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Tool Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oshkosh Corporation

Tool Designer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$51K - $79K/yr

Job Summary The Tool Designer is responsible for designing and detailing tooling, fixturing, and gauges to support manufacturing processes. This role collaborates closely with engineering and ...

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

DCX-CHOL Enterprises, Inc.

Tool Designer

Pekin, IL

$65K/yr

We are looking for a talented Tool Designer to facilitate the design and manufacturing of our products: JOB SUMMARY You will be working closely with the Vice President & Manager of Engineering to ...

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

Escondido, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

Yokohama Tire Corporation

Tool Designer

West Point, MS · On-site

$52K - $78K/yr

... tool and die projects using sound principles and techniques • Develops, tests and evaluates theoretical designs • Monitors and commissions rubber transport equipment and assists with ...

Oshkosh Corporation

Tool Designer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$51K - $79K/yr

Job Summary The Tool Designer is responsible for designing and detailing tooling, fixturing, and gauges to support manufacturing processes. This role collaborates closely with engineering and ...

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

Oshkosh Corporation

Tool Designer

Appleton, WI

$51K - $79K/yr

Job Summary The Tool Designer is responsible for designing and detailing tooling, fixturing, and gauges to support manufacturing processes. This role collaborates closely with engineering and ...

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Tool Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

About the Role: Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily ... Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric * Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench

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Tool Designer information

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How much do tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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 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.
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Tool Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,245 per year, or $38.1 per hour.
Tool Designer

Tool Designer

Solar Turbines Incorporated

San Diego, CA

$133K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 419 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
About the Role:
Performs tool design tasks with and without direct supervision. Daily responsibilities include interpreting tool orders for critical information, developing tooling concepts, reviewing concepts with internal customers, creating manufacturing drawings, monitoring performance to estimated hours, and communicating with fabrication personnel to ensure a quality project result.
What You Will Do:
  • Provides solutions to a variety of problems relating to tool manufacturing using standard techniques
  • Increased ability to participate on teams using 6 Sigma tools to solve problems
  • Able to support most daily technical production needs
  • Responsible for individual parts or subassemblies in support of overall project goals
  • Researching new materials and competitive products
  • Developing and documenting functional requirements and translating into detail design documents
  • Participating in Make-Buy analysis for product components
  • Assists in designing 3D models using Creo Parametric
  • Performs basic FEA using Ansys Workbench
  • Computer-Aided Design & Engineering
  • Product Testing
  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems
  • Documents common hardware, software and communications problems and likely resolutions
  • Troubleshoots typical technical problems in a specific area
  • Works with vendor-specific diagnostic guides, tools and utilities to discover application problems
  • Adheres to standard troubleshooting procedures to ensure effectiveness of resolutions
  • Participates in setting evaluation standards and criterion for troubleshooting

Required:
  • 2+ years of professional CAD software experience, Creo Parametric preferred.
  • 3+ years of manufacturing experience.
  • Professional application of ANSY Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.

Desired:
  • Knowledge of the general principles, theories, and concepts of tool design including a good working knowledge of the accepted shop practices, methods, and techniques relating to tooling, part production, and assembly
  • Good knowledge of Creo Parametric modeling and drawing layouts
  • Working knowledge of GD&T and its application in gages and fixtures
  • 1+ years design engineering experience.
  • PTC Windchill, Creo Parametric, Excel
  • Previous tool-die-maker experience
  • Previous shop floor experience
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, mechanical engineering preferred.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Summary Pay Range:
$89,210.00 - $133,810.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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