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Tooling Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

New Way Trucks

Tooling Engineer

Carroll, IA · On-site

The Tooling Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and improving tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and related equipment used in manufacturing operations. This role supports ...

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 · On-site

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 ...

McWane, Inc.

Clow Valve - CNC Programmer

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Collaborate with engineers and the CAD technician to enhance tooling designs. Utilize Mastercam software to generate G-code programs. Design work holding fixtures and/or select and use purchased work ...

Clow Valve

Clow Valve - CNC Programmer

Oskaloosa, IA

$25 - $34/hr

Collaborate with engineers and the CAD technician to enhance tooling designs. Utilize Mastercam software to generate G-code programs. Design work holding fixtures and/or select and use purchased work ...

New

Soap Creek Resources

CNC Programmer

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Collaborate with engineers and CAD technicians to improve tooling designs and manufacturing processes. Use Mastercam software to generate G-code programs for CNC machining operations. * Design work ...

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All JobsTooling Designer JobsTooling Designer Jobs in Iowa

Tooling Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$22

$35

$48

How much do tooling designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,432 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Tooling Engineer

New Way Trucks

Carroll, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

New Way Trucks rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Let's Drive New Way Fearlessly Forward!
Continuing to move Fearlessly Forward New Way Trucks was founded in 1971 in Scranton, IA. Today, New Way Trucks has multiple refuse production and parts facilities throughout Iowa and Mississippi, with equipment operating in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Latin America, Asia, and beyond. We combine small town values with cutting-edge technology to deliver excellence in heavy manufacturing. Come build your future with us at New Way Trucks, apply today!
New Way Trucks is currently seeking a highly dedicated and skilled Tooling Engineer based out of our Scranton, IA location. The Tooling Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and improving tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and related equipment used in manufacturing operations. This role supports production efficiency, quality, safety, and cost objectives by partnering with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Purchasing, and external vendors to ensure tooling solutions meet operational and customer requirements.
Your Role in Our Mission:
  • Design, develop, modify, and validate tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, dies, molds, and workholding devices to support manufacturing processes.
  • Review drawings, specifications, part requirements, and production needs to determine appropriate tooling concepts and solutions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturability, quality, throughput, ergonomics, and cost effectiveness.
  • Lead tooling projects from concept through design, fabrication, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
  • Create and maintain tooling drawings, specifications, bills of materials, revision records, and related documentation.
  • Coordinate with internal tool room resources, outside vendors, and suppliers to source, build, repair, and improve tooling.
  • Support production by troubleshooting tooling-related issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
  • Conduct tool trials, process validation, capability reviews, and first-run evaluations to confirm tooling performance.
  • Recommend tooling repairs, upgrades, replacement schedules, and preventive maintenance practices to maximize tool life and minimize downtime.
  • Ensure tooling designs and processes comply with company safety standards, quality requirements, and applicable regulatory expectations.

To Perform this Job Successfully:
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent tooling, machining, or tool and die experience may be considered.
  • Minimum 2+ years Structural welding experience required. Also subject to a weld test.
  • Experience designing or supporting tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, molds, dies, or workholding equipment in a manufacturing environment.
  • Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, CATIA, NX, or similar design tools.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining principles, materials, tolerances, GD&T, and design for manufacturability.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, project management, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with production employees, engineers, maintenance personnel, quality teams, vendors, and leadership.

We're Especially Interested in Candidates who have Experience in:
  • Experience in CNC machining, tool and die, metal fabrication, plastics, injection molding, stamping, assembly, or high-volume manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, 8D, DMAIC, or other continuous improvement methods.
  • Experience working with ERP, PLM, or maintenance management systems.
  • Experience managing tooling vendors, quotes, timelines, and technical reviews.

Why New Way Trucks?
  • Midwest Values: Integrity, hard work, and community from the core of our operations.
  • Innovation at Heart: We are committed to staying ahead of the curve and continually investing in technology and our people.
  • Competitive Benefit Package: Competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunity for professional growth.

Are you ready to build your future with New Way? Apply now!
This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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