Tooling Design Engineer

About the role

Responsible for the design, development, modification, and continuous improvement of custom production molds and tooling used in the manufacture of custom proprietary products at our Erie, PA facility. Direct report to the Tooling Director.

Responsibilities

• Use caution and support facility systems to assure safety event-free facilities.
• Respond to any emergency or potential emergency following established procedures.
• Observe, respond, and report any instance of product, service, or quality systems non-conformity.
• Maintain security diligence: control of key cards, prevent unauthorized entry, and ensure proper maintenance/security of equipment.
• Successfully complete primary duties and associated training.
• Design, develop, and modify molds and tooling for plastic manufacturing, including thermoplastic injection & compression molding.
• Update and maintain existing and inherited mold designs.
• Create and maintain 3D models, detailed engineering drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials using CAD software.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams (Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Maintenance) to ensure tooling designs meet product and production requirements.
• Review specific design criteria per plant requirements.
• Support new product launches through tooling design, testing, validation, and implementation activities.
• Conduct tooling reviews and recommend design improvements to enhance mold performance, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Troubleshoot mold and tooling issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Coordinate tooling projects with external tool shops, suppliers, and vendors to ensure timely delivery and adherence to specifications.
• Manage engineering changes and maintain tooling standards, documentation, and revision controls.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, mold life, and cost reduction.
• Pause activity and notify Safety lead regarding instances of potentially unsafe work environments or practices.
• Initiate action to prevent occurrences of any non-conformity of product, service, or quality systems.
• Initiate, recommend, or provide solutions through designated channels.
• Suggest actions for continual improvement to products, processes, facilities, or systems and verify the implementation of solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Tool Design, a related technical discipline, or equivalent tool design experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mold design, tool and die, plastics manufacturing, or a related engineering environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, Siemens NX, AutoCAD, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of mold construction, tooling materials, cooling systems, venting, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and product requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience designing molds for injection molding: closures, medical, beauty/personal markets.
• Knowledge of molding features: Slides, Lifters, Over molding, Stack, 2-Shot.
• Experience working with external toolmakers, suppliers, and global manufacturing teams.
• Experience working capital project timelines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible time off, starting at 80 hours paid time per year for full-time salaried employees.
• Company-paid holidays starting at 8 days per year (varies by location).
• Wellbeing program & Employee Assistance Program.
• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account.
• Life insurance, AD&D, short-term & long-term disability, and voluntary benefits.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match.
• Tuition Reimbursement (dependent upon approval).
• Discretionary annual bonus program (initial eligibility dependent upon hire date).

Location: 2300 Powell Avenue, Erie, PA 16506