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Tool Designer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Tool Designer Location: Lewis Center, OH Experience: 5-7 years Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Industry: Industrial Automation / Manufacturing Automation Job Summary ...

Prospect's Tool Designer is responsible for the completion of designs based on any flowed down and/or supplied information. All aspects of the design from the initial layout and 3D tool concept ...

Tool and Die Maker

Findlay, OH · On-site

$24.50 - $30.75/hr

This role involves working with engineers and tool designers to develop and modify tools, and requires working from blueprints, specifications, and diagrams. The individual assesses complex ...

Tool and Die Maker

Findlay, OH · On-site

$24.50 - $30.75/hr

This role involves working with engineers and tool designers to develop and modify tools, and requires working from blueprints, specifications, and diagrams. The individual assesses complex ...

Tool and Die Maker

Findlay, OH

$24.50 - $30.75/hr

This role involves working with engineers and tool designers to develop and modify tools, and requires working from blueprints, specifications, and diagrams. The individual assesses complex ...

Tool and Die Maker-Findlay,Ohio

Bluffton, OH

$24.25 - $30.75/hr

This role involves working with engineers and tool designers to develop and modify tools, and requires working from blueprints, specifications, and diagrams. The individual assesses complex ...

This role involves working with engineers and tool designers to develop and modify tools, and requires working from blueprints, specifications, and diagrams. The individual assesses complex ...

Tool & Die Maker - Weekend Shift

Dayton, OH · On-site

$25.25 - $31.75/hr

Create tool designs utilizing NX (Unigraphics) CAD system. This requires being familiar with tool design and drafting standards of various customers and military. * Operate overhead crane when ...

Tool & Die Maker

Salem, OH

$20 - $25.25/hr

Summary The Tool Maker is responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining precision tools ... Manufacture new tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds based on blueprints or CAD designs. * Repair ...

Tool & Die Maker

Salem, OH · On-site

$20 - $25.25/hr

Summary The Tool Maker is responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining precision tools ... Manufacture new tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds based on blueprints or CAD designs. * Repair ...

Tool Design Engineer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

... designs meet AS9100 and NADCAP quality requirements Support manufacturing operations by providing ... tool holding fixtures, workholding, jigs, and fixtures Proficiency with Siemens NX Strong 3D ...

Tool & Die Maker

Salem, OH

$20 - $25.25/hr

Summary The Tool Maker is responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining precision tools ... Manufacture new tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds based on blueprints or CAD designs. * Repair ...

Be Seen First

IMCO Carbide Tool Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Cutting Tool Design Engineer to join our innovative Research & Development team. If you're passionate about cutting tool technology, product ...

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Showing results 1-20

Tool Designer information

See Ohio salary details

$22

$36

$48

How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool designer in Ohio is $36.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.71 and $42.26 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tool Designer jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Tool Designer jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Tool Designer jobs in Ohio?

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

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Tool Designer jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Tool Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Tool Designer jobs in OH?

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

Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $75,338 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Mechanical Tool Designer

Prolim Global

Lewis Center, OH • On-site

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Mechanical Tool Designer

Location: Lewis Center, OH
Experience: 5–7 years
Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Industry: Industrial Automation / Manufacturing Automation
 

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Tool Designer to design and develop manufacturing automation equipment, tooling, fixtures, material handling systems, and machine integration solutions.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, industrial automation, high-speed automation lines, robotic systems, conveyors, pick-and-place systems, and mechanical tooling.

Responsibilities
  • Design and develop manufacturing automation systems, assembly automation, machine integration, and process optimization solutions.

  • Design conveyor systems, material handling equipment, and transfer mechanisms.

  • Develop pick-and-place systems using pneumatic, servo, and robotic technologies.

  • Design and integrate robotic automation for assembly, machine tending, packaging, inspection, and material handling.

  • Design jigs, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical assemblies for manufacturing and inspection processes.

  • Select and apply bowl feeders, sensors, servo motors, LM Guides, and other standard mechanical components.

  • Perform engineering calculations related to strength of materials, speed, horsepower, temperature, pressure, force, and other machine-design requirements.

  • Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to determine dimensions, materials, machining requirements, finishes, hardness, and tolerances.

  • Create working drawings, detail drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

  • Review designs for compliance with applicable OSHA, CE, ISO, and customer-specific standards.

  • Coordinate with customers, vendors, engineering teams, programmers, machinists, toolmakers, fabricators, and electricians.

  • Support machine debugging, integration, troubleshooting, and completion.

  • Review machine operations and sequences with controls/programming teams.

  • Determine appropriate tools, fixtures, and equipment for fabrication and assembly.

  • Select purchased components and create requisitions with required delivery dates.

  • Communicate project progress, time estimates, and resource requirements to project and engineering management.

  • Organize project documentation, drawings, schedules, requisitions, and correspondence.

  • Periodically supervise mechanical design activities and delegate tasks to team members.

  • Coordinate effectively with onsite and offshore teams of 10–12 members.

  • Assist in developing mechanical design and department standards.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

  • 5–7 years of mechanical design experience, preferably in industrial or manufacturing automation.

  • Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

  • Experience designing manufacturing automation and high-speed production systems.

  • Strong knowledge of mechanical tooling, fixtures, conveyors, material handling, and machine integration.

  • Experience with pneumatic, servo, and robotic automation systems.

  • Knowledge of sensors and electrical devices such as switches, load cells, and LVDTs.

  • Strong ability to conceptualize and develop solutions for complex mechanical design requirements.

  • Excellent communication and coordination skills.

Preferred Experience
  • Bowl feeder selection and integration

  • High-speed automation line design

  • Pick-and-place automation

  • Special Purpose Machines (SPM)

  • Robotic automation

  • Conveyor and transfer systems

  • Machine tending and inspection automation

  • Standard component selection

  • Machine debug and integration

  • OSHA / CE / ISO standards

  • Vendor and customer coordination

  • Onsite/offshore team coordination