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Senior Tool Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corbin Engineering

Tool Install Designer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

This is a mid- to senior-level position for applicants with tool install design experience. We are looking for candidates with the following: Understanding of basic building code requirements.

Marvin Composites

Tool & Die Maker Intern

Fargo, ND

$25.50 - $32.25/hr

Participate making pultrusion and extrusion tooling designed for and by Marvin Composites for ... Gain hands-on experience with our Senior Tool Makers to gain practical skills for a career in tool ...

Marvin Composites

Tool & Die Maker Intern

Fargo, ND

$25.50 - $32.25/hr

Participate making pultrusion and extrusion tooling designed for and by Marvin Composites for ... Gain hands-on experience with our Senior Tool Makers to gain practical skills for a career in tool ...

Marvin Composites

Tool & Die Maker Intern

Fargo, ND

$25.50 - $32.25/hr

Participate making pultrusion and extrusion tooling designed for and by Marvin Composites for ... Gain hands-on experience with our Senior Tool Makers to gain practical skills for a career in tool ...

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All JobsSenior Tool Designer Jobs

Senior Tool Designer information

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$38

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How much do senior tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior tool designer in the United States is $38.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $44.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Senior Tool Designers?

Senior Tool Designers are experienced professionals who create, develop, and improve tools, dies, molds, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. They work closely with engineers and production teams to ensure that tools are efficient, cost-effective, and meet specific design requirements. Senior Tool Designers often use CAD software to draft designs, oversee the fabrication process, and troubleshoot issues that arise during production. Their expertise helps companies streamline manufacturing, maintain quality standards, and reduce production costs.

What does a tool designer make?

A tool designer creates detailed plans and specifications for manufacturing tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in production processes. They use CAD software and engineering principles to develop tools that improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.

What is the highest paid design job?

Senior Tool Designers can earn high salaries, especially when working in specialized industries such as aerospace or automotive manufacturing, where advanced CAD skills and experience are valued. However, executive-level design roles like Chief Design Officer or Director of Design typically have the highest compensation in the design field, often exceeding six-figure salaries due to leadership responsibilities and strategic influence.

What are some of the common challenges faced by Senior Tool Designers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Senior Tool Designers often work closely with engineers, machinists, and production managers to ensure tools meet both design specifications and manufacturing requirements. A common challenge is balancing the technical needs of each department, such as optimizing tool functionality while considering cost and manufacturability. Effective communication and compromise are essential, as priorities may differ between teams. Success in this role often depends on the ability to translate complex design concepts into practical solutions that align with broader project goals.

What is the difference between Senior Tool Designer vs Tooling Engineer?

AspectSenior Tool DesignerTooling Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in mechanical engineering or manufacturing technology, with experience in tool designRequires similar engineering degrees, often with additional certifications in manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused, often in CAD software, collaborating with manufacturing teamsMore technical, involved in the development, testing, and maintenance of tooling systems
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industriesUsed in manufacturing, industrial equipment, and production facilities

While both roles require engineering knowledge and involve manufacturing environments, Senior Tool Designers focus on designing and developing tools, whereas Tooling Engineers handle the technical implementation, testing, and maintenance of tooling systems. Both roles are essential in manufacturing processes but differ in their primary responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Tool Designer, and why are they important?

As a Senior Tool Designer, expertise in mechanical design, CAD software, and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes are essential, typically supported by an engineering degree or equivalent experience. Proficiency with design tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with engineers and production teams. These competencies ensure the creation of efficient, reliable tools that optimize manufacturing workflows and reduce production costs.

What careers can DT lead to?

A Senior Tool Designer can advance to roles such as Tooling Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, or Product Development Lead, leveraging skills in CAD software, machining, and project management. Career progression often involves gaining experience in design optimization, leadership, and industry-specific certifications.

What is the highest paid designer?

Senior Tool Designers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and specialization in complex manufacturing processes tend to earn the highest salaries in the design field. Top earners often work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, or high-tech manufacturing and may hold certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Master’s degrees.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Tool Designer jobs? The most popular types of Tool Designer jobs are:
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Senior Tool Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Tool Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,245 per year, or $38.1 per hour.
Senior Tool Design Engineer

Senior Tool Design Engineer

Sanders Industries Holdings

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$117K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

IRP MED is seeking a highly motivated Senior Tool Design Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of tooling for Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) molded components. This role is responsible for creating precision mold designs, supporting manufacturing and validation activities, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure high-quality, cost-effective production solutions for medical applications.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in injection mold design, understands LSR processing requirements, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on innovation, precision, and continuous improvement.


About:

IRP Medical is a trusted leader in engineered elastomer solutions serving Medical Device, and aerospace markets. Our team designs and manufactures precision-molded seals, gaskets, and custom rubber components that perform in the most demanding environments. We take pride in craftsmanship, collaboration, and a culture built on innovation and reliability.


Key Responsibilities

  • Generate mold design concepts (Solidworks) to support new products, or re-design tooling for existing products to improve efficiency.
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models, mold layouts, and manufacturing drawings.
  • Collaborate with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, and process engineering teams to ensure tooling meets functional and production requirements.
  • Optimize mold designs for manufacturability, cycle time reduction, part quality, venting, gating, and automation compatibility.
  • Support mold flow analysis, tolerance stack-ups, shrinkage calculations, and DFM reviews.
  • Coordinate with external tool shops, suppliers, and internal machining teams during tool fabrication and qualification.
  • Lead tooling troubleshooting activities related to flash, short shots, air entrapment, knit lines, dimensional variation, and cosmetic defects.
  • Participate in mold trials, process validations, FAI activities, and production launches.
  • Develop and maintain tooling documentation, revision control, BOMs, maintenance standards, and engineering change records.
  • Recommend improvements for tooling reliability, preventive maintenance, and process capability.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling performance, scrap reduction, and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with customer specifications, ISO standards, safety requirements, and industry regulations.
  • Ability to travel to Tooling vendors as needed, travel time up to 10%


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Engineering, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in injection mold design, preferably with Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) or elastomeric materials.
  • Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, or AutoCAD.
  • Strong understanding of injection molding principles, mold construction, hot runner systems, venting, cooling, and automation.
  • Experience interpreting GD&T and engineering drawings.
  • Knowledge of mold manufacturing processes including CNC machining, EDM, polishing, and tool assembly.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and project coordination abilities.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficient at mold design using Solid-Works (3D Design, tooling for molding).
  • Experience with medical-grade or high-precision LSR components.
  • Experience with multi-cavity, cold deck, or valve gate LSR tooling systems.
  • Understanding of validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ).
  • Knowledge of cleanroom manufacturing environments.
  • Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.


Key Competencies

  • Attention to detail
  • Technical creativity and innovation
  • Root cause analysis
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Time and project management
  • Continuous improvement mindset


Benefits:

At IRP Medical, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

IRP Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.

(Actual placement within the salary range is dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to skills, education, experience and location)