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Tool Design Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Kaman Corporation

Design Engineer II

Middletown, CT · On-site

Design Engineer II, Tooling Precision Fusing and Sensors is actively hiring for a Design Engineer ... Execute the tool maintenance as defined in the database and record results. * Maintain and ...

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 ...

RTX

Senior Tool Designer (Onsite)

Middletown, CT

$107K - $204K/yr

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and ... The Senior Tool Designer will actively maintain and improve knowledge of tool design, machines ...

Prattwhitney

Senior Tool Designer (Onsite)

Middletown, CT · On-site

$107.50 - $204.50/hr

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and ... The Senior Tool Designer will actively maintain and improve knowledge of tool design, machines ...

RTX

$107K - $204K/yr

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and ... The Senior Tool Designer will actively maintain and improve knowledge of tool design, machines ...

PrecisionX Group LLC

Toolmaker Journeyman

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$28.50 - $37/hr

Work directly with engineering for initial tool design, prototypes, as well as improvements needed for current production tools. * Ability to train less skilled team members and apprentices.

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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 26, 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 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 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 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 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 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, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,043 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Tooling Design Engineer

Farmington, CT

Trumpf
Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Good employer

Respectful managers

Good training

Learn more about Trumpfexternal

Full-time

Posted 28 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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