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Tool Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TruPath

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 ...

LMT Defense

Tool Designer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

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 ...

TruPath

Tool Designer

Saint Paul, 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 ...

Procyon TS

Tool designer

Red Oak, TX · On-site

Tool Designer Location: Red Oak, TX Day 1 onsite Acceptable Visas: USC and GC and H1 (NO TRANSFER) Full Time Rate: 94k Subcon; 52/hr * Experience in design & Design modification of Different ...

New

LMT Defense

Tool Designer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

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

Productive Resources LLC

Tool Designer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

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 ...

Amphenol Aerospace

Tool Designer

Sidney, NY · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

The Role Amphenol Aerospace Operations is seeking a Tool Designer to work out of its state-of-the-art facility in Sidney, NY. The key responsibilities of this Tool Designerinclude, but are not ...

HotRun Inc.

Tool Designer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

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 ...

Productive Resources

Tool Designer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

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 ...

Kubota

Tool Designer

Gainesville, GA · On-site

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 ...

Three Point Solutions

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 ...

MILWAUKEE VALVE

Tool Designer

Prairie Du Sac, WI · On-site

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 ...

Kubota

Tool Designer

Gainesville, GA · On-site

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 ...

TOOLS INC

Tool Designer

Sussex, WI

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 ...

ITC, Inc.

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 ...

HotRun Inc.

Tool Designer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

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 ...

Three Point Solutions

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 ...

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How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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Tool Designer jobs near you
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

ATACO STEEL PRODUCTS CORPORATION

Cedarburg, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job title: Tool Designer (Monday – Thursday 9 hours, half day Fridays)

Job Classification: Exempt

Reports To: Tool Room Manager

Position Summary

The Tool Designer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving tooling used in metal stamping, fabrication, and secondary operations. This role works closely with engineering, production, and tool & die to ensure tooling is efficient, manufacturable, and supports high-quality, cost-effective production.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design progressive, transfer, and/or line dies for metal stamping applications
  • Develop tooling for brake forming, welding fixtures, and secondary operations
  • Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, DraftSight)
  • Collaborate with engineers and production teams to optimize part manufacturability
  • Support quoting by providing tooling concepts, cycle time input, and cost estimates
  • Troubleshoot existing tooling and implement design improvements to reduce downtime and scrap
  • Work with Tool & Die Makers to ensure designs are practical and buildable
  • Maintain accurate documentation, revision control, and tool records
  • Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Tool Design, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 3+ years of tooling design experience in a manufacturing environment (stamping preferred)
  • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks strongly preferred)
  • Strong understanding of metal forming, materials, and tolerancing
  • Ability to read and interpret complex part prints and GD&T


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with progressive die design
  • Familiarity with laser cutting, brake forming, and welding processes
  • Knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., Syteline) for documentation and job tracking
  • Experience working in a union manufacturing environment


Key Competencies

  • Problem-solving and root cause analysis
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines


Work Environment

  • Office-based design work with regular interaction on the shop floor
  • Exposure to manufacturing environment including noise, machinery, and moving equipment

Benefits
Health, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life & AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability, 401(k) with company match, vacation, holidays, education assistance, and gainsharing.

Additional Information

All employees are expected to support and uphold the Values, Mission, and Vision Statements of the Company.

The duties described above represent the major elements of this position but are not intended to be all-inclusive. Other responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to meet business needs. Qualifications and job requirements may change over time. This job description may be revised with approval from Human Resources.

ATACO Steel Products Corp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, Wisconsin, or local law.

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