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Tool Design Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

As a BIM Engineer , you will play a pivotal role in designing and optimizing semiconductor FAB ... tool design, and manage space allocation for tools. * Conduct field observations to assess ...

As a BIM Engineer , you will play a pivotal role in designing and optimizing semiconductor FAB ... tool design, and manage space allocation for tools. * Conduct field observations to assess ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

Phoenix, AZ

$89.40K - $123.10K/yr

Experience in developing, creating, releasing, and updating engineering drawings using a 3D CAD design tool. * Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T); such as tolerance ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$85.10K - $117.20K/yr

Experience in developing, creating, releasing, and updating engineering drawings using a 3D CAD design tool. * Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T); such as tolerance ...

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Tool Design Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$49.9K

$84.3K

$124.4K

How much do tool design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool design engineer in Arizona is $84,288.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Tool Design Engineering?

Tool design engineering is the practice of creating plans for creating new types of tools or making improvements to existing equipment. As a tool design engineer, your duties include drawing up blueprints and schematics, consulting with engineers and manufacturers about specifications and production, and working with teammates to solve problems. Qualifications for a career as a tool design engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or a related subject. Some engineers have an advanced degree, but you can make up for a lesser degree through on the job experience. Analytical problem-solving skills are crucial for this career.

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

To thrive as a Tool Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, CAD modeling, and an understanding of manufacturing processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like ASME are often required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the creation of precise, efficient, and cost-effective tools that meet production needs and quality standards.

What are some typical challenges Tool Design Engineers face when collaborating with manufacturing teams?

Tool Design Engineers often work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure that the tools they design are feasible, efficient, and meet production needs. A common challenge is balancing innovative tool design with practical manufacturing constraints, such as material costs or equipment capabilities. Effective communication is essential to translate technical drawings into actionable solutions and to address any unforeseen production issues quickly. By building strong relationships and maintaining open dialogue, Tool Design Engineers can help streamline production processes and drive continuous improvement.

What are Tool Design Engineers?

Tool Design Engineers are professionals who create and develop tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and other devices used in manufacturing processes. They work closely with production and engineering teams to design tools that improve efficiency, ensure product quality, and enhance safety. Their responsibilities include designing tools using CAD software, selecting appropriate materials, and overseeing the testing and modification of prototypes. Tool Design Engineers play a crucial role in optimizing production workflows and reducing costs.

What is the difference between Tool Design Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTool Design EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing tools and dies used in manufacturing processesPlanning and optimizing manufacturing processes to produce products efficiently
Required SkillsCAD/CAM, mechanical design, materials knowledgeProcess improvement, production planning, quality control
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, machine shops, manufacturing plantsFactory floors, production lines, engineering offices
Common CertificationsCAD certifications, mechanical engineering degreesSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, engineering degrees

While both roles support manufacturing, Tool Design Engineers focus on creating the tools and dies needed for production, whereas Manufacturing Engineers optimize the overall manufacturing process to improve efficiency and quality.

What are popular job titles related to Tool Design Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Tool Design Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tool Design Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Tool Design Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Tool Design Engineer jobs in AZ? For Tool Design Engineer jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Manufacturing Engineer Level 3/Manufacturing Engineer Level 4

Manufacturing Engineer Level 3/Manufacturing Engineer Level 4

Northrop Grumman

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

$72.80K - $93.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is an industry-leading provider for launch systems capabilities serving national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable, and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible possible.
We are excited to announce an opening for aManufacturing Engineer Level 3/Manufacturing Engineer Level 4 who demonstrates the ability to solve complex Manufacturing problems, particularly in Wire Harnesses. This position is 100% on site at our Gilbert, AZ location. The successful candidate must be able to work EITHER the 1st shift 7:00am - 4:30pm OR the 2nd shift 3:00pm - 12:30am. Join our innovative team and contribute to the future of space systems manufacturing!
Position Overview:
As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will be instrumental in optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring alignment with engineering design concepts. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to reduce build times, lower costs, and improve overall quality. Your role will involve providing technical guidance, participating in tool design reviews, and implementing corrective actions for non-conforming products.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide guidance to Engineering on design concepts to ensure optimal manufacturing techniques for wire harnesses.
  • Participate in tool design reviews to ensure feasibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Define and document the sequence of operations for wire harness assembly.
  • Investigate non-conformance issues and initiate corrective actions and improvements.
  • Identify and implement improvement opportunities to enhance producibility and affordability.
  • Serve as a technical liaison to ensure low production costs and high-quality output.
  • Interpret drawings and specifications to support wire harness production technicians.
  • Write detailed work instructions to improve production workflow efficiency.
  • Assist in training employees in new and existing manufacturing processes.
  • Evaluate and enhance current manufacturing processes with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Specify, identify, and procure new manufacturing equipment to ensure production readiness.
  • Build 1:1 scale models of mockups to validate designs and improve assembly processes.
  • Utilize 3D printing technology to create models and parts for prototyping and production support.

Basic Qualifications Level 3
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 5 years of manufacturing and/or aerospace experience. Or a Master's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 3 years of manufacturing and/or aerospace industry experience.
  • Experience with 3D printing technology.
  • Familiarity with process flows, manufacturing principles, and production operations.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills (both oral and written).

Basic Qualification Level 4
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 8 years of manufacturing and/or aerospace experience; Or, a Master's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 6 years of manufacturing and/or aerospace industry experience: OR, Ph.D. with 4 years of experience of manufacturing and/or aerospace industry experience
  • Experience with 3D printing technology.
  • Familiarity with process flows, manufacturing principles, and production operations.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills (both oral and written).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with wire harness manufacturing and assembly.
  • Proficiency with the full suite of Microsoft Office Tools.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering or Systems Engineering.
  • Documented experience working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
  • New manufacturing technology development experience.
  • Experience with computer systems such as MES, Deltek Costpoint, TipQA, PTC Windchill, Tableau, or Minitab.

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939