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Tool Designer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

ARCONIC

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 ...

Northern Tool + Equipment

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 ...

Ahaus Tool & Engineering

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, IN · On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

Modify designs to improve performance. * Select purchased components to incorporate into designs ... Occasional work-related travel required Ahaus Tool & Engineering, Inc. is an equal opportunity ...

NYX, LLC

Mold Maker

New Albany, IN

May assist product designers by providing information about potential manufacturing difficulties with new product designs Key Responsibilities Plastic Injection Molding Mold Maker / Tool and Die To ...

Crateandbarrel

Design & Sales Expert

Knox, IN

Proficient in Google platforms, virtual communication, design tool experience preferred Euromarket Designs, Inc., which does business as Crate and Barrel and CB2, will be referred to as "the Company"

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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 Sep 5, 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 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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Tool Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,406 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

CAD/CAM & Die Designer-Lafayette, Indiana

ARCONIC

On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Complete drawings that accurately represent customer dimensional requirements.

  • Operate CAD and CAM software to design tools and program NC machines for manufacturing extrusion dies and tools.

  • Calculate die openings, bearings, tapers, and tool support for various types of extrusion dies and tooling.

Arconic rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description
Arconic is currently in search of a CAD/CAM & Die Designer to join our Aluminum Extrusion (AEX) business unit in Lafayette, IN.
At Arconic, we take pride in our work and our innovative products and technologies that advance sustainable solutions for a better world. We strive to create a safe, inclusive and collaborative workplace with competitive benefits, development opportunities and a culture that values and rewards employees on all levels of the organization.
Profile : The primary purpose of this role is to complete designs and program NC machines for the manufacture of tooling used in the Lafayette Division extrusion and tube processes.
Responsibilities
In this role you will:
  • Complete drawings that accurately represent customer dimensional requirements.
  • Accurately complete effective and efficient tooling design processes.
  • Know the design requirements for over 100 different aluminum alloy/temper combinations on extrusion presses from 900-14,000 tons using both the direct and indirect extrusion method and in the programming of the mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines.
  • Operating the CAD design software as required based on input from the Design Supervisor and the Process Technologists.
  • Complete section drawings, detail drawings, and designs for the manufacture and use of tools and dies using individual expertise and computer-aided tools.
  • Operate CAM software and complete the CAM program for Numerically Controlled Machines ranging from 2 to 3 for the manufacture of extrusion dies and tools.
  • Calculate die openings, bearings, tapers, and tool support for basic regular extrusion dies as well as the most complex step dies, hollow dies, and tube tooling using individual expertise and computer-aided tools.
  • Complete and maintain documentation for all designs under the control of the incumbent.
  • Develop basic computer skills and a basic knowledge of the NT operating system.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • An associate's degree in design or drafting from an accredited institution
  • A minimum of 5 years of tooling experience in the extrusion industry (or equivalent demonstrated experience)
  • This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. §730, et seq.) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Qualified candidate must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the relevant government agency. Business demands may require employer to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of trigonometry, 2 to 3 Axis NC Machine operation and capabilities
  • Self-starter with attention to detail
  • Demonstrated interest in working as a team member within the CAD/CAM Group of the Manufacturing Tooling Department

About Us
Arconic Corporation is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extrusions, as well as innovative architectural products, that advance the automotive, aerospace, commercial transportation, industrial and building and construction markets. Building on more than a century of innovation, Arconic helps to transform the way we fly, drive, and build.
We live our core values and commit to delivering sustainable value to our customers, our employees, our communities and our stakeholders.
At Arconic, we:
Act With Integrity : We lead with respect, honesty, transparency and accountability.
Safeguard our Future : We protect and improve the health and safety of our employees, communities and environment.
Grow Stronger Together : We cultivate an inclusive and diverse culture that advocates for equity.
Earn Customer Loyalty : We build customer partnerships through best-in-class products and service.
Drive Operational Excellence : We pursue continuous improvement through innovation, agility, people development and collaboration.
Create Value : We achieve success by generating and growing value for our stakeholders.
This position is subject to Export Control Law: This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. §730, et seq.) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Authorizations from the relevant government agency may be required to meet export control compliance requirements.
United States EEO Statement : Arconic Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
About the Team
Lafayette Operations in Lafayette, IN is located approximately 60 miles from the state's capital, Indianapolis and is the home to Purdue University. Our Lafayette location has been continuously running in Lafayette community since 1938. We are an Aluminum Extrusions plant for Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial and Defense facility.

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