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Tooling Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Tooling Design Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA

$114K - $142K/yr

Design tooling for trim, drill, and assembly operations, as well as manufacturing aids to help with day-to-day production; this includes conceptualization, material selection, vendor sourcing and ...

Archer

Tooling Design Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$114K - $142K/yr

Design tooling for trim, drill, and assembly operations, as well as manufacturing aids to help with day-to-day production; this includes conceptualization, material selection, vendor sourcing and ...

Anduril Industries

Tooling Engineer, Sentry

Irvine, CA · On-site

This role works closely with manufacturing, design, quality, and supply chain teams to create tooling solutions that meet the demanding requirements of defense manufacturing - including precision ...

Anduril Industries

Tooling Engineer, Sentry

Irvine, CA · On-site

This role works closely with manufacturing, design, quality, and supply chain teams to create tooling solutions that meet the demanding requirements of defense manufacturing - including precision ...

PDS Tech Commercial

Tooling Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$71.74/hr

Design industrial machinery, equipment, and specialized tooling solutions for production and development programs. * Develop tools, dies, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and machine attachments required for ...

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How much do tooling design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling design in California is $37.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.82 and $43.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Tooling Designer, you need strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and experience with manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure the creation of efficient, precise tooling that supports safe and cost-effective production.

What is tooling design?

Tooling design is the process of creating and developing tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures required to manufacture parts and products efficiently and accurately. Tooling designers work closely with engineers and manufacturers to ensure that the tools meet production needs, maintain quality, and optimize processes. This field is crucial in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods where custom tools are needed to mass-produce components. Effective tooling design can reduce production costs, improve product quality, and speed up manufacturing cycles.

What does a tooling design do?

A tooling designer creates and develops tools, dies, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes to produce parts efficiently and accurately. They use CAD software and have knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods, and engineering standards to ensure tools meet production requirements. The role often involves collaboration with engineers and machinists to optimize tool performance and durability.

What are some common challenges faced by tooling designers when collaborating with manufacturing teams?

Tooling designers often encounter challenges such as balancing design specifications with manufacturability and cost constraints. Effective communication with manufacturing teams is crucial to ensure that tooling designs are practical and align with production capabilities. Additionally, adapting designs to accommodate last-minute changes or resolving unforeseen production issues requires flexibility and problem-solving skills. Building strong working relationships with engineers and machinists helps streamline the design-to-production process.

What is the difference between Tooling Design vs Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectTooling DesignManufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesigning and developing manufacturing tools and equipmentPlanning and optimizing manufacturing processes
Required SkillsCAD, mechanical design, materials knowledgeProcess analysis, production workflows, quality control
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, machine shopsFactory floors, production lines
Common CertificationsCAD certifications, mechanical engineering degreesSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing certifications

Tooling Design focuses on creating the tools and equipment used in manufacturing, while Manufacturing Engineering oversees the entire production process. Both roles require technical skills and often collaborate to improve manufacturing efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Tooling Design jobs in California? For Tooling Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tooling Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Tooling Design jobs in California are:
Tooling Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,207 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Tooling Design Engineer III

Applied Medical

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Applied Medical rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.
Position Description
The Tooling Design Engineer III plays a critical role in supporting extrusion manufacturing by designing, modifying, and sustaining tooling used in production. This role contributes directly to product quality and manufacturing efficiency by developing robust tooling solutions, improving existing designs, and supporting troubleshooting efforts across extrusion processes. The engineer partners closely with manufacturing and process teams to ensure tooling designs are practical, manufacturable, and aligned with production needs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design tooling for new extrusion components, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and performance.
  • Modify and improve existing tooling designs to support sustained manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Collaborate with process engineers and production teams to troubleshoot tooling-related issues on extrusion lines.
  • Create and maintain detailed Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models and drawings.
  • Apply working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure accurate and functional design specifications.
  • Support documentation efforts including technical reports, design documentation, and validation-related materials.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide input on manufacturability and process integration.
  • Balance design work with hands-on troubleshooting and production support.
  • Continuously evaluate tooling performance and recommend design improvements.

Success in This Role Looks Like
  • Tooling designs are functional, reliable, and support consistent production outcomes.
  • Existing tooling is improved to reduce downtime, defects, and inefficiencies.
  • Strong collaboration exists between design and manufacturing teams, resulting in faster issue resolution.
  • The engineer develops a strong understanding of extrusion processes and production requirements.
  • Design work is completed accurately and efficiently, with high attention to detail.
  • The engineer takes ownership of tooling-related projects and drives them to completion.

Position Requirements
This Position Requires the Following Skills and Attributes
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
  • More than five years of experience in mechanical or tooling design within a manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrate strong proficiency in SolidWorks with the ability to build complex parts and assemblies.
  • Apply working knowledge of GD&T.
  • Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot design and production challenges.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Operate independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment.
  • Maintain strong attention to detail in all design and documentation work.
  • Show adaptability and willingness to learn new manufacturing processes, including extrusion.

Preferred
The Following Skills and Attributes are Preferred
  • Experience designing tooling for extrusion processes.
  • Background in sustaining engineering within a manufacturing environment.
  • Technical writing proficiency, including Installation Qualification, Operational Qualification, Performance Qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), validation protocols, and technical reports.
  • Experience in a regulated industry such as medical devices or similar.

Benefits
  • Competitive compensation range: $85,000 - $120,000 / year (California).
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • Training and mentorship opportunities.
  • On-campus wellness activities.
  • Education reimbursement program.
  • 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
  • Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, experience. The compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and special discretionary bonus or incentive compensation plans may apply.
Our total reward package reflects our commitment to team member growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applied Medical is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.

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