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Tooling Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Fuyao Glass America Inc

TOOLING ENGINEER

Dayton, OH · On-site

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance to optimize tooling designs and resolve any issues that arise during production. This ...

UNAKA COMPANY, Inc.

Tooling Engineer

Greeneville, TN · On-site

Position Summary Meco Corporation is seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer to provide advanced technical and operational support for metal stamping tooling design, development, and production ...

Twin Resources LLC

Tooling Engineer

Springfield, OH · On-site

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in tool design and development, as well as experience in project management and process improvement. The Tooling Engineer will be responsible for ...

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Tooling Design information

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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:
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
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/Programming Engineer II

Techstaff

Mesa, AZ

$85 - $95K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

  • 4-10 work schedule 
  • Salary $85 - $95k
  • Open to relocation assistance
  • Must be eligible to work in the USA with no sponsorship- now or in the future

Position Summary
The Tooling Design/Programming Engineer II designs, programs, documents, and supports tooling and manufacturing processes used to produce high-precision components.
The position develops stamping dies, fixtures, workholding, gauges, assembly tooling, and related components, while also creating and optimizing CNC programs used to manufacture tooling, prototypes, fixtures, and production parts.
This is a hands-on engineering role responsible for independently managing moderately complex assignments from concept through design, programming, fabrication, qualification, and production release. Success is measured by the ability to deliver safe, capable, maintainable, and cost-effective tooling and processes that meet quality, delivery, and productivity requirements.
 
Primary Responsibilities
  • Design stamping dies, fixtures, workholding, gauges, assembly tooling, and other production support equipment.
  • Develop tooling concepts, strip layouts, manufacturing sequences, and process plans.
  • Create 3D models, detailed drawings, bills of material, setup documentation, and manufacturing specifications.
  • Select appropriate materials, standard components, coatings, heat treatments, tolerances, fits, and clearances.
  • Develop CNC programs for tooling components, fixtures, prototypes, gauges, and production parts.
  • Select machining strategies, cutting tools, feeds, speeds, workholding methods, and setup requirements.
  • Verify CNC programs through simulation, prove-out, and first-piece inspection.
  • Support Tool & Die Makers and machinists during fabrication, assembly, setup, tryout, and production implementation.
  • Troubleshoot tooling failures, dimensional variation, process instability, excessive wear, scrap, and downtime.
  • Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action for tooling and programming-related issues.
  • Modify and improve tooling and CNC programs to improve quality, capability, cycle time, tool life, uptime, and maintainability.
  • Participate in quotation, manufacturability, new product introduction, first article, validation, and production-readiness activities.
  • Identify technical, capacity, quality, cost, and schedule risks and communicate concerns before they affect commitments.
  • Maintain accurate revision control for drawings, CAD models, CAM files, CNC programs, bills of material, and setup documentation.
  • Apply GD&T and engineering standards to ensure tooling and processes consistently meet product requirements.
  • Support PFMEAs, control plans, process capability studies, gauge R&R, corrective actions, and other quality-system activities.
  • Support Lean manufacturing, setup reduction, standardization, mistake-proofing, and other continuous-improvement efforts.
  • Evaluate new tooling, machining, CAD/CAM, and manufacturing technologies when justified by business need.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Stamping die design required
  • Three to seven years of experience in tooling design, manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, or precision manufacturing.
  • Experience designing dies, fixtures, workholding, gauges, or production support equipment.
  • Experience developing CNC programs using a commercial CAM system.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T, machining processes, cutting tools, materials, tolerances, and fits.
  • Ability to create and interpret detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
  • Experience supporting tooling fabrication, machining, assembly, tryout, and production implementation.
  • Ability to independently resolve moderately complex tooling and manufacturing problems.
  • Strong written, verbal, and shop-floor communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing precision stamping dies, progressive dies, master dies, replaceable inserts, and strip layouts.
  • Experience with milling, turning, grinding, EDM, wire EDM, and tool-room practices.
  • Experience with SolidWorks and Mastercam or comparable CAD/CAM systems.
  • Experience in medical-device, semiconductor, aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, process capability, gauge R&R, and first article inspection.
  • Formal Tool & Die, machining, CNC, or technical apprenticeship experience.
Key Attributes
  • Hands-on and comfortable working directly with manufacturing personnel
  • Practical, solutions-oriented, and accountable for results
  • Strong technical judgment and attention to detail
  • Proactive in identifying and communicating risk
  • Organized and capable of managing multiple priorities
  • Collaborative across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Tool & Die
  • Committed to safety, quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement
Performance Measures
  • Tooling and programming assignments completed on schedule
  • First-pass tooling and CNC program success
  • Tooling qualification and production-release performance
  • Tooling-related scrap, downtime, and recurring issues
  • Cycle-time, setup-time, and tool-life improvements
  • Accuracy and completeness of engineering documentation
  • Responsiveness to production support requirements
  • Safety, quality, delivery, and cost impact of completed projects
Decision-Making Authority
The Tooling Design/Programming Engineer II is authorized to:
  • Make routine tooling design and CNC programming decisions within established engineering standards.
  • Recommend tooling concepts, materials, manufacturing methods, cutting tools, and purchased components.
  • Recommend changes to tooling, fixtures, drawings, programs, and manufacturing processes.
  • Stop or delay tooling release or manufacturing activity when an unresolved safety, quality, or technical risk exists.
  • Escalate significant technical, cost, capacity, quality, or schedule risks to the Engineering Manager.
Changes affecting customer requirements, regulatory compliance, product design authority, or significant capital expenditure require appropriate approval.
 
Education:Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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