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Tool Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior plc

Tool Designer

Oceanside, CA

$22 - $25/hr

Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 3:30PM Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 an hour depending on experience Safety - Integrity - Customer Focus - Respect & Trust - Accountability - Excellence As a Tool Designer you will:

Senior plc

Tool Designer

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 3:30PM Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 an hour depending on experience Safety - Integrity - Customer Focus - Respect & Trust - Accountability - Excellence As a Tool Designer you will:

Ducommun

Tool Designer II-CA1

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

Tool Designer Engineersin this general category are concerned with determining the optimalmanufacturing methods and process for producing company products. Understanding of productivity ...

Ducommun

Tool Designer II-CA1

Santa Clarita, CA

Tool Designer Engineersin this general category are concerned with determining the optimalmanufacturing methods and process for producing company products. Understanding of productivity ...

Ducommun

Tool Designer II-CA1

Santa Clarita, CA

$85K - $95K/yr

Tool Designer Engineersin this general category are concerned with determining the optimalmanufacturing methods and process for producing company products. Understanding of productivity ...

Ducommun

Tool Designer II-CA1

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Tool Designer Engineersin this general category are concerned with determining the optimalmanufacturing methods and process for producing company products. Understanding of productivity ...

Ducommun

Tool Designer II-CA1

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Tool Designer Engineersin this general category are concerned with determining the optimalmanufacturing methods and process for producing company products. Understanding of productivity ...

alu

Tool Designer Level II - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$25.57 - $34.09/hr

The Tool Designer is responsible for all aspects of tooling design and production support throughout the forging facility. This position will support the entire product development at the designated ...

alu

Tool Designer Level I - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$20.50 - $28.31/hr

The Tool Designer is responsible for all aspects of tooling design and production support throughout the forging facility. This position will support the entire product development at the designated ...

Howmet Aerospace

Designer I

Fullerton, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Tool Design : Create tools for fastener manufacturing, installation, an equipment. Develop ... Verify and improve tooling designs and drawings. Perform calculations and component layout to ...

Howmet Aerospace

Designer I

Fullerton, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Tool Design : Create tools for fastener manufacturing, installation, an equipment. Develop ... Verify and improve tooling designs and drawings. Perform calculations and component layout to ...

Howmet Aerospace

Designer I

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Tool Design : Create tools for fastener manufacturing, installation, an equipment. Develop ... Verify and improve tooling designs and drawings. Perform calculations and component layout to ...

Howmet Aerospace

Designer I

Fullerton, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Tool Design : Create tools for fastener manufacturing, installation, an equipment. Develop ... Verify and improve tooling designs and drawings. Perform calculations and component layout to ...

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Tool Designer information

See California salary details

$23

$37

$50

How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool designer in California is $37.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.82 and $43.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tool designer?

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 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 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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Cities in California with the most Tool Designer job openings:

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For Tool Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Tool Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,207 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Tool Designer / Fixture Designer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Quantum World Technologies Inc
IT Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Quantum World Technologies Incexternal

Contractor

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Tool Designer / Fixture Designer

Location: San Diego, CA

Onsite/ Hybrid/ Remote: Onsite

Duration: 6 – 12 months

Job Description:

  • Tool Designer / Fixture Designer with aerospace tooling design experience and familiarity with NX or similar design environments may also be relevant for follow-up sourcing.