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Tooling Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design tooling for all gear processing operations from cutting of blanks to final inspection for our Gear Solution machines as well as non-Gleason and non-traditional machines. Job Responsibilities:

Design and engineer punch and die tooling for sheet metal punching and forming applications, balancing customer specifications with manufacturing feasibility * Develop and program EDM (electrical ...

Tooling Design Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$88K - $127K/yr

Who YOU are and what YOU can become Tooling Design Engineers are the bridge between the design team and the production floor. In this role you will work with project focused manufacturing engineers ...

Tooling Design Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$88K - $127K/yr

Who YOU are and what YOU can become Tooling Design Engineers are the bridge between the design team and the production floor. In this role you will work with project focused manufacturing engineers ...

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 ...

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 ...

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in automotive or trucking environments and proven record of tooling design and implementation Role Overview * The Tooling Engineer will be responsible for ...

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Tooling Design information

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$23

$38

$51

How much do tooling design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling design in the United States is $38.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $44.47 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.

More about Tooling Design jobs
What states have the most Tooling Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Tooling Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tooling Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,245 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Tooling Design Engineer

gleason

Gleason, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

3101 Tooling Products - Engr Tooling Design

Position Summary:

An engineer in Work Holding Engineering (WHE) Group at The Gleason Works will design the components and assemblies necessary to hold all matters of aerospace, automotive and marine gears during machining processes. Design tooling for all gear processing operations from cutting of blanks to final inspection for our Gear Solution machines as well as non-Gleason and non-traditional machines. 

Job Responsibilities:

A new employee within our group will primarily be responsible for:

  • Understanding and using customer technical drawings, schematics and gear geometry reports to modify our existing line of work holding equipment for the customer’s specific applications
  • Creating and modifying 3D models and the corresponding component and assembly drawings to meet customer needs and expectations
  • Work with Senior Engineers on the development and creation of non-standard tooling for specialized or uncommon applications
  • Correspond with customers on process specifications and customer specific requirements
  • Work with manufacturing personnel to discuss plant capabilities and alternative design options for ease of assembly and manufacturing, as well as cost reduction
  • Hold design reviews with Senior and Lead engineers as well as manufacturing personnel to finalize designs
  • Process changes to existing tooling to meet manufacturing and customer’s changing needs
  • Perform general project management tasks such as logging hours, progress tracking and document retention

As an engineer progresses within our department, they may pursue the following career paths:

  • Quoting:
    • Determine pricing based upon design requirements, customer specific requirements, and lead times.
  • Senior Engineer:
    • Design more complex or non-standard tooling and the research and testing that entails
    • Become an expert in a particular piece of tooling or process including but not limited to: Hydraulic work holding, Cylindrical gear specific work holding, Bevel gear specific work holding
    • Mentor junior engineers on best practices for design and development
  • Customer Experience Manager
    • Work directly with customers and regional sales managers to determine customer needs
    • Resolve issues that arise between Gleason and the customer
  • Lead Engineer
    • Assign orders to design engineers and track their progress
    • Complete standard documentation for office and design processes
    • Calculate and compile metrics for office efficiency among other measures
    • Mentor junior engineers on best practices for design and development

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

  • Proficient in the use of 3D modeling software including the creation of drawings (Pro-Engineer/Creo preferred)
  • Able to effectively use general mechanical/structural calculations (Stress, strain, fatigue)
  • Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis techniques (Ansys or PTC Mechanica/Simulate)
  • Able to effectively communicate ideas and concepts to coworkers of different job backgrounds
  • Familiar with ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 Standards

Preferred Education/Training/Experience:

  • Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • 5-10 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Computer Skills:

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Internet
  • Project Management Software
  • SAP Modules: Sales & Distribution, Quality Management, Material Management, and Engineering Change Order Management

Travel Requirements:

  • Negligible

 

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that would need to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in an office environment.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job in an office environment.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed.  Employees are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their manager or supervisor.

DISCLAIMER

The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an all inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities.  The omission of specific statements or duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.

Gleason is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to age, disability, genetic information and/or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, victim of domestic violence status, arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.