Tooling Engineer

About the role

The Tooling/Molding Engineer is responsible for the design, development, maintenance, and optimization of molds, tooling, and related manufacturing processes. This role ensures efficient production, high-quality output, and continuous improvement of tooling systems within plastic injection molding or similar manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve injection molds, dies, fixtures, and tooling using CAD software.
• Collaborate with product engineering to ensure mold designs meet product specifications and manufacturability requirements.
• Support quoting and feasibility analysis for new tooling projects.
• Cook up with tool shops and vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective tool fabrication.
• Develop and optimize molding processes to improve quality, cycle time, and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot molding defects and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct mold trials and validation runs (IQ/OQ/PQ where applicable).
• Establish and maintain process parameters and documentation.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs for molds and tooling.
• Analyze tool wear, failures, and downtime; implement improvement strategies.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through tooling and process optimization.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement (CI) activities.
• Provide technical support to production teams to resolve tooling and molding issues.
• Train operators and technicians on proper tooling usage and handling.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and production standards.
• Manage tooling-related projects from concept to production launch.
• Track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Communicate progress and updates to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience 3–7+ years of experience in tooling or molding engineering, preferably in injection molding.
• Hands-on experience with mold design, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, AutoCAD, or similar).
  • Strong understanding of injection molding processes and materials.
  • Knowledge of tooling design principles (cooling systems, gating, venting, etc.).
  • Experience with mold flow analysis is a plus.
  • Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawings.