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Tool Designer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Forj Medical

Tool Designer

Vadnais Heights, MN · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

The Tool Designer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving injection molds, fixtures, and related tooling used to manufacture precision components for medical-device customers. This ...

Minnetronix Medical

Tool Designer

Vadnais Heights, MN · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

The Tool Designer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving injection molds, fixtures, and related tooling used to manufacture precision components for medical-device customers. This ...

Trelleborg

Tool Designer, medical manufacturing

Delano, MN · On-site

$37 - $42/hr

The Tool Designer designs, evaluates and reworks tooling as necessary to meet customer needs. Open to an early-mid career or a senior-level designer. Tasks and Responsibilities * Designs new tooling ...

Victory Tool

Tool Designer - Intern

Anoka, MN

$20 - $30/hr

Tool Designer Intern Victory Tool | Minnesota About Victory Tool Victory Tool is a modern, growing Tool & Die shop specializing in high-precision metal stamping solutions. We invest in technology ...

W3Global Inc.

Designer - Tool & Die

Anoka, MN

$30 - $50/hr

Collaborate with toolmakers and production teams to move designs into manufacturing * Participate in technical/design reviews * Assist with tool debugging, troubleshooting, and optimization

Superbeo

Designer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

Applies mathematical formulas and standard tool engineering data to develop designs. * Draws preliminary sketches and prepares layout and final detail drawings. * Responsible for developing and ...

Polaris, Inc.

Detailer - Tool & Die

Roseau, MN · On-site

$22 - $34/hr

Create designs for small to medium sized tooling and fixtures for manufacturing. * Create detailed ... Support of Tool & Die Technicians and Tool & Die Designers. * Performs other miscellaneous duties ...

Talent Masters Staffing

Tool Maker

Mendota Heights, MN

$25.75 - $33.50/hr

Read and interpret engineering drawings, die designs, and GDamp;T #183; Build, assemble, and debug progressive dies and advanced tooling #183; Operate manual machines (mill, grinder, lathe, drill ...

Talent Masters Staffing

Tool Maker

Mendota Heights, MN

$26 - $34/hr

Full-Time What you will do · Tool Maker · Read and interpret engineering drawings, die designs, and GD&T · Build, assemble, and debug progressive dies and advanced tooling · Operate manual ...

BTD Manufacturing

Tool Maker II

Lakeville, MN · On-site

$29.07 - $43.62/hr

Essential Functions: 1. Reviews blueprints and understands die designs. Analyzes how the die works ... Plans different styles of setups as required. 6. Arranges layout of tool steel and related ...

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All JobsTool Designer JobsTool Designer Jobs in Minnesota

Tool Designer information

See Minnesota salary details

$23

$37

$50

How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool designer in Minnesota is $37.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.62 and $43.56 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.

More about Tool Designer jobs

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

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The top searched job categories for Tool Designer jobs in Minnesota are:

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Cities in Minnesota with the most Tool Designer job openings:

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

Tool Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,613 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Tool Designer

Vadnais Heights, MN • On-site

Forj Medical
See more jobs at Forj Medicalexternal

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Exceptional People. Hard Problems. Meaningful Careers. Big Impact.
Nowhere else can you touch as many life-changing medical technologies. At Forj Medical, we work side by side with more than 100 medical device companies from startups to global giants to bring life-enhancing technologies to market. Working with us means solving hard problems with extraordinary people in a collaborative work environment. Join us.
Job Summary:
The Tool Designer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving injection molds, fixtures, and related tooling used to manufacture precision components for medical-device customers. This role translates customer and engineering requirements into robust, manufacturable tooling solutions and partners closely with Tooling, Process Engineering, NPI, Quality, Operations, suppliers, and customers from concept through qualification and production support at Forj Medical's Vadnais Heights site.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Create and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, drawings, bills of materials, and design documentation for injection molds, mold components, fixtures, and related tooling.
  • Develop tooling concepts that address part geometry, resin characteristics, shrink, gating, venting, cooling, ejection, manufacturability, cycle time, quality, serviceability, and expected tool life.
  • Lead and support design-for-manufacturability reviews with customers and cross-functional teams; identify technical risks and recommend practical solutions early in the development process.
  • Review customer models, prints, specifications, tolerances, and revision requirements to ensure tooling designs align with intended product and process requirements.
  • Collaborate with toolmakers, machinists, process engineers, and external tool shops to ensure designs can be manufactured, assembled, sampled, maintained, and repaired effectively.
  • Support mold-flow analysis, tolerance analysis, stack-up reviews, material selection, and tooling standards as appropriate to the program.
  • Participate in tool design reviews, project meetings, mold trials, troubleshooting, qualification activities, and production-readiness reviews.
  • Evaluate existing molds and recommend design changes to improve part quality, cycle time, reliability, cavitation, uptime, and ease of maintenance.
  • Manage design changes and technical records in accordance with document-control, configuration-management, customer, quality-system, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide accurate technical inputs for quotations, schedules, capital requests, and supplier decisions.
  • Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions related to tooling performance or molded-part quality.
  • Contribute to standard work, design libraries, lessons learned, and continuous-improvement efforts across the molding organization.
  • Perform other duties and support strategic projects as assigned.

Qualifications:
Education
  • Associate degree in Mechanical Design, Tool Design, Engineering Technology, or a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education, apprenticeship, and directly related experience may be considered.

Experience
  • Five or more years of injection-mold or precision-tooling design experience preferred.
  • Experience designing complex, multi-cavity, hot-runner, insert-molding, overmolding, or high-precision tooling strongly preferred.
  • Experience in medical device, regulated manufacturing, or contract manufacturing preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD and detailed drawing practices; SolidWorks or comparable software experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of injection-mold construction, machining methods, tool steels, polymers, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and DFM principles.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
  • Practical problem-solving, organization, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, engineering, quality, operations, and hands-on technical teams.

Working Conditions
  • Office environment
  • Manufacturing environment

Compensation
  • The expected starting salary for this position is $95,000 to $120,000 depending on qualifications. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefits program.

EEO Statement
Forj Medical provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Employment Requirement
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Compensation and Total Rewards Package
The salary range for this position is outlined below under "Job Details" and is dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable employment laws. Beyond base salary, Forj offers a competitive Total Rewards Package. We offer health, dental, vision, 401K plans, and time off programs. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual bonus program which depends on various factors, including, individual and organizational performance.

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