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Contract Toolmaker Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

TP-Link Systems Inc.

Product Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K - $166K/yr

... and external suppliers/contract manufacturers to deliver production-ready designs. Key ... Lead supplier/toolmaker engagement including tooling kick-off and T0/T1/Tn iterations; coordinate ...

TP-Link Systems Inc.

Product Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K - $166K/yr

... and external suppliers/contract manufacturers to deliver production-ready designs. Key ... Lead supplier/toolmaker engagement including tooling kick-off and T0/T1/Tn iterations; coordinate ...

TP-Link Systems Inc.

Product Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K - $166K/yr

... and external suppliers/contract manufacturers to deliver production-ready designs. Key ... Lead supplier/toolmaker engagement including tooling kick-off and T0/T1/Tn iterations; coordinate ...

All JobsContract Toolmaker JobsContract Toolmaker Jobs in Riverside, CA

Contract Toolmaker information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$16

$30

$41

How much do contract toolmaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract toolmaker in Riverside, CA is $30.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.59 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract toolmaker?

A Contract Toolmaker is a skilled professional who designs, manufactures, and repairs precision tools, molds, and fixtures on a contract or temporary basis. They typically work with engineering teams to create custom tools for manufacturing processes, ensuring high accuracy and quality. Contract Toolmakers often use CNC machines, lathes, and milling equipment, as well as hand tools for fine adjustments. Their role is essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing, where precision tooling is critical.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a contract toolmaker?

As a Contract Toolmaker, your typical day involves interpreting technical drawings, setting up and operating machinery such as lathes or milling machines, and fabricating or repairing precision tools, dies, and fixtures needed for production. You may also be responsible for conducting inspections using measurement devices, troubleshooting tool-related issues, and collaborating with engineers, machinists, or production teams to refine tool designs and ensure quality. Contract positions often involve adapting quickly to different client requirements and working environments. This variety provides valuable exposure to new techniques and processes, enhancing your skill set and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the contract toolmaker position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Toolmaker, you need expertise in precision machining, blueprint reading, and tooling assembly, typically backed by a technical diploma or apprenticeship in toolmaking or a related field. Familiarity with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and measurement instruments such as micrometers and gauges is essential, and certifications in machine operation can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate production, modification, and repair of specialized tools to meet client specifications and maintain efficient manufacturing processes.

Is a contract toolmaker well paid?

Contract toolmakers can earn competitive wages, often based on experience, skills, and the complexity of tools they produce. Pay rates may vary depending on the industry, location, and whether they work freelance or through a staffing agency, but skilled toolmakers generally receive higher compensation due to specialized expertise and certifications. Overall, it is considered a well-paying trade for those with technical proficiency and precision skills.

Do contract toolmakers make good money?

Contract toolmakers typically earn competitive wages that vary based on experience, location, and skill level. They often receive higher pay rates than permanent employees due to the specialized nature of their work and the demand for precision manufacturing skills. Compensation can also include benefits such as overtime pay and opportunities for skill development with advanced tools and machinery.
What job categories do people searching Contract Toolmaker jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Toolmaker jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Toolmaker jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Toolmaker job openings:
Contract Toolmaker jobs near you

Product Design Engineer

TP-Link Systems Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$138K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Us:

Headquartered in the United States, TP-Link Systems Inc. is a global provider of reliable networking devices and smart home products, consistently ranked as the world's top provider of Wi-Fi devices. The company is committed to delivering innovative products that enhances people's lives through faster, more reliable connectivity. With commitment to excellence, TP-Link serves customers in over 170 countries and continues to grow its global footprint.

We believe technology changes the world for the better! At TP-Link Systems Inc, we are committed to crafting dependable, high-performance products to connect users worldwide with the wonders of technology.

Embracing professionalism, innovation, excellence, and simplicity, we aim to assist our clients in achieving remarkable global performance and enable consumers to enjoy a seamless, effortless lifestyle.

Overview:

TP-Link Systems Inc. is seeking a talented and driven Product Design Engineer (Mechanical) to join our team. In this role, you will own the mechanical system architecture (internal layout, construction strategy, and assembly approach) and detailed mechanical design of next-generation consumer networking or smart home products.

