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Tool Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications. * Effective ... Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager. * May have direct reports. Travel: * 0 ...

Development Engineer II

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications. * Effective ... Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager. * May have direct reports. Travel: * 0 ...

Support tool qualification, characterization, and continuous improvement initiatives * Translate customer feedback into actionable inputs for KLA R&D and product teams * Communicate technical ...

Summary: The Product Development Engineer (PDE) is a manufacturing expert who interprets ... Create tool orders * Review and approve tool designs for accuracy and correctness * Create visual ...

Support tool qualification, characterization, and continuous improvement initiatives * Translate customer feedback into actionable inputs for KLA R&D and product teams * Communicate technical ...

Focus on Tool Development & AI: * Define and drive validation strategies for complex or high-risk ... Some experience with software testing or quality engineering * Solid understanding of software ...

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Leads technical development of new ceramic and carbide cutting tool materials. Incorporates field ... Advanced degree in materials science/engineering (or other science/engineering) field with emphasis ...

The Process Development Engineer - InP Wafer Fab position is responsible for development ... Monitor tool health and respond to excursions impacting yield or reliability * Support capacity ...

May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications. * Effective ... Reports to Development Engineer or Manager of Device Research. * May have direct reports. Travel:

Showing results 41-60

Tool Development Engineer information

See salary details

$49K

$96.2K

$153.5K

How much do tool development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool development engineer in the United States is $96,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tool development engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tool Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), and a relevant degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, version control systems, and automation tools, as well as certifications in relevant frameworks, are typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable collaboration and innovative tool design. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient, reliable tools that optimize engineering workflows and support organizational productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by tool development engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Tool Development Engineers often work closely with software developers, QA testers, and product managers to create and refine tools. A common challenge is balancing differing priorities, such as development speed versus tool robustness or user-friendliness. Effective communication and flexibility are key to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each team. Regular feedback sessions and clear documentation help ensure that the tools developed meet the evolving requirements of all stakeholders.

What is the difference between Tool Development Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTool Development EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing tools and equipment used in manufacturing processesPlanning, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes and workflows
Skills & CertificationsMechanical design, CAD, problem-solving, certifications like Six Sigma or LeanProcess engineering, project management, certifications like Six Sigma or Lean
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesFactories, production lines, plant floor
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturingWidely used across various manufacturing sectors including consumer goods and industrial equipment

While both roles support manufacturing operations, the Tool Development Engineer primarily focuses on creating and improving tools and equipment, whereas the Manufacturing Engineer concentrates on optimizing entire production processes. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is a tool development engineer?

Tool Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain tools, software, or equipment used to optimize production processes or support engineering teams. Their responsibilities often include understanding user requirements, creating prototypes, testing tools, and improving existing solutions to enhance efficiency and quality. They work closely with manufacturing, software, or hardware teams, depending on the industry. Tool Development Engineers play a critical role in increasing productivity and ensuring the reliability of tools used in various technical environments.
More about Tool Development Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Tool Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Tool Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Tool Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tool Development Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tool Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Senior QA SDET (SF)

Aechelon Technology

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$120K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

As a member of the Quality Assurance team, the Senior QA SDET will help ensure the quality and reliability of Aechelon's simulation software, tools, and 3D visual database products through system-level testing, automation development, and validation of complex feature sets. In addition, they will participate in the design and implementation of automated test frameworks, test utilities, and validation strategies that improve test coverage, efficiency, and product quality. They will also use existing and future AI-assisted tools to enhance testing processes, generate automated test cases, and support quality initiatives across multiple product teams


Expectation, but not limited to:
  • Leads validation for complex systems spanning multiple components and teams, defining test strategy that covers functional, regression, performance, and reliability risks. Prevents high-impact regressions through proactive planning and deep technical triage.
  • Creates robust automation and test utilities that materially improve signal quality (reduced flakiness, faster triage, better coverage). Serves as a subject-matter expert who elevates team execution and release confidence.
  • Utilizes AI to create automated test cases, improve current process and level up test quality.
Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
  • Owns large feature areas or subsystems spanning multiple components, including complex interactions across runtime, tools, data, and rendering. Leads cross-team testing efforts and coordinates quality activities for major deliveries.
  • Defines validation strategy for complex changes, including automation approach, performance considerations, and fidelity checks. Acts as a technical point of contact for quality risk and testability discussions.
  • Own large feature areas or subsystems that span multiple components across Aechelon products, including complex interactions involving runtime, tools, data, and rendering.
  • Leads validation for complex systems spanning multiple components or subsystems, coordinating quality activities across ownership boundaries.
  • Define and drive validation strategies for complex or high-risk changes, including test scope, automation approach, performance considerations, and fidelity or correctness checks.
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for quality risk assessment, testability discussions, and release readiness for owned areas.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior QA engineers, reviewing test plans, test cases, and automation contributions to ensure consistency, coverage, and effectiveness.
  • Identify gaps in coverage, tooling, or process, and influence improvements that scale quality across teams and releases.
  • Focus on Tool Development & AI:
    • Define and drive validation strategies for complex or high-risk changes, with a strong emphasis on Python-based tool development, including test frameworks, utilities, and data-driven validation.
    • Design, implement, and maintain tool and testing technology in Python that replace or significantly reduce manual testing for QA owned areas.
    • Utilize AI assisted tools to improve/enhance the automation and day-to-day works.
Minimum Qualifications
  • BA/BS in Computer Science or equivalent work experience
  • Some experience with software testing or quality engineering
  • Solid understanding of software development lifecycles
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Eligibility to work with export-controlled technology
  • Practical experience applying AI tools in QA tasks
Bonus Points
  • Experience testing 3D graphics or simulation software
  • Python, C++, or automation scripting experience
  • Experience with CI systems (Jenkins or similar)
  • Experience with Jira, Perforce, Git, or similar tools
  • Experience writing technical documentation
  • Practical experience applying AI tools to QA tasks

Compensation and Benefits

$120,000 - $156,000 per year

The above range is specific to CALIFORNIA and may not be applicable to other locations. Final compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. 

 We offer a very attractive compensation package including competitive base salary, company performance-based profit sharing, 401k, 100% employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, std, ltd, and life insurance plans). 

No relocation reimbursement provided.