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Tooling Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Reviews tool designs submitted by tool sources and makes necessary recommendations to meet customer ... Attends new tooling reviews with corporate tooling design team. * All other duties as assigned.

Apply a deep understanding of press brake operation to ensure tooling designs are practical, safe, and efficient. * Incorporate the limitations and capabilities of press brake processes into tooling ...

Reviews tool designs submitted by tool sources and makes necessary recommendations to meet customer ... Attends new tooling reviews with corporate tooling design team. * All other duties as assigned.

Reviews tool designs submitted by tool sources and makes necessary recommendations to meet customer ... Attends new tooling reviews with corporate tooling design team. * All other duties as assigned.

Apply a deep understanding of press brake operation to ensure tooling designs are practical, safe, and efficient. * Incorporate the limitations and capabilities of press brake processes into tooling ...

Lead tool modifications and designs for engineering changes. * Support commercial activities regarding process concept, tooling/equipment costing, and customer technical reviews with team, including ...

Collaborate with suppliers to ensure tooling is designed and built according to specifications. * Monitor key process metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives. * Ensure compliance with ...

Collaborate with suppliers to ensure tooling is designed and built according to specifications. * Monitor key process metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives. * Ensure compliance with ...

Showing results 21-40

Tooling Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$20

$33

$44

How much do tooling designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling designer in Michigan is $33.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $38.75 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 job categories do people searching Tooling Designer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Tooling Designer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Tooling Designer jobs in MI? For Tooling Designer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tooling Designer job openings in Michigan 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 $69,069 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Tooling Engineer

Flex-N-Gate

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Flex-N-Gate rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry, recently ranked 10th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in "Automotive News." A growing and vital company, Flex-N-Gate provides a great opportunity for hard-working and skilled individuals.
Scope of the Position
The Tooling Engineer develops and maintains effective methods of efficient and profitable manufacturing by installing approved methods and standards, recommending efficient distribution of manpower, analyzing plant methods and standards, preparing cost estimates of changes in plant layout and material handling and performing time and motion studies. The Tooling Engineer provides technical expertise in the areas of product, material, process and quality.
Responsibilities
  • Co-ordinates tooling for new jobs and/or changes to existing jobs in accordance with customer specifications.
  • Ensures advanced programs adhere to customer specifications and established standards.
  • Creates and maintains timelines for production tooling and equipment engineering changes, vendor tryouts and installation, and final tryouts.
  • Follows up on tooling and equipment related to engineering changes or new builds and provides direction and assistance to vendors.
  • Solicits vendor quotes and helps select vendors on basis of cost, timing and previous work quality.
  • Responsible for Design Potential Failure Mode Effect (DFMEA) and Process Potential Failure Mode Effect and Analysis (PFMEA), process flow diagrams for work instructions, packaging instructions for all product.
  • Responsible for the transfer of engineering data to supplier operations when necessary.
  • Responsible for tooling set up sheets.
  • Responsible for Product Verification Database.
  • Responsible for Document Control Change Form (DCCF)
  • Responsible for updating Master Blue Print Listing
  • Quotes, analyzes and manages any cost reductions and improvements in current production and continuous improvement projects.
  • Provides engineering support on technical issues to all departments.
  • Finds new product and manufacturing methods to improve production.
  • Provides support to tooling and weld technicians in problem solving any process deficiencies in the tooling or welding of certain product.
  • Understands strain grid analyses and forming analyses for forming die operations.
  • Works with the customer (engineering) in the development of manufacturing product design.
  • Assists in the quoting effort, with the input from affected departments in quoting production tooling and equipment with all the necessary paperwork for engineering changes only.
  • Understands, adheres to and practices safety guidelines in the production environment.
  • Monitors progress of jobs being performed by tool sources and assists them with any problems they may have.
  • Reviews tool designs submitted by tool sources and makes necessary recommendations to meet customer specifications and assures process capability.
  • Ensures timing, cost and customer satisfaction throughout the program duration.
  • Ensures that all information and communications are documented and relayed throughout the appropriate channels.
  • Analyzes and implements the most economical production methods of equipment.
  • Analyzes and implements an effective method to reduce steel progression.
  • Initiates, facilitates and maintains project plans for all team members.
  • Identifies and qualifies all potential program risks, identifies program unknowns and establishes contingency plans to keep the program progressing.
  • Maintains program timing and budgets.
  • Attends APQP meetings to support successful launch of new programs.
  • Attends new tooling reviews with corporate tooling design team.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Associates Degree in Tooling or;
  • Three to five years related Tool and Die experience in a tooling environment.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing systems related to metal stampings.
  • Technically inclined.
  • Strong commitment to quality.

• Medical, dental, prescription, vision, life and disability insurance; and a flexible spending account
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Extensive safety training, new hire orientation, continuous learning and development programs and tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation time
What do our employees have to say?
"It engages you professionally, and provides learning opportunities."
"Lots of growth opportunity."
"The company's young enough to be exciting, but old enough to be stable."
Not just a job-a great place to work!
Flex-N-Gate is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.

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