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Tooling Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Three Point Solutions

Tool Designer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$34 - $48/hr

Tool Designer Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Location: Waterloo, IA 50703 Duration: 24 ... Design and develop manufacturing tooling, fixtures, gauges, assemblies, and equipment * Create 3D ...

Productive Resources LLC

Tool Designer II

Eldridge, IA · On-site

Tool Designer II Eldridge, IA - Full Time Productive Resources (www.productiveresources.com) is ... Design, develop, and refine complex tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment to support ...

Productive Resources

Tool Designer II

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Tool Designer II Eldridge, IA - Full Time Productive Resources (www.productiveresources.com) is ... Design, develop, and refine complex tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment to support ...

LMT Defense

Tool Designer

Eldridge, IA

The position is responsible for designing fixtures, gauges, and special tooling used in machining and assembly operations. This role develops and maintains accurate 2D and 3D CAD models along with ...

LMT Defense

Tool Designer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

The position is responsible for designing fixtures, gauges, and special tooling used in machining and assembly operations. This role develops and maintains accurate 2D and 3D CAD models along with ...

Three Point Solutions

Tool Designer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Tool Designer Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Location: Waterloo, IA 50703 Duration: 24 ... Design tooling, fixtures, gauges, and assemblies * Lead tooling development for new and revised ...

Actalent

Tool Design Engineer

Postville, IA · On-site

Tool Design Engineer The Tool Design Engineer designs and develops tooling for plastic injection molding with a strong focus on design for manufacturing and assembly using 3D CAD software. This role ...

Accu-Mold Corp

Tool and Die Maker - Machinist

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$24.75 - $31/hr

You'll collaborate with engineers, designers, and fellow toolmakers to create and maintain tooling measured in microns, contributing directly to innovative products used around the world. ESSENTIAL ...

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Tooling Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$22

$35

$48

How much do tooling designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling designer in Iowa is $35.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.38 and $41.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Tooling Designers?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Tooling Designer jobs in Iowa? For Tooling Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tooling Designer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Tooling Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Tooling Designer jobs in IA? For Tooling Designer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tooling Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling Designer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,432 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Tool Designer

Three Point Solutions, Inc.

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Tool Designer
Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company
Location: Waterloo, IA 50703
Duration: 24 Months (Possible Extension/Conversion)
Shift: 1st Shift (6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, OT Likely)
Key Responsibilities
• Design and develop manufacturing tooling, fixtures, gauges, assemblies, and equipment
• Create 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings
• Support machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly operations
• Apply GD&T and engineering standards to tooling designs
• Coordinate tooling design, procurement, and implementation activities
• Manage tooling projects from concept through build and tryout
• Collaborate with machinists, welders, inspectors, engineers, and suppliers
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical guidance
• Support manufacturing process improvements and lean initiatives
• Troubleshoot tooling and manufacturing issues and implement solutions
• Manage external tooling vendors and suppliers
• Ensure revision control, documentation accuracy, and drawing standards compliance
Required Skills
• Tool design experience
• Creo or Solid Modeling (SolidWorks, Creo Parametric)
• 3D CAD modeling and 2D drafting
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• Tooling, fixture, and gauge design
• Manufacturing process knowledge
• Fabrication and machining methods
• Engineering drawing interpretation
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Project coordination and communication skills
Preferred Skills
• C++ programming
• Python programming
• SQL knowledge
• Project Management experience
• Supply Management/Purchasing experience
• Lean Manufacturing exposure
• Vendor/Supplier coordination
• Process improvement experience
Ideal Background
• Tool Designer
• Tooling Engineer
• Fixture Design Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer (Tooling)
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Tool & Die Designer
• Product Design Engineer (Manufacturing)
• CAD Designer - Manufacturing
Education
• Engineering Degree preferred (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field)
• Recent graduates considered if they have internships and strong Creo/Solid Modeling experience
• 5+ years of Tool Design experience highly preferred
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