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Tool Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Service Tool Design Engineer Pay up to $80-$100/hr. (DOE) Location: On-site, Berkeley, CA Contract- 6 Months Our client is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join their Field Services team. In this ...

This role leverages the latest advancements in tooling, equipment, materials, and part design to achieve the highest quality, greatest efficiency, and lowest possible production cost. Job ...

Cutting Tool Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Use CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ) to create blueprints and 3D models for custom cutting tools, special form tools, and complex indexable inserts. · Process Optimization : Analyze ...

The Senior Tool Design Engineer brings 7+ years of experience developing production tooling for complex aerospace systems. This role owns tooling throughout its lifecycle (concept, design, analysis ...

The Senior Tool Design Engineer brings 7+ years of experience developing production tooling for complex aerospace systems. This role owns tooling throughout its lifecycle (concept, design, analysis ...

The Senior Tool Design Engineer brings 7+ years of experience developing production tooling for complex aerospace systems. This role owns tooling throughout its lifecycle (concept, design, analysis ...

Job responsibilities include: CAD modeling, design printing, design detailing. Could progress to post-graduation responsibilities of tool & die design and Mold flow / thermal analysis, 3D scanning.

Tool Designer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Our large manufacturing client located in Peoria, Illinois, is looking for a Tool Designer, to add ... Evaluate and design workholding as needed to manufacture part(s) in selected machines * Create new ...

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Tool Design information

See salary details

$53.5K

$90.4K

$133.5K

How much do tool design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool design in the United States is $90,449.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $103,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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 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 tool designers?

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.
More about Tool Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Tool Design jobs? Cities with the most Tool Design job openings:
What states have the most Tool Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Tool Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tool Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tool Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Tool Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,449 per year, or $43.5 per hour.
Senior Tool Design Engineer

Senior Tool Design Engineer

MacLean-Fogg

Mundelein, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


MacLean-Fogg rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Role Summary

The Senior Tool Design Engineer applies advanced engineering knowledge and technical expertise to design, develop, and optimize tooling systems for manufacturing processes. This pivotal role contributes to enhancing product quality, boosting production efficiency, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Senior Tool Design Engineer is also responsible for mentoring junior engineers, providing training to machine operators, and playing an instrumental role in solving complex tooling challenges. This position requires active collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful development and implementation of innovative tooling solutions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and development of high-performance tooling for manufacturing equipment, ensuring tooling meets production requirements, specifications, and industry standards.

  • Spearhead the research, design, and implementation of tooling enhancements and improvements to increase product quality, reliability, and production efficiency.

  • Collaborate effectively with production teams, engineering departments, and quality assurance to identify tooling design challenges, develop solutions, and resolve complex production issues.

  • Drive innovation by proposing and implementing creative and cost-effective tooling solutions or modifications that improve tooling performance and lifespan.

  • Oversee and manage the tool change control process, ensuring compliance with internal company standards, protocols, and regulatory requirements.

  • Provide expert support to production teams by diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving complex tooling issues during new product launches and ongoing production runs.

  • Create, update, and manage accurate and detailed CAD drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and other necessary documentation to support the manufacturing process.

  • Ensure adherence to 5S standards to maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.

  • Maintain strict compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures to ensure risk mitigation and operational excellence.

  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, offering expertise to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance process reliability.

  • Mentor, train, and coach junior engineers and machine operators, providing guidance on tooling design, troubleshooting, and best practices.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Required)
  • Education: Bachelor's

  • Experience: Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on tooling design in a manufacturing environment.

  • Extensive experience and advanced knowledge of tooling design and related engineering principles, with a proven track record of successful tooling implementations.

  • Proven leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to effectively coach and develop junior engineers and other technical team members.

Benefits at MacLean-Fogg

MacLean-Fogg offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, career growth, and work-life balance, including:

  • 21 total paid days off, including 10 vacation days and 11 paid holidays.

  • Four medical insurance options through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with 100% coverage for eligible preventive care.

  • Dental insurance and vision insurance.

  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 3.5% company match, full vesting after two years, and discretionary profit sharing.

  • Health Savings Account with company contributions of up to $1,000 for individual coverage or $2,000 for family coverage.

  • Healthcare and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts.

  • Four weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees following a birth, adoption, or placement.

  • Company-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short-term disability insurance.

  • Voluntary long-term disability insurance.

  • Tuition reimbursement for eligible degrees and continuing education.

  • Spring Health Employee Assistance Program, including mental health, legal, and financial support.

  • Four free therapy sessions each year for employees and each eligible family member.

  • Free 24/7 virtual healthcare through Teladoc.

  • Virtual physical therapy through Hinge Health.

  • On-demand access to earned wages through PayActiv.

  • Wellness incentives, equipment rebates, charitable donation matching, and a new vehicle rebate program.

  • LinkedIn Learning and MacLean-Fogg leadership and professional development programs.

  • Holiday turkeys and hams to share with your family.

Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.

About MacLean-Fogg

MacLean-Fogg is a privately held, fourth-generation family-owned manufacturer with more than 100 years of history. We manufacture engineered components for automotive and industrial applications and operate facilities across the United States.

Our long-term ownership allows us to invest in our people, manufacturing capabilities, customers, and communities. We are committed to integrity, people, customer excellence, stewardship, continuous improvement, and building lasting relationships with our employees and customers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MacLean-Fogg is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process may contact careers@macleanfogg.com.

Company Description

At MacLean-Fogg, you’ll be part of a global manufacturing leader with a 100-year legacy of innovation and excellence. We partner with some of the world’s most iconic brands to create high-quality fasteners, components, and engineered solutions for industries that shape the future. With the recent addition of Mallard Manufacturing, we’ve expanded into industry-leading gravity flow solutions for material handling. Here, your ideas and skills will make an impact—driving cutting-edge solutions, advancing sustainability, and helping build a better tomorrow. Join a collaborative team where your contributions matter and your career can thrive.

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