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Tool Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer 4

Brea, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer 4 with Tool and Die Design Composite Background, who serves as a senior technical leader and subject matter expert in composite tool design ...

Work with production, engineering, and quality departments to resolve tooling issues. Maintain clean and organized work areas. Requirements of the Tool & Die Maker position At least 4 years of tool ...

Work with production, engineering, and quality departments to resolve tooling issues. Maintain clean and organized work areas. Requirements of the Tool & Die Maker position At least 4 years of tool ...

Work with production, engineering, and quality departments to resolve tooling issues. Maintain clean and organized work areas. Requirements of the Tool & Die Maker position At least 4 years of tool ...

ABOUT THE ROLE The Tool & Die technician owns the hands-on fabrication and upkeep of dies, jigs ... Working from blueprints and engineering specifications, this individual analyzes metal stock, sets ...

ABOUT THE ROLE The Tool & Die technician owns the hands-on fabrication and upkeep of dies, jigs ... Working from blueprints and engineering specifications, this individual analyzes metal stock, sets ...

ABOUT THE ROLE The Tool & Die technician owns the hands-on fabrication and upkeep of dies, jigs ... Working from blueprints and engineering specifications, this individual analyzes metal stock, sets ...

ABOUT THE ROLE The Tool & Die technician owns the hands-on fabrication and upkeep of dies, jigs ... Working from blueprints and engineering specifications, this individual analyzes metal stock, sets ...

The Tool Designer is responsible for all aspects of tooling design and production support ... May be required to work in other Engineering functions like Quality Engineering, Process ...

Maintain tool crib organization and cleanliness. * Maintain tooling inventory and work with outside ... Support Engineering and CNC programming in defining the best tooling for new products. * Support ...

CNC Tool Tech

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Maintain tool crib organization and cleanliness. * Maintain tooling inventory and work with outside ... Support Engineering and CNC programming in defining the best tooling for new products. * Support ...

CNC Tool Tech

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22.26 - $28/hr

Maintain tool crib organization and cleanliness. * Maintain tooling inventory and work with outside ... Support Engineering and CNC programming in defining the best tooling for new products. * Support ...

CNC Tool Tech

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$22.26 - $28/hr

Maintain tool crib organization and cleanliness. * Maintain tooling inventory and work with outside ... Support Engineering and CNC programming in defining the best tooling for new products. * Support ...

CNC Tool Tech

Orange, CA · On-site

$22.26 - $28/hr

Maintain tool crib organization and cleanliness. * Maintain tooling inventory and work with outside ... Support Engineering and CNC programming in defining the best tooling for new products. * Support ...

CNC Tool Tech

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$22.26 - $28/hr

Maintain tool crib organization and cleanliness. * Maintain tooling inventory and work with outside ... Support Engineering and CNC programming in defining the best tooling for new products. * Support ...

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Showing results 1-20

Tool Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$56.3K

$114.7K

$170.6K

How much do tool engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool engineer in Riverside, CA is $114,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $128,300.00 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.
Infographic showing various Tool Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 84% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 87% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,746 per year, or $55.2 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer 4

Manufacturing Engineer 4

APPLIED COMPOSITES INC

Brea, CA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Applied Composites rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer 4 with Tool and Die Design Composite Background, who serves as a senior technical leader and subject matter expert in composite tool design, manufacturing processes, production systems, and new product introduction and design across multiple programs and functional organizations.


About AC: Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.

Job Accountabilities

  • Technical Leadership
  • Serve as the technical authority for composite manufacturing processes matrix, tool and die design, equipment modification, and processing systems.
  • Lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and innovative process solutions.
  • Establish manufacturing strategies and roadmaps that support business growth, operational excellence, and new product launches.
  • Provide expert-level Tool Design guidance for Composite Manufacturability Matrix, Process capability, Cost reduction, Producibility, and Risk mitigation.
  • Develop complex 3D models, engineering drawing for composite layups, nesting, overlay patterns and work from CMM point clouds.
  • Design tooling for Autoclave, oven, compression molding and 5 axis Trim fixtures


Technical Support, Development and Skills Sets

  • Deep understanding of prepregs, core materials, resin systems, and the thermal expansion properties of tooling materials (invar, carbon fiber, aluminum)
  • Advance capability with CATIA V5, SolidWorks (minimum 1000 hrs), CAD software a

plus


  • Translate technical drawing into functional tooling and interpret multi customer blueprints, specification, GD&T tolerancing and CATIA, CAD and CAM files to accurately create tools, models, dies and 3D print
  • Capable of performing stack up analyses and reverse tool engineering
  • Experience working with CNC machining, “5 axis”, setup and CMM inspection process using CAD-based Verisurf
  • Able to create layup or laser projection files a plus
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support for critical manufacturing, process, and quality issues.
  • Lead root cause investigations and corrective action efforts for tooling complex production challenges.
  • Support customer audits, qualification activities, and technical reviews as required.
  • Act as the escalation point for technical issues impacting production performance.
  • Experience with manufacturing process validation, PFMEA, control plans, and risk assessment methodologies.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.



Communication & Collaboration

  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Develop executive-level presentations, technical reports, and business cases supporting strategic initiatives.
  • Interface with customers, suppliers, and external partners regarding manufacturing tooling, design technologies, 3-D modeling, and statement of work.
  • Create tooling statement of work



Leadership & Mentorship

  • Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, Technicians, and Operations personnel.
  • Lead knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute to the development of engineering standards and training programs.
  • Support succession planning and development of engineering talent.
  • Facilitate technical training related to composite manufacturing processes, equipment, and best practices.


Education


Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.


Master’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.


Experience

  • Requires 8-10+ years of progressively responsible manufacturing engineering experience within aerospace industry, defense, composite matrix and advanced manufacturing environments.
  • Advance capability with CATIA V5, SolidWorks (minimum 1000 hrs), tool design, modeling, CAD software a plus
  • Experience leading major manufacturing improvement initiatives, new product introductions, and cross-functional engineering projects required.


 Benefits:

 At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.


AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.


This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.


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