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Tooling Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gleason

Tooling Design Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

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:

Oregon Tool

Tooling Design Engineer

Portland, OR

$90K - $104K/yr

As a Tooling Design Engineer, you will focus on designing a broad range of tooling including progressive dies, fixtures, gauges, and supporting components. By applying engineering fundamentals to ...

STENA

Tooling Design Engineer

Baltimore, MD

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

CMBB, LLC

Tooling Design Engineer

Humboldt, TN · On-site

Tooling Design Engineer Reports to: Plant Manager Company: Chicago Metallic Location: 1502 N. Central Avenue **This position is on-site in Humboldt, TN** About Us Bundy Baking Solutions is a global ...

Apar Technologies

Tooling Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

L3HHCM20

Manager, Tooling Engineering

Redmond, WA · On-site

You must deeply understand not just how to design and build tooling, but the products being manufactured - their design intent, functionality, and critical features - to effectively translate ...

Kenda Tires

Tooling Engineer

Cartersville, GA

The Tooling Engineer leads the design and development of precision tooling for the production of steel parts. This role requires a technical expert who will bridge the gap between digital design 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 ...

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Tooling Design information

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How much do tooling design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 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 is the highest paid design job?

In tooling design and related engineering fields, senior roles such as Lead Tooling Engineer or Design Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and knowledge of CAD software and manufacturing processes.

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.

How much do tool designers make?

Tool designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in CAD software and knowledge of manufacturing processes can lead to higher compensation, with some experienced professionals earning over $100,000 annually.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering roles such as senior aerospace engineers, petroleum engineers, or specialized software engineers in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

What does a tool designer do?

A tool designer develops and creates tools, dies, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes to produce parts and products. They use CAD software to design tools, analyze materials, and ensure functionality and safety, often collaborating with engineers and machinists. Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods, materials, and precision measurement is essential in this role.

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:
What job categories do people searching Tooling Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tooling Design jobs are:
Tooling Design jobs near you
Tooling Design Engineer III

Tooling Design Engineer III

Applied Medical

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 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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