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Project Engineer Tooling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Project Engineer manages New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, supports manufacturing processes, defines tooling requirements, selects appropriate materials, creates engineering ...

Project Engineer

Brea, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

The Project Engineer manages New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, supports manufacturing processes, defines tooling requirements, selects appropriate materials, creates engineering ...

The Project Engineer manages New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, supports manufacturing processes, defines tooling requirements, selects appropriate materials, creates engineering ...

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Project Engineer Tooling information

What does a project engineer tooling do?

A Project Engineer Tooling is responsible for designing, developing, and managing the tools, molds, and fixtures required for manufacturing processes. They coordinate projects from conception through production, ensuring tooling meets quality, cost, and timeline requirements. Their duties often include collaborating with design teams, suppliers, and production staff to optimize tool performance and address technical challenges. Project Engineer Tooling professionals play a key role in ensuring efficient and reliable manufacturing operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project engineer tooling?

To thrive as a Project Engineer Tooling, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering or a related field, experience in tooling design, and knowledge of manufacturing processes. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), project management tools, and industry-specific standards or certifications (like Six Sigma or PMP) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and manage complex projects. These skills ensure efficient tooling development, on-time project delivery, and seamless coordination between engineering, production, and quality teams.

What are the typical challenges faced by a project engineer tooling during the launch of a new manufacturing tool?

A Project Engineer Tooling often encounters challenges such as managing tight deadlines, ensuring precise tool specifications, and coordinating with cross-functional teams like design, production, and quality assurance. During new tool launches, unexpected technical issues or delays from suppliers can arise, requiring quick problem-solving and effective communication. Successfully navigating these challenges involves strong project management skills, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate closely with both internal teams and external vendors.

What is the difference between Project Engineer Tooling vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectProject Engineer ToolingManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in tooling or manufacturingBachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and implement tooling solutions in manufacturing settingsOptimize manufacturing processes, improve production efficiency
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, consumer electronics manufacturingMass production industries, factory settings

Project Engineer Tooling focuses on designing and implementing tooling solutions for manufacturing processes, while Manufacturing Engineers work on optimizing overall production efficiency. Both roles require engineering backgrounds and are integral to manufacturing industries, but their specific responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Project Engineer Tooling jobs in California?

For Project Engineer Tooling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Project Engineer Tooling jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Engineer Tooling jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Project Engineer Tooling jobs?

Cities in California with the most Project Engineer Tooling job openings:

Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling

GKN AEROSPACE

El Cajon, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


GKN Aerospace rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling will provide Manufacturing Engineering capability to operational and development Programs to enable and deliver zero defect projects utilizing engineering and problem solving skills. Accountable for delivering robust, capable manufacturing process technology as it applies to materials, tooling, part fabrication and assembly.
Job Responsibilities
  • Accountable for tool fabrication quotes, tooling input for new product quotes, tooling configuration changes that involve cost estimation, schedule coordination, and implementation
    • Exemplifying a safety-first mind-set and ensuring compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
    • Responsible for the development of technical solutions to complex problems within GKN Aerospace, our customers and suppliers.
    • Deliver technical support of manufacturing process development and integration for production.
    • Utilize root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances.
    • Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, as well as co-workers
    • Continuously improve production processes by implementing Lean initiatives.
    • Responsible for the development of tooling solutions to complex problems through:
    • The implementation of tooling, from original concept through to production. Design this tooling for high degree of process capability utilizing the GKN standard Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) tool suite to demonstrate as such.

Job Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or lieu of degree 5+ years of tool design experience
• 3+ Years of tool design experience in a Manufacturing environment, preferably in an aerospace environment
• 1+ year of design experience using NX, Catia or Solidworks CAD/CAM software
• Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder due to program security clearance requirements and/or SSA requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
• GKN experience
• Aerospace industry experience
• Machining and assembly experience strongly preferred
• Ability to read blueprints
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Working knowledge of quality system models such as ISO9000, AS9100, or D1-9000
• Increasingly able to provide Technical input at all levels of work
• Identifies and anticipates technical problems and offers solutions
• Drives to complete the job on time and continually searches for better ways of doing things
• Understands situations by analyzing them logically and uses information in a systematic way identifying appropriate course of action for resolution.
• Ability to apply complex and non-routine analysis
• Competent member of the technical community with a good understanding of other disciplines
• Acts without supervision in own area whilst able to supervise others.
• Applies knowledge and skills to a range of activities
• Understands the formal and informal structure of the business
• Provides support to the technical community and show commercial awareness at local level
We'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It's a culture that won us 'The Best Workplace Culture Award'. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

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