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Tool Designer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Calculate die openings, bearings, tapers, and tool support for basic regular extrusion dies as well ... Complete and maintain documentation for all designs under the control of the incumbent. * Develop ...

Tool Maker III

Princeton, IN · On-site

$25 - $32.25/hr

Job Summary A Tool and Die Maker is responsible for designing, building, and repairing different types of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in various manufacturing processes. They work closely ...

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

Job Summary A Tool and Die Maker is responsible for designing, building, and repairing different types of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in various manufacturing processes. They work closely ...

Controls Engineer

Columbus, IN · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As a Controls Engineer at Rhino Tool House, you will play a key role in designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems across a diverse range of industries. You will have the ...

Calculate die openings, bearings, tapers, and tool support for basic regular extrusion dies as well ... Complete and maintain documentation for all designs under the control of the incumbent. * Develop ...

Calculate die openings, bearings, tapers, and tool support for basic regular extrusion dies as well ... Complete and maintain documentation for all designs under the control of the incumbent. * Develop ...

Calculate die openings, bearings, tapers, and tool support for basic regular extrusion dies as well ... Complete and maintain documentation for all designs under the control of the incumbent. * Develop ...

Calculate die openings, bearings, tapers, and tool support for basic regular extrusion dies as well ... Complete and maintain documentation for all designs under the control of the incumbent. * Develop ...

Stocker

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$13 - $18.90/hr

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country ... designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver ...

Stocker

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$13 - $18.90/hr

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country ... designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver ...

Stocker

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$13 - $18.90/hr

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country ... designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver ...

Cashier

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$13 - $18.90/hr

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country ... designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver ...

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Tool Designer information

See Indiana salary details

$22

$36

$48

How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool designer in Indiana is $36.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.76 and $42.31 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 are the most commonly searched types of Tool Designer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Tool Designer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Tool Designer jobs in Indiana? For Tool Designer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Tool Designer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Tool Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Tool Designer jobs in IN? For Tool Designer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,406 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
Lead Design Engineer - Elkhart, IN

Lead Design Engineer - Elkhart, IN

Placon Corporation

Elkhart, IN • On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Placon rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 81 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

The Lead Design Engineer is responsible for direction and leadership to the Design department at Barger ensuring project management, design accuracy, and timeliness that meet or exceed customer expectations. In addition, the position is responsible for the process of transforming customer needs and requirements into thermoforming packaging solutions through creation of product designs and specifications, as well as, tool designs and specifications. In collaboration with the customer, account managers, new product development team, tooling vendors, and other applicable parties, the designer is to implement packaging designs into finished goods, implement tooling designs, and procure production tooling which meet or exceed overall expectations of all parties.

Essential Accountabilities

  1. Provide direction and leadership to the Barger design department; scheduling and prioritization of workloads including external design resources when they are utilized.
  2. Evaluate team and individual performance. Identify team and individual development goals that align to strategic initiatives and department objectives.
  3. Create and manage metrics to track and measure the design department performance to meet customer expectations.
  4. Lead the external tool procurement efforts and manage their performance to established criteria and specifications.
  5. Assist Account Managers with technical support for specific projects, present design solutions, and build strong working relationships. Be able to represent company with customers in the absence of Account Manager.
  6. Create and lead the efforts of ideation, concept, and product design resources for specific projects; coordinate the sample creation and approval process.
  7. Create complex computer aided design geometry, product and tool drawings based on the project analysis, customer specifications, and the assumption spreadsheet that the quote was based on.
  8. Integrate full proficiency of thermoforming and manufacturing processes with design projects and customer needs. Relate knowledge of plastic formulation and characteristics to customer requirements.
  9. Ensure tooling specifications, optimization, and performance standards are in place through working with Pricing, Process Engineering, internal and external tooling vendors, and other applicable parties.
  10. Provide development support to process engineering and production teams for tooling with additional input to product design, machine, process operation, and material suitability.
  11. Approve parts and confirm specification database.
  12. Review and initiate engineering change orders related to customer design changes, purchasing changes, and evaluations of possible specification changes.
  13. Production lifecycle support by supporting corrective action efforts along with financial analysis of changes.
  14. Comply with all safety, ISO procedures and work instructions related to job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related field with 5 years design (product or tooling) experience or Associate degree with 9 years design (product or tooling) experience in the plastics industry with project management and supervisory leadership experience.

Proficient in the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems in both 2D and 3D.

Desired Skills

  • Standard office professional software (i.e. word processing, spreadsheets)
  • Thermoform plastics manufacturing experience
  • Knowledge of quality systems and controlled documentation systems
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Supervisory leadership experience
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Self-directed with ability to work without close direction


Position Requirements

Work Environment Conditions:

Inside: Office, Manufacturing, Tool Vault.

Equipment/Tools Used:

Computer, fax, phone, copier, measurement tools, 2D and 3D Modeling CAD, MS Office, Oracle

Physical Requirements: Light work (lift 10 lbs): consistently (samples, cases of parts)

Medium Work (lift 11-30 lbs.): frequently (cases of parts, tooling) Heavy Work (lift 31-50 lbs.) occasionally (tooling) Mental Requirements Reading, writing, calculating

Interpersonal skills

Reasoning / Analysis

Works with minimal supervision

Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Travel Frequency (in addition to seminars or related training):

Minimal (less than 5%) – travel to customers/vendors/tradeshows


What Placon employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Placon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Fitchburg, WI, US

Year founded

1966

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