Tooling Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead tool and die maintenance strategies, evaluating die conditions and driving corrective actions to maximize tool life
• Diagnose and resolve complex stamping issues such as formability, burrs, dimensional variation and galling
• Create, modify and review 3D models, die designs and engineering drawings for new tooling and engineering changes
• Conduct tooling feasibility reviews for new parts, including material selection, forming analysis and die process planning
• Lead tooling-related activities for new part launches from concept through PPAP
• Develop and manage tooling timelines, milestone tracking and risk mitigation plans
• Collaborate with engineering, quality and production teams to ensure manufacturability
• Validate tooling performance through tryouts, capability studies and dimensional verification
• Serve as the primary technical liaison with external tool shops and die builders
• Review supplier designs, progress reports and tryout results to ensure specifications and deadlines are met
• Acknowledge tooling and confirm readiness for production launch
• Support the sales team with technical input for new RFQs, including tooling cost estimates and process feasibility
• Participate in customer meetings to explain tooling concepts and stamping process capabilities
• Lead initiatives to improve die performance, reduce downtime and enhance stamping quality
• Support cost-reduction activities through tooling optimization and process improvements

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in metal stamping, tool & die or tooling engineering
• Proficiency in CAD software
• Strong understanding of stamping processes, die construction, GD&T and material behavior
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex tooling and stamping issues
• Experience coordinating tooling suppliers and managing pre-production timelines preferred
• Strong project management skills
• Japanese language proficiency (read, write and speak) required, along with familiarity with Japanese business customs, due to close collaboration with Japanese equipment and process suppliers
• Ability to understand JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) requirements for new product decisions

What's In It for Me?

• Exposure to end-to-end tooling design, supplier management and production launch processes
• Collaborative work environment across engineering, quality and production teams
• Direct involvement in customer-facing technical discussions and RFQ support
• Opportunity to work with global suppliers, including direct collaboration with partners in Japan

Key Details

Compensation: $70,000-$80,000
Benefits: Medical, 401(k), Vacation, Personal/Sick Time
Location: Stanford, KY
Work Model: In-office