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Tooling Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AB SKF

Laboratory Tooling Designer

Elgin, IL · On-site

Laboratory Tooling Designer Location: Elgin, IL Salary Range: $ 65,000.00 to $ 74,000.00 About SKF: SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow! SKF is an industry ...

BAE Systems

Tooling Designer II

Aiken, SC

$72K - $122K/yr

Work under the guidance of Senior Tool Design Specialists to enhance knowledge and skills in designing effective tooling and fixtures. * Produce 3D CAD models and 2D technical drawing packages from ...

SKF Group

Laboratory Tooling Designer

Elgin, IL

Laboratory Tooling Designer Location: Elgin, IL Salary Range: $ 65,000.00 to $ 74,000.00 About SKF: SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow! SKF is an industry ...

Belcan

NX Tooling Designer & Modeler

Cypress, CA · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

We are seeking an experienced Tooling Designer and Modeler with Siemens NX experience to support engineering and manufacturing teams by creating, revising, and maintaining 3D models & 2D drawings.

Fuyao Glass America Inc

TOOLING ENGINEER

Dayton, OH · On-site

As a Tooling Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining the tools and equipment necessary for efficient manufacturing processes. Your work will directly impact ...

AJ Rose

Tooling Engineer, Project Level

Avon, OH · On-site

$71K - $107K/yr

The Tooling Engineer - Project Level research, plans, and designs mechanical parts, processes, products, and tooling. This role involves directing and coordinating activities in fabrication ...

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How much do tooling designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling designer 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 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.
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What states have the most Tooling Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tooling Designer jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Tooling Designer jobs? For Tooling Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tooling Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,245 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Laboratory Tooling Designer

AB SKF

Elgin, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Laboratory Tooling Designer
Location: Elgin, IL
Salary Range: $ 65,000.00 to $ 74,000.00
About SKF:
SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!
SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.
We're guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.
We're a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.
Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.
Required Language:
Ability to speak (conversational), read, and write in English.
Education:
Associate in Engineering Science (AES) degree or minimum 3rd year undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Key Qualifications:
  • Tool Design.
  • CAD & Analysis: High proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo Parametric (preferred), SolidWorks, or Autocad).
  • Technical Skills: Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance analysis.
  • Materials & Manufacturing: Knowledge of machining processes, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and materials science.
  • Strong understanding Of Machine Shop processes and materials, including knowledge of machining and fabrication techniques.

General Knowledge needs:
  • Ability to design, create, and approve CAD drawings and assembly models; prior experience with CREO Parametric 10.0 is a plus.
  • Advanced mechanical skills.
  • Capable of using precision measurement instruments.
  • Ability to create written instructions.
  • Basic knowledge of sealing technology is a plus but not required.
  • Basic understanding of PLC programming and VFD control is a plus but not required.
  • Basic knowledge of calibration and verification activities is a plus but not required.
  • Six Sigma green belt certification is a plus but not required.

Hard Skills needs:
  • Skilled in basic use of Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Active use of analytical thinking.
  • Read, understand, and create mechanical drawings.
  • Design Optimization.
  • Drafting Standards. GD&T knowledge is a plus (Y14.5)

Soft Skills needs:
  • High integrity, highly responsible, methodical, and open-minded.
  • Good coordination, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
  • Organization.
  • Adaptability.
  • Customer and result oriented.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team and to work on an interdisciplinary base.
  • Driven by continuous improvement and self-development.

Duties:
  • Design & Modeling: Create detailed 2D/3D CAD models and production drawings for lab test stations and tooling.
  • Fixturing & Workholding: Develop specialized jigs and fixtures to hold, assemble, or test components.
  • Product lifecycle management (PLM): Interact with data management software to create, revise, and manage part drawings.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, technicians, and vendors to ensure tools meet rigorous operational, safety, and precision standards.
  • Specification & Procurement: Select appropriate engineering materials, manage Bill of Materials (BOMs), and oversee the fabrication or sourcing of tools.
  • Verification: Develop methods and work standards to validate that the designed tooling performs accurately under laboratory conditions in compliance with quality standards and customer specifications.
  • Management of tooling stock: Responsible for design, supplier RFQs, quote comparison, vendor choice, purchasing activities (purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and receipts), receiving inspection, non-conformance management, and vendor corrective actions for the procurement of tooling used to mount test samples onto machinery. Additionally, inventory control of the stock tooling to 5S standards (right part in the right quantity at the right place in the right time).
  • Promote improvements and development of product/techniques based on observations from test results.
  • Perform testing on prototypes, existing, and competitor products based on test procedures and instructions on test request.
    • Setup up test samples on machines using dial indicators and gauges
    • Program test cycles into machine programmers to run cyclic test schedules.
    • Monitor and collect test data using data acquisition systems.
    • Maintain accurate daily logs of temperature, oil leakage, etc. as defined by test request.
    • For environmental tests, maintain all auxiliary test equipment throughout the duration of the test.
  • Perform routine maintenance of lab test equipment and tools.
  • Participate in SKF's safety practices and maintain a safe work environment.
  • Actively nourish a culture of continuous improvement to improve the efficiency of the laboratory activities in the interest of SKF (Familiar with: Maintenance excellence program, 5S, VSM is a plus, but not required).
  • Develop and maintain operational procedures and instructions for efficient use of the laboratories equipment and facilities to ensure reliability, accuracy, and traceability of the results (Familiar with the Lab quality systems: ISO 9001, ISO 17025 is a plus, but not required).
  • Other activities as directed by Lab Management.

Environment:
  • Industrial Laboratory: Shop floor and office settings.
  • Required safety equipment: Safety glasses with side shields; Safety-toe shoes; Hearing protection.
  • Potential chemical exposures: Contact with engineered rubber products; Industrial lubricants (i.e. hydraulics, oil, grease); Contaminants (i.e. mud, dust, salt, fertilizer).

What You'll Love About SKF:
Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.
Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.
Diversity in the Workplace. At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.
Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment. Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!
Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.
Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution: 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.
About SKF
SKF has been around for more than a century and today we are one of the world's largest global suppliers of bearings and supporting solutions for rotating equipment. With more than 40,000 employees in around 130 countries, we are truly global. Our products are found everywhere in society. In fact, wherever there is movement, SKF's solutions might be at work. This means that we are an important part of the everyday lives of people and companies around the world. See more, at www.skf.com.

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