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Tool Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tool Designer

Mendota Heights, MN · On-site

$36 - $44/hr

Custom Sheet Metal Manufacturing Company seeking a Tool Designer I to join our growing team at our facility in Mendota Heights, MN. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting ...

Custom Sheet Metal Manufacturing Company seeking a Tool Designer I to join our growing team at our facility in Mendota Heights, MN. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting ...

Tool Designer Eldridge, IA - Full Time Productive Resources (www.productiveresources.com) is seeking a candidate to be part of our engineering team at our customer's facility in Eldridge, IA. As a ...

Below are the preferred skills, duties, and responsibilities you will have performing as our Tool Designers. POSITION SUMMARY: The position is responsible for designing fixtures, gauges, and special ...

Tool Designer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Tool Designer Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Location: Waterloo, IA 50703 Duration: 24 Months (Extension/Conversion Possible) Shift: 1st Shift (6:00 AM - 2:30 PM + OT) Job Summary ...

Tool Designer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Below are the preferred skills, duties, and responsibilities you will have performing as our Tool Designers. POSITION SUMMARY: The position is responsible for designing fixtures, gauges, and special ...

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Tool Designer to join our team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a design professional who thrives on turning ...

Designing tight tolerance molds as well as responsible for all design related requirements of the Tool Room. This will include Data management, stamping and extrusion dies, replacement components ...

Tool Designer Eldridge, IA - Full Time Productive Resources (www.productiveresources.com) is seeking a candidate to be part of our engineering team at our customer's facility in Eldridge, IA. As a ...

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Tool Designer to join our team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a design professional who thrives on turning ...

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 to their team. Depending on experience, responsibilities include: * Review manufacturing information ...

The Tool Designer works closely with tool makers, project managers, and customers to ensure tooling is manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with production capabilities. Essential Job ...

Milwaukee Valve Company is looking for a Tool Designer to join our Prairie Du Sac, WI team in Department 761. This is a salaried exempt position on 1st shift with regular office hours and is 100% on ...

Designing tight tolerance molds as well as responsible for all design related requirements of the Tool Room. This will include Data management, stamping and extrusion dies, replacement components ...

Designing tight tolerance molds as well as responsible for all design related requirements of the Tool Room. This will include Data management, stamping and extrusion dies, replacement components ...

Tool Designer

Oldsmar, FL · On-site

$35 - $39/hr

Tool Designer Client: Aerospace Industry Duration: 6 Months (Possibility of Extension) Location: Oldsmar, FL 34677 Shift: 1st Shift - 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Role Overview • Create detailed CAD drawings ...

The Tool Designer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving production tooling used in the manufacturing and assembly of aircraft interior components (e.g., monuments, seats, galleys ...

Milwaukee Valve Company is looking for a Tool Designer to join our Prairie Du Sac, WI team in Department 761. This is a salaried exempt position on 1st shift with regular office hours and is 100% on ...

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Tool Designer information

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$23

$38

$51

How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool designer in the United States is $38.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $44.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tool Designer vs Machinist?

AspectTool DesignerMachinist
CredentialsTechnical degree or certification in manufacturing or engineeringHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, collaborative teamsMachine shops, manufacturing floors, workshop settings
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, engineering, product developmentUsed in machining, fabrication, production
Primary FocusDesigning tools, fixtures, and jigsOperating machines to produce parts

Tool Designers focus on creating and developing tools and fixtures using CAD software, working mainly in design environments. Machinists operate manufacturing equipment to produce parts based on specifications. While both roles are essential in manufacturing, Tool Designers concentrate on design, whereas Machinists focus on production and operation of machinery.

What are some common challenges Tool Designers face when collaborating with manufacturing teams?

Tool Designers often need to balance innovative design concepts with the practical constraints of manufacturing processes and deadlines. Communication with machinists and production engineers is essential to ensure that tools are not only functional but also manufacturable and cost-effective. Challenges can include adapting designs based on feedback, managing changes during prototyping, and ensuring all safety and quality standards are met. Building strong relationships with the manufacturing team and staying open to iterative improvements are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tool Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tool Designer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, CAD software proficiency, and an understanding of manufacturing processes, usually backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and knowledge of GD&T are commonly required, along with relevant certifications such as Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP). Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure that tools are designed for optimal functionality, manufacturability, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

What Does a Tool Designer Do?

A tool designer works in a machine shop or factory using a variety of methods to conceptualize and construct forms referred to as dies. In this role, you may work with blueprints or computer software such as CAD to create products and equipment according to customer specifications. Your responsibilities include the manufacturing of fixtures, molds, and jigs for die casting or molding other materials. Your duties also involve complying with the company’s safety policies and any regulations that may apply when using the equipment. The nature of this job is hazardous, making the use of protective gear imperative.

What are Tool Designers?

Tool Designers are professionals who specialize in creating designs and specifications for tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and other equipment used in manufacturing processes. They use engineering principles and computer-aided design (CAD) software to ensure that tools are efficient, durable, and tailored to the production requirements of a specific product or process. Tool Designers work closely with engineers, machinists, and production teams to optimize manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
What cities are hiring for Tool Designer jobs? Cities with the most Tool Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tool Designer jobs? The most popular types of Tool Designer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Tool Designer jobs? The top employers for Tool Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Tool Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tool Designer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Tool Designer jobs? For Tool Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,245 per year, or $38.1 per hour.
Tool Designer

Tool Designer

TruPath

Mendota Heights, MN • On-site

$36 - $44/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Custom Sheet Metal Manufacturing Company seeking a Tool Designer I to join our growing team at our facility in Mendota Heights, MN. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting tool & die solutions to meet production and customer requirements.

Responsibilities:
  • Design tool & die concepts, 3D models, blueprints, and flat blanks (SolidWorks/LogoPress/Cadkey knowledge is a plus).
  • Design punch press tooling, including progressive dies.
  • Select materials and oversee tool fabrication.
  • Review customer drawings and RFQs for manufacturability.

Qualifications:
  • 5–7 years of tool & die design experience.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, stamping, laser cutting, molding).
  • Ability to read blueprints with GD&T.
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

This is a direct hire, long term career opportunity, the starting pay range is $36-$44 an hour (doe) plus benefits and room for advancement.