Tooling Engineer

Core Responsibilities

• Design tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions.
• Develop SolidWorks models and detailed fabrication drawings.
• Ensure tooling designs are manufacturable, accessible, and cost-effective.
• Define and standardize tooling and component selection.
• Develop and maintain tooling systems and standards (including tooling data structure and best practices).
• Collaborate with machinists and CNC programmers during setup and production.
• Improve setup time, repeatability, and overall manufacturing efficiency.

Lean & Continuous Improvement Responsibilities

• Drive reduction of waste in machining processes (setup time, motion, overprocessing, rework).
• Develop standardized tooling and fixturing solutions to improve consistency and flow.
• Support setup reduction efforts (e.g., SMED principles).
• Identify and implement improvements that increase throughput and reduce variability.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions related to tooling and fixturing.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through hands-on engagement in the shop.

Shop Floor Engagement

• Spend regular, consistent time in the machine shop supporting builds and machining operations.
• Work directly with machinists during setup, prove-out, and troubleshooting.
• Observe real-world performance of tooling and refine designs accordingly.
• Act as a hands-on engineering resource to ensure practical, executable solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4–7 years of experience in tooling, fixturing, or manufacturing engineering.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of machining and fabrication processes.
• Experience designing tooling and supporting machining operations.
• Ability and willingness to work directly in a shop environment on a regular basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on machining or fabrication experience.
• Experience with CNC processes and work holding strategies.
• Familiarity with tooling systems and data management (e.g., TDM concepts).
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing principles (standard work, SMED, continuous improvement).
• Experience improving setup time, cycle time, and process repeatability.

What Success Looks Like

• Tooling and fixtures are reliable, repeatable, and easy to use.
• Standardized tooling approaches reduce variability across jobs.
• Measurable reductions in setup time and process waste.
• Strong alignment between engineering and shop execution.
• High credibility with machinists and manufacturing teams.