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Tool Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Hardware Design Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description The Electronic Warfare Division of Leidos is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to ... tool and such as Xilinx Vivado/Vitis and Siemens ModelSim • Experience with at least one ...

Leidos

Hardware Design Engineer

Arlington, VA

The Electronic Warfare Division of Leidos is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to support Circuit ... Layout tool set such as Altium, KiCad, or Cadence Allegro/OrCad. Experience with hardware ...

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Support CAD admin duties such as tool and process development for designers Required Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field;

Pae

FPGA Hardware Design Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Work with tool and library vendors to develop solutions for designers' P&R design challenges ... Programming in VHDL * 8 Years : Programming in Xilinx FPGAs- any combination of VIRTEX-II Pro ...

Amentum

FPGA Hardware Design Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Work with tool and library vendors to develop solutions for designers' P&R design challenges ... Programming in VHDL * 8 Years : Programming in Xilinx FPGAs- any combination of VIRTEX-II Pro ...

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All JobsTool Design Engineer JobsTool Design Engineer Jobs in Washington

Tool Design Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$60.6K

$102.4K

$151.2K

How much do tool design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool design engineer in Washington is $102,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,700.00 and $116,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced tool design engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, automotive, or defense can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with seniority, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires extensive expertise in CAD software, materials, and manufacturing processes.

What does a tool design engineer do?

A tool design engineer develops and creates tools, dies, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. They analyze product specifications, use CAD software to design tools, and collaborate with production teams to ensure functionality and efficiency. Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods, and engineering principles is essential for this role.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and data engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Leadership roles like engineering managers and technical directors in high-demand industries can also reach or exceed this salary level.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in high-demand areas or management responsibilities.

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.
More about Tool Design Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Tool Design Engineer jobs in Washington? For Tool Design Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tool Design Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Tool Design Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Tool Design Engineer jobs in WA? For Tool Design Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tool Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Design Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,442 per year, or $49.3 per hour.
Design Engineer IV

Design Engineer IV

Rochester Electronics, LLC

Rockville, MD • On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description
The Design Engineer IV (Staff) works on high profile design projects that require new silicon created from either original component manufacturer (OCM) or end-customer databases. This position works hand in hand with the Product Engineering position with many tasks involving other groups (test, packaging, quality, production control, etc.).
Responsibilities
  • Proficient with customer engagement to complete the business with clean execution of the design tasks.
  • Ensures that solid silicon design methodology and best silicon design practices are employed.
  • Practices clear communications with fellow engineers including documenting the work performed, schedule estimations, and challenges for any project.
  • Utilities feedback in proposed solutions based upon feedback from management, customers, and peers.
  • Participates and leads in team meetings to discuss work performed and outlines challenges for any project.
  • May be asked to mentor to engineers in practices, tools and areas specific to tasks.
  • Regularly participate on cross-functional teams and multi-discipline teams across the entire company.
  • May be requested to perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Requires a minimum Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering required (BSEE, BSCS, or BSCE).
  • At least 8-10 years of custom silicon design experience.
  • Must be a proficient team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to define and execute what is necessary to get a semiconductor design to fab and through manufacturing.
  • Works with job specific software. May require coding and learning tool/ software specific languages.
  • Exhibits confidence in proposed solutions and willingness to take feedback for improvement in those solutions whether that feedback comes from management, customers, or peers.

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