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Tool Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Three Point Solutions

Tool Designer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$34 - $48/hr

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 Designers. POSITION SUMMARY: The position is responsible for designing fixtures, gauges, and special ...

AFC Industries

Tool Designer

Newton, IA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Tool Designer - Newton, IA * Requirements for this position include a 2-year diploma/degree in computer aided drafting or a combination of education and experience of 2 years. * The candidate should ...

AFC Industries

Tool Designer

Newton, IA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Tool Designer - Newton, IA * Requirements for this position include a 2-year diploma/degree in computer aided drafting or acombination of education and experience of 2 years. * The candidate should ...

Productive Resources LLC

Tool Designer II

Eldridge, IA · On-site

Tool Designer II 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 ...

Productive Resources

Tool Designer II

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Tool Designer II 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 ...

Actalent

Tool Design Engineer

Postville, IA

Tool Design Engineer The Tool Design Engineer designs and develops tooling for plastic injection molding with a strong focus on design for manufacturing and assembly using 3D CAD software. This role ...

Accu-Mold Corp

Tool and Die Maker - Machinist

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$24.75 - $31/hr

Join Accumold's world-class Tool Room team and build some of the most precision injection molds in ... You'll collaborate with engineers, designers, and fellow toolmakers to create and maintain tooling ...

Accu-Mold Corp

Tool and Die Maker - Machinist

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$24.75 - $31/hr

Join Accumold's world-class Tool Room team and build some of the most precision injection molds in ... You'll collaborate with engineers, designers, and fellow toolmakers to create and maintain tooling ...

New Leader Manufacturing

Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Uses SolidWorks effectively as a design tool. * Collaborate with engineers and other departments to ... Designer/ Drafter using CAD systems for the design of hydraulic, electrical and mechanical ...

New Leader Manufacturing

Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Uses SolidWorks effectively as a design tool. * Collaborate with engineers and other departments to ... Designer/ Drafter using CAD systems for the design of hydraulic, electrical and mechanical ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsTool Designer JobsTool Designer Jobs in Iowa

Tool Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$22

$35

$48

How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool designer in Iowa is $35.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.38 and $41.78 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.
More about Tool Designer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Tool Designer jobs in Iowa? For Tool Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tool Designer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Tool Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Tool Designer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Tool Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Tool Designer jobs in IA? For Tool Designer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tool Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,432 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Tool Designer

Three Point Solutions, Inc.

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Tool Designer
Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company
Location: Waterloo, IA 50703
Duration: 24 Months (Possible Extension/Conversion)
Shift: 1st Shift (6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, OT Likely)
Key Responsibilities
• Design and develop manufacturing tooling, fixtures, gauges, assemblies, and equipment
• Create 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings
• Support machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly operations
• Apply GD&T and engineering standards to tooling designs
• Coordinate tooling design, procurement, and implementation activities
• Manage tooling projects from concept through build and tryout
• Collaborate with machinists, welders, inspectors, engineers, and suppliers
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical guidance
• Support manufacturing process improvements and lean initiatives
• Troubleshoot tooling and manufacturing issues and implement solutions
• Manage external tooling vendors and suppliers
• Ensure revision control, documentation accuracy, and drawing standards compliance
Required Skills
• Tool design experience
• Creo or Solid Modeling (SolidWorks, Creo Parametric)
• 3D CAD modeling and 2D drafting
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• Tooling, fixture, and gauge design
• Manufacturing process knowledge
• Fabrication and machining methods
• Engineering drawing interpretation
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Project coordination and communication skills
Preferred Skills
• C++ programming
• Python programming
• SQL knowledge
• Project Management experience
• Supply Management/Purchasing experience
• Lean Manufacturing exposure
• Vendor/Supplier coordination
• Process improvement experience
Ideal Background
• Tool Designer
• Tooling Engineer
• Fixture Design Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer (Tooling)
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Tool & Die Designer
• Product Design Engineer (Manufacturing)
• CAD Designer - Manufacturing
Education
• Engineering Degree preferred (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field)
• Recent graduates considered if they have internships and strong Creo/Solid Modeling experience
• 5+ years of Tool Design experience highly preferred
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