, and manufacturability assessments.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to drive DFM and DFMaint into product and process design.
• Provide formal input to product design engineers of potential design changes that will make our products easier to assemble and maintain consistently.
• Analyze and redesign legacy fixtures to improve reliability, safety, ergonomics, and production efficiency based on needed tooling and new manufacturing processes or to accommodate production design changes.
• Partner with the Model Shop to optimize designs for machining strategy, cost, and build time.
• Determine material specifications to ensure productive life of tools/fixtures.
• Develop accurate project timelines, cost estimates, and design process flows.
• Inspect machines and facilities where tools will be used.
• Determine optimal clearances, speeds, temperature, and other pertinent conditions affecting final design requirements of tools.
• Lead design reviews and ensure compliance with Sparton’s quality and safety standards.
• Ensure that appropriate new technology is incorporated in the tool/fixture design.
• Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions related to tooling performance.
• Establish and monitor compliance of historical and accountability records of production tooling.
• Establish standards for future design as appropriate.
• On the floor follow-up on installed tools/fixtures to ensure that designs are effective.
• Maintain records of changes with idea of improving the design process for future projects.
• Interface with internal and external vendor resources as needed including managing part resources, schedules, and priorities for multiple projects simultaneously.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Licenses And Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering, or related field, or equivalent education or training.
• OR Equivalent experience (Typically 5–8 years) of tooling or mechanical design, fixture development, or mechanical design in a regulated industry (Defense, aerospace, medical, automotive).

Skills And Abilities

• Advanced proficiency in CAD modeling and drafting.
• SolidWorks Professional certification in areas appropriate to fixture/tooling design preferred.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex design projects.

Preferred And Required Qualifications And Competencies

• Experience with automated tooling, pneumatics, sensors, or integrated test systems.
• Background in defense or aerospace manufacturing.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capability.
• High level of technical judgment and problem-solving.
• Able to influence cross-functional decisions.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Benefits

• Healthcare: Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage. Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes. Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available. On-site wellness clinic.
• Compensation: Competitive compensation. 401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8% plus 1% Employer contribution.
• Time Off: Paid benefits, including company paid time off (vacation and sick), paid parental leave, adoption assistance, fertility and family building assistance, and lifestyle spending account.
• Perks: Flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, and generous employee referral program.
• Voluntary Benefits: Longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet insurance, and many more options.