Tool Designer

We are searching for an experienced Tool Designer to join one of our manufacturing clients. This opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys developing practical tooling solutions, solving manufacturing challenges, and collaborating with engineering and production teams.

Position Summary

The Tool Designer will design and develop tooling, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and related manufacturing aids that support efficient production and consistent product quality. This individual will translate part requirements into accurate designs, prepare detailed drawings, and support tooling fabrication, implementation, and improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design tooling, jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing aids for machining, assembly, and inspection operations.

• Create and revise 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and bills of materials.

• Review part drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements to determine appropriate tooling concepts.

• Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance analysis, and design-for-manufacturability principles.

• Select suitable tooling materials, components, and manufacturing methods.

• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, machinists, toolmakers, production personnel, and quality teams.

• Support tooling fabrication, tryouts, validation, and production implementation.

• Troubleshoot tooling issues and recommend improvements to accuracy, reliability, setup time, and operator usability.

• Maintain design documentation, revision control, and engineering change records.

• Coordinate with outside tooling suppliers as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical training in mechanical design, manufacturing technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Demonstrated experience designing tooling, jigs, fixtures, or related manufacturing equipment.

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Creo, or an equivalent platform.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and dimensional tolerances.

• Working knowledge of machining processes, tooling materials, and fabrication methods.

• Ability to develop designs that account for part location, clamping, clearances, accessibility, and repeatability.

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in toolmaking, CNC machining, or manufacturing engineering.

• Experience designing tooling for precision components or complex assemblies.

• Familiarity with inspection fixtures, gauges, and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) requirements.

• Experience with pneumatic or hydraulic clamping systems.

• Knowledge of CAD file management or product data management systems.