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Tooling Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Tooling Engineer is a part of UGN's Downers Grove (corporate) Engineering team. This position serves at a senior level and oversees complex tool engineering assignments, including, but not ...

Tooling Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Tooling Engineer is a part of UGN's Downers Grove (corporate) Engineering team. This position serves at a senior level and oversees complex tool engineering assignments, including, but not ...

Tooling Engineer Position Summary As a Plastics Tooling Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimize tooling solutions that support the production of high-quality plastic components. Working in a ...

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Lead Tooling Engineer

Broadview, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Lead Tooling Engineer Location: Acme Wire Products Address: 2915 18th Ave, Broadview, IL 60155 Job type: Salaried Full Time, (40 hours/Week) Schedule : Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Reports to:

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 ...

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 ...

... tooling department in maintaining, repairing and producing molds and fixtures in support of ... Work with production and engineering to determine toolroom support requirements; prioritize and ...

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 ...

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Project Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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Tooling Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$53.4K

$108.7K

$161.6K

How much do tooling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for tooling engineer in Elgin, IL is $108,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $121,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Tooling Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? For Tooling Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tooling Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Tooling Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Tooling Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Tooling Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Tooling Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,724 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Tooling Engineer

UGN

Downers Grove, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Join UGN: A Thriving Team, A Rewarding Career

At UGN, what truly sets us apart as a great place to work is our culture, which we call The UGN Way. The UGN Way is grounded in our commitment to our values of Respect, Trust, and Communication.

We are a lean and agile organization of empowered Team Members working together to create outstanding results. We are proud of the success we achieve by collaborating exceptionally well, caring for one another, and holding ourselves and each other accountable to high standards.

Why Join UGN?

  • Be part of a recognized industry leader with a proven track record of success.
  • Thrive in a workplace that prioritizes Team Member satisfaction and professional growth.
  • Contribute to a culture grounded in values that foster collaboration and innovation.
  • Make an impact both professionally and in the community.

At UGN, you’re not just joining a company – you’re joining a team that’s committed to excellence, empowerment, and making every Team Member feel valued. Explore the UGN Way today, and let’s create the future together.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now and discover your place on the UGN team.

The Tooling Engineer is a part of UGN’s Downers Grove (corporate) Engineering team. This position serves at a senior level and oversees complex tool engineering assignments, including, but not limited to design, purchase, and implementation of UGN machine process tooling at all UGN facilities. This position serves as a UGN subject matter expert in regard to tooling.

This role will require travel up to 50% of the time.

What you will do for UGN: 

  • Manage assigned tooling programs from Kickoff to Launch to ensure Safety, Cost, Quality, and Delivery.
  • Prepare Tooling Expenditures and Purchase Orders after receiving authorization paperwork from Sales Account Managers and/or Program Managers.
  • Collaborate with Tooling Vendors and Plant Team Members and Product Development Team Members to review tool designs and drive meetings to meet ALL UGN Design standards and requirements.
  • Document tooling designs, timelines, reports, and quotes.
  • Oversee tooling maturation and trial management, including tooling approval at vendor sites and trial support at UGN facilities, providing hands-on molding and tooling assistance using small hand tools.
  • Maintain internal UGN schedules while communicating program status and resource needs to tooling management, operations, sales, service groups, and outside vendors.
  • Monitor each assigned tooling project and report progress weekly during Tooling department and Program Manager meetings.
  • Coordinate projects with quality engineering and operations teams to ensure part quality, standards, and production rates meet UGN equipment capabilities; travel to various sites to provide support as required.
  • Facilitate routine CAD data transfers of part data and tooling records between Design Engineering, Sales, and Vendors via email and various cloud services.
  • Support tooling quoting as needed for New and Engineering Changes.
  • Participate in Tooling Design Review Standards revisions and reviews for optimization and standardization.
  • Support cost reductions, new technology, and part manufacturing with Problem-solving support.
  • Lead the most complex tool engineering assignments and high-profile projects across the organization.
  • Mentor to less experienced Tooling Engineers and act as backup for the Tooling Engineering Manager during absences.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you will bring to UGN:

  • Bachelor's degree (B. S.) or equivalent from an accredited college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 10 + years of experience in tooling in a manufacturing environment.  
  • Excellent tooling engineering skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and train other Team Members.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to understand part and tool drawings.
  • High level of technical aptitude – strong understanding of systems, equipment, and processes.
  • Hands-on experience and ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing equipment.
  • Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
  • Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts and principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), Internet, AutoCAD & Design software.

We strive to ensure each Team Member feels valued, respected, and included, and is presented with equal opportunities to be successful here at UGN. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace. UGN participates in E-Verify. For more information, go to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

At UGN, Inc., we recognize that our success depends upon our Team Members. We’ve created a competitive compensation and benefits package that demonstrates our commitment to our Team Members.
Pay range: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 and participation in our annual incentive plan. If you are offered this position at UGN, your final base salary will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, experience, and/or geographic location. In addition to those factors, UGN considers internal equity among current Team Members when developing the final offer.
Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefit package for full-time Team Members including medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D insurance, 401K with company match, short and long-term disability insurance, and paid time off, including 10 paid holidays.

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