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Tooling Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tool Designer (Onsite)

Middletown, CT · On-site

$86K - $165K/yr

The Senior Durable Tooling Designer plays a key role in supporting the design and manufacturing of durable tooling-machining fixtures, gauges, lifting devices, and material-handling equipment.

The Senior Durable Tooling Designer plays a key role in supporting the design and manufacturing of durable tooling-machining fixtures, gauges, lifting devices, and material-handling equipment.

Check and approve completed designs by other tooling designers or engineers. * Works closely with internal toolshop in diagnosing tooling issues when needed. * Assists the local toolshop in ordering ...

Check and approve completed designs by other tooling designers or engineers. * Works closely with internal toolshop in diagnosing tooling issues when needed. * Assists the local toolshop in ordering ...

Optimize existing tooling designs for scrap reduction, improved cycle times, and machineability * Collaborate with the CNC department to ensure tooling is designed for manufacturing * Support design ...

$165K/yr

The Senior Durable Tooling Designer plays a key role in supporting the design and manufacturing of durable tooling-machining fixtures, gauges, lifting devices, and material-handling equipment.

JOB SUMMARY The Tooling Engineer designs foundry patterns, core boxes, and gate / riser systems. He / she works with and through the Production Design Team (PDT) to understand customer requirements ...

As a Tooling Engineer based in the United States, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining the tools and equipment essential for manufacturing processes. Your expertise ...

The Tooling Engineer designs, develops, and maintains specialized tools, dies, molds, and fixtures to optimize manufacturing production efficiency and quality. This role will create CAD models ...

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Tooling Designer information

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$23

$38

$51

How much do tooling designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.
More about Tooling Designer jobs
What states have the most Tooling Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tooling Designer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Tooling Designer jobs? For Tooling Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tooling Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,245 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 155 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-04

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CT-MIDDLETOWN-220M ~ Aircraft Rd ~ BLDG 220M

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

L Clearance

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems and has been revolutionizing modern flight for over 100 years. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

What You Will Do

As part of our evolving flexible work philosophy, we identify role types within all job titles so candidates understand where and how work happens. This role is On-site, supporting hands-on production environments essential to our engines’ success.

We’re investing in critical tooling talent to elevate how we design, deploy, and sustain durable tooling across our Module Centers & Operations (MC&O). As we modernize and mature our tooling strategy, we are seeking experienced, energetic, technically sharp durable tooling designers to join our Operational Excellence organization. You will directly influence the next generation of Pratt & Whitney tooling—improving cost, quality, and technical excellence across MC&O sites.

The Senior Durable Tooling Designer plays a key role in supporting the design and manufacturing of durable tooling—machining fixtures, gauges, lifting devices, and material‑handling equipment. Operating within the durable tooling value stream, you’ll partner with internal stakeholders, OEM design services, and tooling suppliers to drive execution from concept through delivery.

This role balances technical skill, project management, leadership, and supplier coordination. You’ll manage impactful projects, guide junior team members, and help shape the future of Pratt & Whitney’s tooling standards and processes.

Responsibilities

  • Review tooling packages from Manufacturing Engineering to define scope and technical requirements
  • Lead concept development and design reviews for new and legacy programs
  • Develop cost estimates for tooling design and build activities
  • Complete export compliance reviews for drawings, CAD models, and tooling commodities
  • Validate supplier technical packages and ensure quotes meet requirements
  • Approve durable tooling purchase orders for new designs, modifications, or repairs
  • Evaluate supplier nonconformances and lead RRCA efforts
  • Influence updates to Pratt & Whitney’s Tool Design Manual and tooling standard work
  • Ensure adherence to all tooling-related processes, EHS requirements, and quality standards
  • Support tool management software deployment and integration at assigned MC&O sites
  • Review designs for manufacturability and resolve producibility challenges
  • Collaborate in an integrated product development and design environment
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with team members, stakeholders, and leadership Expected travel: 5–10% to assigned MC&O locations, local travel to suppliers encouraged

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 5+ years relevant experience
  • OR an advanced degree and 3+ years experience OR 8+ years relevant experience in lieu of a degree
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, machining principles, and blueprint interpretation
  • Proficiency in NX or equivalent CAD tools
  • Demonstrated experience with durable tooling design and dimensioning
  • Working knowledge of process planning, machining operations, and material characteristics
  • Strong decision‑making, communication, and project management skills
  • Capability to balance multiple complex projects simultaneously
  • Proven ability to lead technical discussions with internal operations and supply base manufacturing and design engineering

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience with Teamcenter and SAP
  • Familiarity with Global Trade Compliance
  • Knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 13399
  • Experience with tool management software platforms and model based definition principles

Learn More & Apply Now

This position gives you the opportunity to:

• Influence tooling strategy across multiple Module Centers

• Be a key contributor to Pratt & Whitney’s tooling revitalization initiative

• Work hands-on with tooling supporting world‑class aerospace manufacturing

• Help shape and modernize the standards that define how Pratt & Whitney designs and manages durable tooling

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Pratt & Whitney

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Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US

Year founded

1925