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