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Tool Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Designer - Tool & Die

Anoka, MN · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

A modern, growing Tool & Die shop specializing in high-precision metal stamping solutions . The ... Strong collaboration between engineering, toolroom, and production teams * Exposure to modern ...

Tool Maker

Mendota Heights, MN · On-site

$25.75 - $33.50/hr

Read and interpret engineering drawings, die designs, and GDamp;T #183; Build, assemble, and debug progressive dies and advanced tooling #183; Operate manual machines (mill, grinder, lathe, drill ...

Full-Time What you will do · Tool Maker · Read and interpret engineering drawings, die designs, and GD&T · Build, assemble, and debug progressive dies and advanced tooling · Operate manual ...

Showing results 21-40

Tool Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$52.9K

$107.7K

$160.1K

How much do tool engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool engineer in Minnesota is $107,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,300.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tool engineer?

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Tool Engineer jobs in MN?

For Tool Engineer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tool Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,723 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Metal Stamping Tool and Die Team Member

Ameristar Manufacturing

Mankato, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Ameristar is seeking a skilled, hands-on Tool and Die Team Member to support the repair, maintenance, setup, and improvement of stamping and punch press tooling. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly on Stamping Tool Design, Repair, and Creation at times collaborating with production teams, and ensuring tooling is ready to run efficiently and consistently.

This position works closely with punch press operators, other tooling staff, and Tool Room Manager to troubleshoot issues, maintain tooling, and support new and existing tools in production. While some exposure to tooling design concepts is helpful, this role will be exposed to both engineering, tool repair, and hands on creation.


Key Responsibilities

  • Perform hands-on repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of compound, progressive, and form tooling
  • Support  Tooling for punch press operations (60-ton to 400-ton range) by ensuring tooling is production-ready
  • Work directly with operators and production leadership to identify and resolve tooling issues
  • Have exposure with tool setups, changeovers, and adjustments
  • Diagnose root causes of tooling wear, failures, and inefficiencies
  • Support tool tryouts and help bring new or modified tools into production
  • Communicate tooling issues and improvement ideas with the tooling and design team
  • Maintain tooling inventory, repair records, and maintenance schedules
  • Assist in implementing preventive maintenance practices to reduce downtime
  • Support continuous improvement efforts related to tooling performance and production efficiency
  • Help train operators on proper tool handling and basic troubleshooting


Qualifications

  • Experience in tool and die repair, maintenance, or build in a stamping or punch press environment
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Progressive, compound, and form tooling
    • Punch press operations and production workflows
  • Solid mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and repair tooling issues
  • Ability to work closely with production teams in a fast-paced environment
  • Basic familiarity with tooling design concepts or prints (CAD experience is a plus, not required)
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills


Work Environment & Growth Opportunities

  • High-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment with a wide variety of tooling applications
  • Close collaboration with:
    • Tooling and design team
    • Senior Punch Press Manager
    • Production teams and plant leadership
  • Opportunity to grow into advanced tooling, process improvement, or design-related roles over time
  • Hands-on role with direct impact on production efficiency and product quality


Why Ameristar?

Ameristar provides a team-oriented manufacturing environment where hands-on problem solvers play a critical role in keeping production running. This role offers meaningful impact, variety in daily work, and opportunities to grow your skills in tooling and manufacturing.