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Tool Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Description Aerospace Tool Designer Join our innovative aerospace engineering team as an Aerospace Tool Designer, where you will play a vital role in designing and developing essential tools that ...

Tool Designer - Aerospace

Plainview, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Our client is seeking an Aerospace Tool Designer, to play a vital role in designing and developing essential tools that support the manufacturing and assembly of aircraft structural components. Key ...

Our client is currently seeking a Tool Designer 3 Tooling Engineer/ Tool Designer Hazelwood, Mo Long Term Contract Position Summary: We are seeking a skilled Tooling Engineer to support the design ...

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 ...

Tool design for sheet metal punching, forming and fabricating * Tool design for metal stamping in DiNamic press and standard tooling for slide machines * Fixture design for welding and / or assembly

Aerospace Tool Designer Join our innovative aerospace engineering team as an Aerospace Tool Designer, where you will play a vital role in designing and developing essential tools that support the ...

Tool Designer - Aerospace

Plainview, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Our client is seeking an Aerospace Tool Designer, to play a vital role in designing and developing essential tools that support the manufacturing and assembly of aircraft structural components. Key ...

Aerospace Tool Designer

Plainview, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Aerospace Tool Designer Join our innovative aerospace engineering team as an Aerospace Tool Designer, where you will play a vital role in designing and developing essential tools that support the ...

Our client is currently seeking a Tool Designer 3 Tooling Engineer/Tool Designer ST LOUIS, MO Long Term Contract Position Summary: We are seeking a skilled Tooling Engineer to support the design ...

Tool Designer II

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$42 - $51/hr

Custom Sheet Metal Manufacturing Company seeking a Tool Designer II to join our growing team at our facility in Mendota Heights, MN. This role is responsible for supporting advanced tool design and ...

Custom Sheet Metal Manufacturing Company seeking a Tool Designer II to join our growing team at our facility in Mendota Heights, MN. This role is responsible for supporting advanced tool design and ...

Associate Tool Designer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$64K - $102K/yr

You will create detailed new complete tool designs as well as designs to assist in prototyping new products and other improvement projects. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING (% of Time) Create progressive ...

Tool Designer III - Machining, Sheet Metal, and Tool Design Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Duration: 3 years Location: Waterloo, IA, 50703 Shift: 1st Shift: 6 AM to 4:30 PM, (Anticipate ...

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Tool Designer information

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How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool designer in the United States is $38.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $44.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities are hiring for Tool Designer jobs? Cities with the most Tool Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tool Designer jobs? The most popular types of Tool Designer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Tool Designer jobs? The top employers for Tool Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Tool Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tool Designer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Tool Designer jobs? For Tool Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,245 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Tool Designer, medical manufacturing

Trelleborg

Delano, MN • On-site

$37 - $42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Trelleborg rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Trelleborg Medical Solutions is seeking a Tool Designer to join their Delano, MN team. 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 per Trelleborg standard practices
  • Leads tool design review meetings
  • Designs tool rework as requested by Engineering
  • Evaluates processes and methods for tool design
  • Works cooperatively with designers, engineers, tool makers, and machinists to solve design problems and/or resolve scheduling conflicts
  • Performs virtual molding and flow simulation
  • Manages daily SolidWorks maintenance tasks
  • Works with service and/or product suppliers
  • Assists in proposals for new projects
  • Uses CAD/CAM software to develop design and machine programming

Senior Tool Designer responsibilites:
    • Maintains a high level of autonomy and possesses the skill set necessary for the above tasks and responsibilities
    • Mentors and trains other tool designers, sharing knowledge, best practices, and purpose
    • Exercises discretion and independent judgment in handling day-to-day problems and procedures
    • Solves complex technical challenges in tooling and makes critical design decisions.
    • Collaborates with other teams and drives innovation

Education and Experience
  • Required
    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • 2-year technical degree in Machine Tool Trades/Tool and Die or equivalent experience
  • Desired
    • Some programming experience using CAD/CAM technology
    • Estimated 2 years of tool design experience
    • 2 year degree in Tooling or related discipline

Senior Tool Designer Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Estimated 10 years of tool design experience
  • 2 year degree in Tooling or related discipline

Desired
  • 3+ years of programming experience using CAD/CAM technology

Competencies
  • Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language
  • Ability to communicate clearly by conveying and receiving ideas, information and direction effectively
  • Demonstrated competence using Microsoft Office

As a valued team member with Trelleborg, you will enjoy:
Competitive compensation: Plus, bonus opportunities!
Generous benefits package: Includes health, dental, vision, STD, LTD, life, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more!
Clean work environment: Enjoy working in a very clean and climate-controlled environment every day!
Greater opportunity for impact: You will impact the production of life-saving devices.
Growth and advancement: Join a global company that loves to promote from within and allows for advancement.
Pay range: $37-42/hour depending on experience
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran, disability, or any other status protected by state or federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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