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Tool Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer IV

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

Description The Design Engineer IV (Staff) works on high profile design projects that require new ... May require coding and learning tool/ software specific languages. * Exhibits confidence in ...

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 ...

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

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Support CAD admin duties such as tool and process development for designers What You Bring * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master's degree ...

Collaborate with tool and library vendors to evaluate and implement innovative engineering ... Direct and review the technical work of Hardware Design Engineers while promoting engineering ...

Collaborate with tool and library vendors to evaluate and implement innovative engineering ... Direct and review the technical work of Hardware Design Engineers while promoting engineering ...

GrammaTech is looking for a Sr. Hardware Design/FPGA Engineer to work onsite at customer locations ... Integrates new P&R tools, P&R tool updates, and ASIC or FPGA design libraries into Government ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Sep 5, 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 is a tool design engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tool design engineer?

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 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 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. Their work often involves testing prototypes and refining designs to improve manufacturing quality and productivity.

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:

Infographic showing various Tool Design Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,442 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Hardware Design Engineer

BTS Software Solutions

Annapolis Junction, MD โ€ข On-site

$180K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The position is for a future opportunity scheduled for Award Spring 2027

Hardware Design Engineer (Levels I-III)

BTS Software Solutions is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to design and test circuits and hardware in support of customer operations.

Job Description:

Designs and tests new integrated circuits and hardware components for a wide variety of signal processing applications and research. Designs, documents, and develops code (to include firmware) for digital signal processors or other programmable hardware devices such as Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware. Analyzes the function of existing integrated circuits and hardware components for the purpose of reverse engineering the hardware and firmware. Conducts the necessary hardware engineering and related functions to modify and adapt vendor-manufactured hardware to meet special Government needs and contingencies.

Primary Location: Annapolis Junction, MD

Clearance Requirement: TS/SCI with Poly from Maryland customer

Degree Requirement:

  • Level 1- Three (3) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Level 2-Seven (7) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Level 3- Twelve (12) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

Relevant Experience:

All Levels:

  • Assist with designing new products and processes and improving and maintaining existing products
  • Communicate with the other engineering personnel to coordinate the interrelated design and assure project completion
  • Conduct design analysis on components and/or assemblies to assist in the development process by ensuring designs are cost efficient, able to be manufactured, and reliable
  • Develop and maintain documentation for the P&R design flows
  • Assist with de-processing electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures
  • Design new products and processes and improving and maintaining existing products
  • Work with tool and library vendors to develop solutions for designers’ P&R design challenges
  • Perform the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures
  • Integrate new P&R tools, P&R tool updates, and ASIC or FPGA design libraries into Government’s computer aided design environment, documents the use of those tools and libraries, and Assist other physical designers to successfully complete their specific P&R design tasks

Addition Requirements for Level 2:

  • Lead the designs of new products and processes and improve and maintain existing products
  • Provide technical leadership to less experienced engineers
  • Perform the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures and develops improved procedures

Additional Requirements for Level 3

  • Direct and check the work of other hardware design engineers
  • Develop novel procedures for reverse engineering of new component types
  • Oversee the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures

Pay Range: $180,000-$265,000
The BTS pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Our approach to crafting offers considers various factors to establish an equitable and competitive compensation package. These considerations include, but are not limited to, the extent and intricacy of the role’s responsibilities, the candidate’s educational background, their work experience, and the specific competencies crucial for success in the role.

Company Overview:

BTS Software Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business who are community-focused innovators who transform ideas into technology to serve people. We recognize that innovation is only valuable when applied towards a needed solution. Technology has no value without the hard work to turn ideas into reality. Our roots are in helping save Soldiers’ lives through technology. We bring that ethos to serving our community. We create solutions that touch people's lives - products to communicate, to connect companies with customers, to stay informed, to save lives, and to enhance lives.

We have a small company persona with a large company ethos and capabilities; we create elegant solutions for complex problems that will enrich people’s lives. We offer one of the best benefits packages in the industry: Competitive health benefits package, PTO, 401K matching and vested from day one to name just a few of our benefits and perks.

BTS Software Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.