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Tooling Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ingersoll-Rand plc

Tooling Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The Tooling/Molding Engineer is responsible for the design, development, maintenance, and optimization of molds, tooling, and related manufacturing processes. This role ensures efficient production ...

Koch Industries

Tooling Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Your Job Molex, LLC is seeking a Tooling Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will drive manufacturing excellence for precision injection molding and tooling across Molex's global network.

Prolim Global

Manufacturing Engineer (Tooling)

Mccook, IL · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer (Tooling) with strong expertise in tooling design, process development, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will support ...

MW Industries, Inc.

Tooling Design Engineer

Addison, IL

$110K - $140K/hr

Oversee tooling debug as part of the manufacturing startup. * Consult on new product quotes with product engineering team to determine feasibility and cost drivers Competencies * Capability to run ...

Ingersoll-Rand

Sr. Molding Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The Process Engineer collaborates closely with the Tooling, Production, Quality, NPI and Maintenance teams to ensure successful product launches, consistent quality and efficient manufacturing ...

MW Industries

Tooling Design Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

Oversee tooling debug as part of the manufacturing startup. * Consult on new product quotes with product engineering team to determine feasibility and cost drivers Competencies * Capability to run ...

Ingersoll-Rand plc

Sr. Molding Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The Process Engineer collaborates closely with the Tooling, Production, Quality, NPI and Maintenance teams to ensure successful product launches, consistent quality and efficient manufacturing ...

Salesforce, Inc.

Director, AI & Tooling

Chicago, IL · On-site

Partner closely with Tech & Product, and other technology teams to influence the Help Agent roadmap and direct engineering relationships. Evaluations Tooling Own the end-to-end evaluations tooling ...

Chemtech Plastics, Inc.

Project Engineer

Elgin, IL

$120K/yr

Project Engineering Injection Molding 1st shift E-Verify Location: Elgin, IL | On-Site Job Summary ... Leadership responsibilities for all tooling projects at Chemtech Plastics, Inc., that are ...

MW Industries, Inc.

Project Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

$95K - $130K/hr

Collaborate with operators, tooling engineering and operations management to drive consistency in process performance and utilization * Support discussions with outside vendors providing services for ...

MW Industries

Project Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

Collaborate with operators, tooling engineering and operations management to drive consistency in process performance and utilization * Support discussions with outside vendors providing services for ...

DEO TEK, Inc

Tool Room Supervisor

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$80K/yr

Works closely with tooling and manufacturing engineers along with production supervisors to improve plant safety, part quality, line productivity and tool performance. Manages tool room consumables ...

MW Industries, Inc.

Project Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Collaborate with operators, tooling engineering and operations management to drive consistency in process performance and utilization. * Support discussions with outside vendors providing services ...

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All JobsTooling Engineer JobsTooling Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Tooling Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.6K

$113.3K

$168.4K

How much do tooling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for tooling engineer in Chicago, IL is $113,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $126,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Tooling Engineer jobs

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The most popular types of Tooling Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Tooling Engineer job openings:

Tooling Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 57% Full Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,303 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Principal Tooling Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Principal Tooling Engineer – Injection Molding
Location: Libertyville, IL (Relocation assistance packages offered for qualified candidates)
Travel: International travel to Denmark (1–2 weeks at a time during the first year; significantly reduced thereafter)
Target Pay: $145,000-$175,000/year + 10% annual bonus

Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Tooling Engineer to support the development of state-of-the-art injection molding tooling for a high-visibility medical manufacturing program, including production of a leading weight-loss therapy. This role partners closely with global customers and internal engineering teams to design, validate, and launch advanced tooling while helping establish U.S.-based manufacturing capability.
This is a highly collaborative, hands-on position ideal for a senior tooling professional who enjoys working across design, process development, and shop-floor execution.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and engineer complex tooling solutions for molds, jigs, and fixtures to meet product and regulatory specifications.
  • Participate in design reviews and perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) evaluations.
  • Lead validation of molding tools and troubleshoot tooling or process-related issues.
  • Implement cost-effective tooling improvements and engineering changes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on tool qualification, sampling, and final part approval.
  • Develop and maintain tooling documentation, work instructions, and process standards.
  • Provide technical coaching and guidance to tooling technicians and internal engineering staff.
  • Deliver status updates aligned with project timelines and customer expectations.
  • Support early-phase international collaboration, including travel to Denmark during initial program launch.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
  • 15+ years of experience in injection molding tooling design, validation, and troubleshooting.
  • Deep expertise in thermoplastics and/or thermosets, mold flow, and molding process optimization.
  • Strong background in Design for Manufacturability and tooling qualification.
  • Hands-on experience working in manufacturing or tool room environments.
  • Proven ability to collaborate across engineering, production, and customer teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Medical device or regulated manufacturing experience.
  • Experience supporting global manufacturing transfers or new product launches.
  • Familiarity with inspection, measurement tools, and electronic/mechanical test equipment.
Why Join
  • Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact medical manufacturing program.
  • Visibility with global customers and leadership teams.
  • Key role in bringing advanced production capability to the United States.
  • Collaborative environment where senior technical expertise drives real outcomes.