You will take products from early concept through high-volume manufacturing, working closely with Industrial Design (ID), Electrical/Hardware Engineering, NPI/Operations, and external suppliers/contract manufacturers to deliver production-ready designs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and drive product-level mechanical system architecture, including internal layout, part breakdown strategy, construction strategy, fastening/joining strategy, datum scheme, tolerance strategy, and serviceability.
  • Partner with Industrial Design (ID) to translate design intent into manufacturable mechanical solutions while balancing aesthetics, usability, reliability, schedule, and cost.
  • Collaborate with Electrical/Hardware Engineering to define mechanical interfaces and constraints, including PCB outline and mounting, connector/I-O access, assembly datums, fastener strategy, and key keep-outs (as applicable).
  • Support thermal and EMI-related mechanical integration, including thermal conduction/heat-spreading paths, shielding strategy implications (contact/compression features, gasket interfaces, conductive coatings), and grounding/contact reliability across tolerance and assembly variation.
  • Create and release deliverables using PTC Creo (Creo Parametric): 3D CAD, 2D drawings, specifications, and (preliminary and released) BOMs; apply GD&T and tolerance stack-up on critical interfaces.
  • Plan and support prototype builds and validation (EVT/DVT/PVT or equivalent): define build objectives and acceptance criteria; evaluate fit/function, cosmetic, key dimensions, and assembly robustness; drive issue closure through subsequent builds.
  • Lead supplier/toolmaker engagement including tooling kick-off and T0/T1/Tn iterations; coordinate mold tuning and dimensional/assembly issue closure with suppliers/CMs.
  • Drive DFM/DFA decision-making across manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, die casting, secondary ops/finishes), including cost/schedule trade-offs.
  • Own documentation quality and change discipline: release and maintain drawings/BOMs and drive Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) with clear revision control and supplier communication.
  • Participate in root-cause analysis and corrective actions for mechanical issues found during builds, in production, or from field returns.
  • Mentor early career engineers through design reviews, best practices, and hands-on coaching (scope/expectations vary by leveling).

Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field; M.S. preferred.
  • 3+ years of mechanical and/or product design experience in consumer electronics or electro-mechanical products.
  • Strong proficiency with PTC Creo; able to independently produce release-ready part/assembly CAD, drawings, and BOMs.
  • Strong fundamentals in plastics/metals, injection molding, tooling iteration, tolerance/GD&T, and high-volume manufacturing considerations.
  • Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
  • Willingness to travel up to support suppliers/CMs as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with compact, high-volume consumer electronics (routers/mesh nodes/gateways or similar products).
  • Experience working directly with CMs/toolmakers and closing issues through tooling iterations (T0/T1/Tn).
  • Familiarity with rapid prototyping (3D printing, CNC prototypes, soft tooling) and hands-on build/debug support.
  • Familiarity with structural simulation/FEA and vibration/shock fundamentals.
  • Exposure to PLM/PDM tools and controlled release workflows.

For second and third-round interviews (but not for the initial recruiter screen), please be prepared to provide a portfolio (PDF) or be ready to present work samples via screen-share. Confidential details should be redacted.

Benefits

Salary range: $110,000-$150,000

  • Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (partial premium coverage for dependents)
  • Employer quarterly contributions to 401k funds
  • 15 days accrued vacation
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Bi-annual reviews, and annual pay increases
  • Health and wellness benefits, including free gym membership
  • Quarterly team-building event

At TP-Link Systems Inc., we are continually searching for ambitious individuals who are passionate about their work. We believe that diversity fuels innovation, collaboration, and drives our entrepreneurial spirit. As a global company, we highly value diverse perspectives and are committed to cultivating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Beyond compliance, we strive to create a supportive and growth-oriented workplace for everyone. If you share our passion and connection to this mission, we welcome you to apply and join us in building a vibrant and inclusive team at TP-Link Systems Inc.

Please, no third-party agency inquiries, and we are unable to offer visa sponsorships at this time.

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