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Tooling Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Tooling Design Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

$65 - $90/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 * Capability to run tool making ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Work closely with a team of Engineers to develop custom Tooling Solutions geared towards specific applications. Provide detailed technical and product design specifications and requirements.

Work closely with a team of Engineers to develop custom Tooling Solutions geared towards specific applications. Provide detailed technical and product design specifications and requirements.

Process Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Participate in new product and tooling review meetings throughout the development process. * Review ... Work with Engineering, Tooling, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve identified concerns before ...

Showing results 21-40

Tooling Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.7K

$113.4K

$168.6K

How much do tooling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for tooling engineer in Chicago, IL is $113,392.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,600.00 and $126,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tooling Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What are popular job titles related to Tooling Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Tooling Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Tooling Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Tooling Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Tooling Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,392 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Tooling Design Engineer

Paragon Medical, Inc.

Addison, IL • On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Paragon Medical rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

  • Analyze blueprints, specifications, and proposals for tooling strategy and form.
  • Translate requirements into forming progression
  • Model tooling and create tooling drawings for each tooling component. Revise drawings as needed during tooling debug or production
  • Collaborate with tooling vendors and internal toolmakers to produce tooling to drawing specifications.
  • Oversee tooling debug as part of the manufacturing startup.
  • Consult on new product quotes with product engineering team to determine feasibility and cost drivers
  • Capability to run tool making equipment such as EDM machines, lathes, grinders, etc…
  • High proficiency in utilizing modeling and drawing software such as Solidworks
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Highly collaborative.
  • Ability to manage high pressure situations during tooling debug
  • Keen focus on meeting target dates and deadlines

Knowledge:

  • In-depth understanding of a variety of cold-forming techniques, tooling materials and design, and costs related to production of metal products.
  • Ability to analyze and understand prints. GD&T knowledge preferred.
Qualifications
  • 5 years: Minimum of 5 years experience in cold forming tooling design.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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