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Tool Design Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

TRUMPF Group

Tooling Design Engineer

Farmington, CT · On-site

TRUMPF's sheet metal fabrication tooling division is looking for a Tool Design Engineer to lead the development of custom punch and die solutions that enable our customers to innovate faster. You'll ...

Trumpf

Tooling Design Engineer

Farmington, CT

TRUMPF's sheet metal fabrication tooling division is looking for a Tool Design Engineer to lead the development of custom punch and die solutions that enable our customers to innovate faster. You'll ...

TRUMPF

Tooling Design Engineer

Farmington, CT · On-site

TRUMPF's sheet metal fabrication tooling division is looking for a Tool Design Engineer to lead the development of custom punch and die solutions that enable our customers to innovate faster. You'll ...

HANWHA AEROSPACE USA LLC

Tool Designer 1

Cheshire, CT · On-site

This requires being familiar with tool design and drafting standards of various customers and military. * Knowledge of layering, file naming conventions and geometric tolerance for major OEMs. * Work ...

IMPACT PARTNERS GROUP LLC

Be Seen First

Tooling Design Engineer

Berlin, CT · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Design, or equivalent technical degree; or Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification combined with significant engineering ...

IMPACT PARTNERS GROUP LLC

Be Seen First

Tooling Design Engineer

Berlin, CT · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Design, or equivalent technical degree; or Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification combined with significant engineering ...

COLUMBIA MANUFACTURING

Tool Maker

Columbia, CT

$25 - $32.50/hr

Interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and geometric tolerances (GD&T) to produce precise tooling ... Minimum of 5 years of experience as a tool maker in precision manufacturing or aerospace ...

COLUMBIA MANUFACTURING

Tool Maker

Columbia, CT · On-site

$25 - $32.50/hr

Interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and geometric tolerances (GD&T) to produce precise tooling ... Minimum of 5 years of experience as a tool maker in precision manufacturing or aerospace ...

PrecisionX Group

Design Engineer

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

The Tool Designer is responsible for the design, development, and documentation of deep draw tooling, progressive dies, fixtures, and inspection gages used throughout the manufacturing facility. This ...

GEM Manufacturing, LLC

Design Engineer

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

The Tool Designer is responsible for the design, development, and documentation of deep draw tooling, progressive dies, fixtures, and inspection gages used throughout the manufacturing facility. This ...

RTX

Tool Designer (Onsite)

Middletown, CT · On-site

$86K - $165K/yr

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and ... Support tool management software deployment and integration at assigned MC&O sites * Review designs ...

Pratt & Whitney

Tool Designer (Onsite)

Middletown, CT

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and ... Support tool management software deployment and integration at assigned MC&O sites * Review designs ...

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All JobsTool Design JobsTool Design Jobs in Connecticut

Tool Design information

See Connecticut salary details

$50.9K

$86K

$127K

How much do tool design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool design in Connecticut is $86,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by tool designers when collaborating with manufacturing teams?

Tool designers often encounter challenges such as aligning their designs with manufacturing capabilities and production timelines. Effective communication is crucial to ensure that the tools are both functional and manufacturable within budget constraints. Additionally, adapting designs to accommodate changes in materials or production processes can require quick problem-solving and close teamwork. Regular meetings and feedback sessions with manufacturing engineers help address these challenges and promote smooth project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tool designer?

To excel as a Tool Designer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes, and technical drawing, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Proficiency with CAD software (like SolidWorks or AutoCAD) and knowledge of materials and fabrication methods are crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure designs meet both functional and safety requirements. These skills are vital for creating efficient, reliable tools that optimize production and maintain quality standards.

What does a tool design do?

A tool designer develops and creates tools, dies, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes to ensure efficient and precise production. They use CAD software, understand materials, and collaborate with engineers to optimize tool performance and durability.

What is the difference between Tool Design vs Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectTool DesignManufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesigning tools and equipment used in manufacturing processesPlanning and optimizing manufacturing processes and workflows
Required SkillsCAD, technical drawing, materials knowledgeProcess analysis, production planning, quality control
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, workshops, CAD labsFactories, production lines, plant floors
Common CertificationsCAD certifications, technical diplomasSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, PMP

Tool Design focuses on creating the tools and equipment needed for manufacturing, while Manufacturing Engineering involves planning and improving the overall production process. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What is a tool designer?

Tool designers are professionals who create and develop tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and other devices used in manufacturing processes. Their main role is to design tools that enable efficient, precise, and cost-effective production of parts and products. Tool designers typically work closely with engineers, machinists, and production staff to ensure the tools meet specific requirements and are manufacturable. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and have a strong understanding of materials, manufacturing methods, and production workflows.
What are popular job titles related to Tool Design jobs in Connecticut? For Tool Design jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tool Design jobs in Connecticut look for? The top searched job categories for Tool Design jobs in Connecticut are:
Tool Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Design job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,043 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Tooling Design Engineer

TRUMPF Group

Farmington, CT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

As a family-run, high-tech company with nearly 19,000 employees at 71 locations worldwide, we are looking for forward thinkers with unconventional ideas and drive to join our team. Our company culture, which values collaboration and mutual trust, creates the ideal framework for boldly trying new things and questioning the status quo. Our technologies inspire people to develop and produce things that are currently unimaginable. Whether lasers, machine tools, EUV or electronics - TRUMPF is building technological worlds for future generations. Are you ready for new challenges?
TRUMPF's sheet metal fabrication tooling division is looking for a Tool Design Engineer to lead the development of custom punch and die solutions that enable our customers to innovate faster. You'll own the complete lifecycle-from initial customer conversations through final validation-ensuring every tool meets exacting performance standards and delivers real value to our customers.
What You'll Do
  • Design and engineer punch and die tooling for sheet metal punching and forming applications, balancing customer specifications with manufacturing feasibility
  • Develop and program EDM (electrical discharge machining) processes, including electrode design and hard milling operations
  • Collaborate with the tool design team to troubleshoot production challenges and refine designs based on real-world performance
  • Create and maintain technical documentation-drawings, specifications, and test records-that clearly communicates design intent to production and quality teams
  • Conduct product testing and validation, document findings, and communicate results to ensure tooling reliability and performance
  • Process design change notices (ECNs) and implement updates as customer needs or production learnings require
  • Provide pre-sales and post-sales technical support, consulting directly with customers to understand their requirements and troubleshoot issues
  • Issue production orders based on finalized specifications

What We're Looking For
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in sheet metal fabrication, tool and die making, or a related field
  • Proficiency with CAD software (Solidworks, HP ME10, or equivalent) and hard milling programming (TopCam, CamTek, or similar)
  • Working knowledge of EDM processes and TRUMPF punch equipment and ToPs software
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to teammates and customers-both in writing and face-to-face
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Education & Background
  • Associate degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field preferred
  • 2+ years of formal technical training or related industry experience
  • Equivalent experience in tool design, fabrication engineering, or CAD-driven manufacturing will be considered

Why This Role Matters
Custom tooling is where precision meets creativity. As a Tool Design Engineer at TRUMPF, you'll work on solutions that enable manufacturers across automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors to produce better products faster. Your designs don't just sit on a shelf-they go into production facilities worldwide, directly impacting how our customers compete.
TRUMPF Inc. endeavors to make TRUMPF careers pages accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance in completing the applications process, please contact our HR department at 860.255.6000 or at HRgeneral@us.trumpf.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and can not be used to inquire about the status of application.

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