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Tooling Designer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

McWane, Inc.

MHV Foundry Tooling Engineer

Anniston, AL · On-site

The Foundry Tooling Engineer designs and develops the physical molds, patterns, cores, and fixtures required to produce cast metal parts. They optimize tooling designs for manufacturing efficiency ...

Magna

Tooling Engineer - Casting

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Typical designs include: vacuum, seals, hydraulic actuated cores/slides, squeeze cores, jet-cooled cores, etc. * Optimize tooling performance by utilizing coatings and materials to improve die life ...

Magna

Tooling Engineer - Casting

Birmingham, AL

Typical designs include: vacuum, seals, hydraulic actuated cores/slides, squeeze cores, jet-cooled cores, etc. * Optimize tooling performance by utilizing coatings and materials to improve die life ...

Dunbarton Corporation

Toolmaker

Dothan, AL · On-site

Use CAD software to create tooling designs and translate them into production-ready blueprints and documentation * Inspect finished tooling and components for defects, surface finish, contour ...

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Tooling Designer information

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$34

$46

How much do tooling designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling designer in Alabama is $34.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.32 and $40.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tooling designer?

Tooling Designers are professionals who create and develop the tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. They work closely with engineers and production teams to design equipment that ensures products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and to specification. Tooling Designers use CAD software and other technical tools to create designs, test prototypes, and refine tooling for mass production. Their expertise helps manufacturers reduce costs, improve product quality, and streamline operations.

What are some common challenges faced by tooling designers when working on new product launches?

Tooling Designers often face tight deadlines and changing specifications during new product launches. Coordinating with engineers, production teams, and suppliers can present challenges, especially when design modifications are required to address manufacturability or cost concerns. Balancing the need for innovative tooling solutions with practical production constraints is essential, and designers must ensure their designs are both efficient and reliable to avoid costly delays. Effective communication and adaptability are key for success in this fast-paced environment.

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 abilities in mechanical design, CAD modeling, and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, usually supported by a degree in engineering or industrial design. Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA and familiarity with materials selection and simulation tools are commonly required. Attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities are essential for developing efficient, high-quality tooling solutions that meet production requirements and ensure manufacturing success.

What is the difference between Tooling Designer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTooling DesignerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a technical diploma or associate degree in manufacturing, mechanical design, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or mechanical engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigns and develops tooling for manufacturing processes, often working in CAD software and collaborating with production teamsOversees manufacturing processes, improves production efficiency, and ensures quality in factory settings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods manufacturingUsed across various manufacturing sectors to optimize production systems

While both roles support manufacturing, Tooling Designers focus on creating the tools and dies needed for production, whereas Manufacturing Engineers optimize and manage the overall manufacturing processes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within manufacturing industries.

What are popular job titles related to Tooling Designer jobs in Alabama?

For Tooling Designer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tooling Designer jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Tooling Designer jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Tooling Designer jobs in AL?

For Tooling Designer jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Tooling Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling Designer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,826 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Mechanical and Tooling Designer CREO

DESE Research

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

DESE Research, Inc. is seeking an experienced Mechanical and Tooling Designer CREO to support aerospace vehicle programs in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment. This role requires technical proficiency in CREO, strong mechanical design skills, and self-sufficiency. If you meet these qualifications, we encourage you to apply!

Job Details:

The candidate will support the design, development, and documentation of tooling for manufacturing, ground support, and test operations across aerospace vehicle programs, interfacing directly with members of the customer team. This role involves generating and redlining 2D engineering drawings and 3D models in PTC CREO and in accordance with ASME Y14.5. The candidate will work with design engineering teams closely to deliver mechanical tooling solutions. A successful candidate will have the proven ability of a mechanical designer to generate conceptual designs in response to performance specifications, mature those designs, and produce comprehensive drawings and models. Having a collaborative attitude, being open to customer feedback, and showing attention to detail will set you up for success in this position.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field
  • Proficiency in PTC Creo (parametric modeling, assembly design, drawing creation and editing); ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, and specifications; ability to create and redline 2D engineering drawings and 3D models from the customer in PTC Creo in compliance with ASME Y14.5 standards; familiarity with Model-Based Definition (MBD) practices
  • Experience with mechanical design or tooling development
  • Highly self-directed and independent; able to assess requirements, make sound engineering judgments, and execute tasks with minimal supervision in a dynamic, customer-facing environment
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Responsibilities:

  • Apply mechanical design techniques while working in a customer-facing environment
  • Conceptualize, model, and draft solutions based on customer feedback
  • Successfully use CREO v10 and Windchill daily
  • Generate tooling and mechanical designs for aerospace vehicle equipment
  • Create mechanical drawings and models in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
About DESE:

For the past 43 years, DESE has provided industry-leading technical and engineering solutions in the fields of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment. As a small, family-oriented business, DESE provides a compelling benefits package including a generous profit-sharing plan, competitive salaries, and perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to work alongside talented engineers leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve complex and engaging problems.

Why employees love working for DESE:

At DESE, we are committed to creating a company that is known for its respect and care for employees. We understand that happy employees are what keeps our business going and we strive to provide the best opportunities for each individual working on our team! Here are a few reasons you will love working here:

  • Competitive health, dental and vision insurance with affordable premiums

  • Flexible work schedules

  • Two different flexible spending account options

  • Company paid life insurance with options for employee paid additional

  • Performance bonus program

  • Education reimbursement program

  • Company paid personal leave for approved philanthropic activities

  • Vacation, Sick & Holiday leave

  • Robust 401k profit sharing plan

  • Opportunities for internal promotions

  • Employee referral incentive program

  • Rewards and gifts for service anniversaries

Disability Accommodation for Applicants – DESE Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following alternative email address or phone number to contact us about your interest in employment with us: hrandsecurity@dese.com or 256-837-8004x123. 

 

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