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Tooling Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Tooling Supervisor

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Tooling Group Leader at Metalsa Elizabethtown, your pivotal responsibility involves overseeing ... Associate degree in engineering or a related field with 7 years of experience as a tool maker or ...

Tooling Technician

Bardstown, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Interpret blueprints and tool drawings/designs and implement engineering changes on molds and tools. Troubleshoot, solve and perform mold and tooling repairs and retrofit work. Repair hot runners ...

Tooling Technician

Bardstown, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Key Duties and Responsibilities: • Interpret blueprints and tool drawings/designs and implement engineering changes on molds and tools. • Troubleshoot, solve and perform mold and tooling repairs ...

Design Engineer

Lebanon, KY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design Engineer The Design Engineer will design forging dies, punches, and trim tools, with a ... Participate in tooling and fixture design to support forging and related operations. * Work with ...

Design Engineer

Georgetown, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title: Design Engineer This Design Engineer role focuses on creating custom mechanical ... Use SolidWorks to design jigs, fixtures, end effector tooling, material handling equipment, and ...

Tooling Technician

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Tooling Technician is responsible for ensuring tooling meets process expectations. The ideal candidate will have good manual dexterity, be detail-oriented and self-motivated, and thrive in a fast ...

Tooling Technician

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Tooling Technician is responsible forensuring tooling meets process expectations. The ideal candidate will have good manual dexterity, be detail-oriented and self-motivated, and thrive in a fast ...

Tooling Technician

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Tooling Technician is responsible for ensuring tooling meets process expectations. The ideal candidate will have good manual dexterity, be detail-oriented and self-motivated, and thrive in a fast ...

Forge Engineer

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$60 - $80/mo

Tooling & Equipment: * Improve tool life and reduce cost related to tooling (T/F arm, T/F fingers, bolster parts). * Collaborate with die shop, maintenance, and quality teams for engineering ...

Tooling Technician

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Tooling Technician is responsible forensuring tooling meets process expectations. The ideal candidate will have good manual dexterity, be detail-oriented and self-motivated, and thrive in a fast ...

Senior Engineer, Offensive Security

Louisville, KY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Build agentic offensive tooling. Write production-quality software and AI agents, LLM-driven ... Production Python engineering: you build and operate real tooling, not only one-off scripts. * You ...

Senior Engineer, Offensive Security

Louisville, KY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Build agentic offensive tooling. Write production-quality software and AI agents, LLM-driven ... Production Python engineering: you build and operate real tooling, not only one-off scripts. * You ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... tooling, fixturing, and workholding solutions Collaborate with design engineering on new product introduction Troubleshoot machining issues directly on the shop floor Support machinists by ensuring ...

Controls Engineer

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

CNC programming along with tooling/fixturing development * Robotic/Gantry material handling cells * Electrical panel design * PLC programming * Plant layouts / material flow * Equipment manuals ...

The Plastics Engineer - Injection Molding Process & Flow Simulation (PE) is responsible for ... Support tooling development from concept through production, including tool design reviews and ...

Showing results 21-40

Tooling Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$46.9K

$95.5K

$142K

How much do tooling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for tooling engineer in Kentucky is $95,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $106,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tooling Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTooling EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesign, develop, and maintain manufacturing tools and equipmentOptimize manufacturing processes and workflows
Skills & CertificationsCAD, machining, tooling design, certifications like CATIA or SolidWorksProcess improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, engineering degrees
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, manufacturing plants, R&D labsProduction floors, process planning areas, quality control
Industry UsageHeavy manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceElectronics, consumer goods, automotive

While both roles support manufacturing operations, Tooling Engineers focus on designing and maintaining the tools and equipment needed for production, whereas Manufacturing Engineers work on improving overall manufacturing processes. Both roles often collaborate closely to ensure efficient and high-quality production.

What is a tooling engineer?

Tooling Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and maintain the tools, molds, dies, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. They work closely with engineering and production teams to ensure that tools are efficient, cost-effective, and meet product specifications. Tooling Engineers play a critical role in optimizing production quality and efficiency by selecting appropriate materials, overseeing tool fabrication, and troubleshooting issues related to tool performance.

What are some common challenges tooling engineers face when working on new product launches?

