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Tooling Design Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

SR PROGRAM MANAGER

Topeka, IN ยท On-site

$101K - $102K/yr

Coordinates die development, qualityplanningand design change activities. * Creates capital investments, tooling investments, and purchased components list. * Controls expenditures within limitations ...

Product Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$123K - $148K/yr

Design parts, assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing systems using Autodesk Inventor * Create detailed engineering drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), Bills of Operations (BOOs), and ...

Interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and specifications. Troubleshoot tooling issues and identify root causes of dimensional, quality, or production issues. Inspect ...

Industrial Engineer II

Muncie, IN ยท On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Research opportunities for material, machine, and tooling improvements * Assist in tooling design YOUR EXPERIENCES & SKILLS * Bachelor's degree in industrial, manufacturing, or other applicable ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Walkerton, IN ยท On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Familiarity with composite tooling design, curing processes, and material handling best practices. Core Role Knowledge: * Strong understanding of composite manufacturing methods, including hand lay ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Walkerton, IN ยท On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Familiarity with composite tooling design, curing processes, and material handling best practices. Core Role Knowledge: * Strong understanding of composite manufacturing methods, including hand lay ...

Process Engineer

New Albany, IN ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Familiarity with SolidWorks for mechanical or tooling design and review. * Familiarity with AutoCAD for layout, tooling, or process documentation. * Experience working in highly automated ...

CNC Programmer

Nappanee, IN ยท On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

He/she will also be responsible for molding tooling design and fabrication using 3D modeling software. The position runs production lots, communicates with co-workers regarding production runs, and ...

CNC Programmer

Nappanee, IN ยท On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

He/she will also be responsible for molding tooling design and fabrication using 3D modeling software. The position runs production lots, communicates with co-workers regarding production runs, and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Walkerton, IN ยท On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Familiarity with composite tooling design, curing processes, and material handling best practices. Core Role Knowledge: * Strong understanding of composite manufacturing methods, including hand lay ...

CNC Programmer

Nappanee, IN ยท On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

He/she will also be responsible for molding tooling design and fabrication using 3D modeling software. The position runs production lots, communicates with co-workers regarding production runs, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Tooling Design information

See Indiana salary details

$22

$36

$48

How much do tooling design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling design in Indiana is $36.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.76 and $42.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
Infographic showing various Tooling Design job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,406 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

SR PROGRAM MANAGER

Nishikawa Cooper LLC

Topeka, IN โ€ข On-site

$101K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

Directs, coordinates, and exercises functional authority for planning, organization, control, integration, and completion of new program start up by performing the following duties.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Providesestimates and manufacturing feasibility to sales.
  • Develops program schedules and assigns project personnel to specific phases or aspects of projectsuch as technical studies, product design, preparation of specifications and technical plans and product testing.
  • Develops program schedules and assigns project personnel to complete tasks such as prototype builds and evaluations, equipment and tooling, design and procurement, MPpreparationand associate training.
  • Directs team feasibility meetings.
  • Coordinates die development, qualityplanningand design change activities.
  • Creates capital investments, tooling investments, and purchased components list.
  • Controls expenditures within limitations of project budget.
  • Conduct a product design review withappropriate peoplebefore the product drawing is issued to support the level up of the product drawing.
  • Conducts equipment design reviews atappropriate scheduledtime withappropriate peopleand report the results on the equipment design.
  • Conducts a gate review regularly whilepreparing formass production and takeappropriate actionif there are problems such as any delays.
  • Present program status to NISCO executives for capital approvals, MP readiness,OPSand asrequiredduring launch.
  • Understand the status of 5M necessary forthe massproduction and takean appropriateaction for the problems such as any delay.
  • Understand the quoted cost of the product and do the cost follow-up usingappropriate toolsuntil three months after mass production and/or until achievement of the target cost. Takeappropriate actionto resolve any cost tracking problems or issues.
  • Advanced Product Quality Planning management.
  • Responsible for conformity to product requirements and has the authority to stop production to correct quality problems.

 Education and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in related fieldplus7years of relevant experience oraMaster’s Degreeand 5 years of related experience
  • Computer skillsutilizingMicrosoft office tools,including project and planner.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems.
  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence others.
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience leading diverse or cross-functional teams/projects (preferred).
  • Manufacturing or technical knowledge (preferred).
  • Must be willing and able to travel 50% of the time.
  • Ability to calculate figures anduse advanced mathematical skills.
  • Proven ability to interpretandextensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Work Environment/Work Conditions:

  • Professional Office Environment.
  • Must wear proper personal protection equipment while onmanufacturingfloor.
  • Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations whenrequired.
  • Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.