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Tool Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whitworth Tool Holdings

Cutting Tool Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Cutting Tool Engineer Tooling Manufacturing and Services We are cutting tool manufacturer and distributor that services high-precision machining and manufacturing processes. About the role Looking ...

Boeing

Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3

Renton, WA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3 Employing Entity: The Boeing Company Job Location: 737 Logan Ave N., Renton, WA 98057 We are looking for an experienced Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3 in ...

Boeing

Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3

Renton, WA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3 Employing Entity: The Boeing Company Job Location: 737 Logan Ave N., Renton, WA 98057 We are looking for an experienced Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3 in ...

Boeing

Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3

Renton, WA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3 Employing Entity: The Boeing Company Job Location: 737 Logan Ave N., Renton, WA 98057 We are looking for an experienced Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3 in ...

Boeing

Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3

Renton, WA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3 Employing Entity: The Boeing Company Job Location: 737 Logan Ave N., Renton, WA 98057 We are looking for an experienced Equipment & Tool Engineer - Level 3 in ...

Textron

Tool Engineer - 1st Shift

Wichita, KS

Tool Engineers will utilize manufacturing, industrial, and mechanical engineering principles to design tooling for fabrication of aircraft components and assemblies. This includes but is not limited ...

Textron

Tool Engineer - 1st Shift

Wichita, KS

Tool Engineers will utilize manufacturing, industrial, and mechanical engineering principles to design tooling for fabrication of aircraft components and assemblies. This includes but is not limited ...

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Tool Engineer information

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How much do tool engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool engineer in the United States is $109,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do tooling engineers make in the US?

Tooling engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized tooling engineers with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually.

What does a tool engineer do?

A tool engineer designs, develops, and maintains manufacturing tools and equipment used in production processes. They work to improve tool efficiency, ensure safety standards, and may use CAD software and testing protocols to optimize tool performance. Strong technical skills and knowledge of manufacturing environments are essential for this role.

What are Tool Engineers?

Tool Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and maintain tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and other equipment used in manufacturing processes. They play a crucial role in improving production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and reducing manufacturing costs. Tool Engineers collaborate closely with design, production, and quality teams to create custom tools that meet specific project requirements. Their work often involves using CAD software, material science knowledge, and problem-solving skills to optimize manufacturing operations.

What is the difference between Tool Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTool EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesign, develop, and maintain manufacturing tools and equipmentOptimize manufacturing processes and workflows
Required SkillsCAD, mechanical skills, tool designProcess improvement, production planning
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, tool design labsFactories, production lines
Common CertificationsCAD certifications, mechanical engineeringSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing

Tool Engineers focus on creating and maintaining tools and equipment used in manufacturing, ensuring efficient production. Manufacturing Engineers work on improving overall manufacturing processes and workflows. While both roles require technical skills and often overlap in industry settings, Tool Engineers specialize in tools and equipment design, whereas Manufacturing Engineers focus on process optimization.

What are some typical challenges Tool Engineers face when supporting production teams, and how can they be addressed?

Tool Engineers often encounter challenges such as urgent tool breakdowns, rapid design modifications, and balancing multiple project deadlines. Supporting production teams requires quick troubleshooting skills and effective communication to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operations. Proactively maintaining tooling, collaborating closely with operators and other engineers, and staying updated on the latest manufacturing technologies can help Tool Engineers address these challenges efficiently.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial positions, or possessing rare expertise and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tool Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Tool Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, tool design, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, CAM systems, and industry standards like GD&T, as well as certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Tool Engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams and address production challenges. These competencies are essential for developing high-quality tools that optimize manufacturing efficiency and ensure product reliability.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and work in high-demand industries or companies with lucrative compensation packages.
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What cities are hiring for Tool Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Tool Engineer job openings:
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Tool Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,987 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Tool Engineer / Principal Tool Engineer

Tool Engineer / Principal Tool Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$103K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 520 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an opening for a Tool Engineer or Principal Tool Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA.
Bring your experience as a Tool Designer to support our Armament Business unit.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Plan, design, document and oversee the build of complex tools and assemblies
  • Design tools, mechanisms, special machine tools using NX and Mastercam
  • Create designs and drawings to be sent out for build
  • Requires knowledge of mechanics and application of mechanical movements
  • Adapt standard equipment to special purposes
  • Work independently to solve problems and create new designs, generally with little guidance
  • Select materials to be used to meet design and usage requirements
  • Supervise test and assembly of new design if necessary
  • Familiar with ergonomics and with applicable OSHA safety standards relative to pneumatics and hydraulics
  • Collaborates with engineering, technicians and management throughout the design and build process
  • Organize and maintain new and existing drawing records

COMPETENCIES
  • Customer Service
  • Advanced computer skills (Microsoft office suite + CAD)
  • Works well under pressure
  • Strong time management skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Effective communication skills
  • Continuous improvement
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Works with ambiguity

**This role may be filled at the Tool Engineer or Principal Tool Engineer level based on the qualifications listed, below**
Basic Qualifications Tool Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree with 1 year of manufacturing or tool design experience OR Master's Degree with 0 years of experience
  • Experience creating drawings to be used in manufacturing following industry and corporate drafting standards
  • Experience in machine shop practices
  • Knowledge of the physical properties of materials and how to harden, temper and stress relieve materials to achieve required properties
  • Must be knowledgeable in the following design areas: Dies, Molds, Gaging, cutting tools, fixtures, Machine design
  • Design and assemble precise tools and fixtures to work with energetic materials
  • Experience in press tooling, both hydraulic and pneumatic presses
  • Experience using CAD software such as NX, Mastercam, Solidworks
  • Able to work weekly Monday - Thursday 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM; Occasional Fridays and overtime required
  • Considerable amount of time standing and walking, up to 50% of time

Basic Qualifications Principal Tool Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree with 4 years of manufacturing or tool design experience OR Master's Degree with 3 years of manufacturing or tool design experience OR PhD with 0 years of experience
  • Experience creating drawings to be used in manufacturing following industry and corporate drafting standards
  • Experience in machine shop practices
  • Knowledge of the physical properties of materials and how to harden, temper and stress relieve materials to achieve required properties
  • Must be knowledgeable in the following design areas: Dies, Molds, Gaging, cutting tools, fixtures, Machine design
  • Design and assemble precise tools and fixtures to work with energetic materials
  • Experience in press tooling, both hydraulic and pneumatic presses
  • Experience using CAD software such as NX, Mastercam, Solidworks
  • Ability to work weekly Monday - Thursday 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM; Occasional Fridays and overtime required
  • Considerable amount of time standing and walking, up to 50% of time

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Possess an understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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