Tooling Engineers often encounter tight timelines and evolving design specifications during new product launches. Coordinating with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure tools meet all requirements can be complex, especially when last-minute changes arise. Additionally, balancing cost efficiency with durability and precision in tool design is a frequent challenge. Effective communication and adaptability are key skills for overcoming these hurdles and ensuring a successful product launch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tooling engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tooling Engineer, you need strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, mechanical engineering principles, and experience with tooling design, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), familiarity with CAM systems, and understanding of industry standards are essential technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Tooling Engineers excel in cross-functional teams and address complex challenges. These skills ensure the efficient design, maintenance, and improvement of tooling systems critical to high-quality production and cost-effective manufacturing.

What does a tooling engineer do?

A tooling engineer uses computer-aided (CAD) manufacturing to create and adjust tools or parts for vehicles, airplanes, heavy equipment, or any product that needs customized components. As a tooling engineer, your duties include drafting blueprints for designs crafting the necessary pieces. You also improve previous designs. You should have experience with metalworking and mechanics. Computer skills are just also important because tooling engineers build and troubleshoot designs with CAD software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tooling Engineer jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Tooling Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:

What job categories do people searching Tooling Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Tooling Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Tooling Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Tooling Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Tooling Engineer jobs in KY?

For Tooling Engineer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tooling Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,527 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Tooling Supervisor

Metalsa

Elizabethtown, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Metalsa rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

352nd of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description


About Metalsa: We are a global company with 60+ years of experience in the automotive industry, we manufacture safe and sustainable products for people around the world. We are working for a better future where we enrich communities every day by being committed to people, innovation, and our planet. If you have what it takes to accelerate Metalsa's vision of future mobility, we want you to join the team! For more information, visit metalsa.com
Metalsa's Mission: To move the world more efficiently while protecting the environment and ensuring long-term economic and social value generation for our stakeholders.
Metalsa's Vision: To become a leading mobility manufacturer of chassis and electrified solutions for the automotive, trucking, and off-highway industries.
What does a day-in-the-life look like?
As a Tooling Group Leader at Metalsa Elizabethtown, your pivotal responsibility involves overseeing our skilled toolmakers and ensuring the flawless functioning of our tool room. Leading a proficient team, you'll specialize in progressive and transfer die operations, leveraging your expertise in Destacker processes, progressive transfer, blanking, and Rollform to optimize die performance. Embrace the fast-paced atmosphere, where your hands-on approach in both the press and the shop will drive the team towards excellence.
As the Tooling Group Leader, success is defined by your ability to:
  • Maintain up-to-date tooling indicators and establish follow-up programs for continuous improvement, aiming to reduce overtime, scrap, and downtime.
  • Implement maintenance routines for each die, optimizing tool room resources.
  • Provide training to toolmakers on maintenance tasks and support the department in various projects, including drawing checks.
  • Ensure compliance with ISO TS standards and be audit-ready, taking the lead in implementing 5S practices in the department.
  • Coordinate with the tool room manager on updates, new projects, and urgent requisitions.
  • Ensure 100% quality by managing and monitoring the manpower plan, die protection plan, and preventive maintenance compliance.
  • Effectively coordinate the production plan, prioritize activities in the tooling area, and implement the QDC (Quality, Delivery, Cost) program and engineering changes.
  • Organize priorities and assign activities in the tooling area, carrying out the maintenance plan and tool improvement plan.
  • Oversee tool maker assignments across shifts to optimize execution efficiency.
  • Collaborate with other tooling supervisors to ensure the seamless progression of ongoing work in the shop and adhere to the production schedule.
  • Identify critical spare parts required, request them through the system, and ensure their availability.
  • Keep the team motivated and accountable during your assigned shift, providing necessary resources for executing preventive and corrective maintenance.

What you will bring: Experience & Education:
  • Associate degree in engineering or a related field with 7 years of experience as a tool maker or 10+ years as a tool maker
  • 4+ years leadership experience in unionized automotive or industrial manufacturing required (UAW)
  • 7+ years tool maker experience (tool and die class C required)
  • Experience with die maintenance systems, steel treatment (coating), and gripper systems
  • Problem-solving methodology, lean process, JIT (just in time), and KPI experiences required

Suggested skills:
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and demonstrate a high level of motivation, service orientation, and teamwork with meticulous attention to detail.

All employees are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable policies, procedures, and internal controls; executing assigned control activities; maintaining appropriate supporting evidence; and promptly reporting any identified deviation, risk, or control deficiency to the direct leader.
What is in it for you?
As part of the Metalsa team, you will benefit from great compensation and benefits package!
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Excellent benefits: medical, dental, vision, prescription insurance
  • Paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401K
  • Advancement Opportunities & Training Program

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