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Tooling Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Plastics Tooling Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85.60K - $107K/yr

Provide technical expertise for all injection mold tooling related topics throughout the Vehicle Hardware Engineering organization. * Provide injection mold tooling feasibility & support during the ...

Provide technical expertise for all injection mold tooling related topics throughout the Vehicle Hardware Engineering organization. * Provide injection mold tooling feasibility & support during the ...

Work closely with operations and engineering to develop/improve processes that better help meet production tooling needs. * Support continuous improvement, scrap reduction, new product development ...

Work closely with operations and engineering to develop/improve processes that better help meet production tooling needs. * Support continuous improvement, scrap reduction, new product development ...

NPI Mold Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115.10K - $171.90K/yr

Essential Responsibilities Mold & Tooling Design * Design high-precision injection molds (single ... New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineering * Participate in gate reviews, project planning, and ...

Over 30 years of industry experience with the most recent advances in materials, engineering, technology, manufacturing and service. What You'll Learn & Do The Tooling Apprentice will support the ...

CNC Manufacturing Engineer

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$83.40K - $118.20K/yr

The role involves CAD/CAM programming, tooling engineering, equipment capability analysis, and continuous improvement. The Engineer collaborates with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and cross ...

Tooling & Fixture Coordination: Collaborate with design and tooling engineers to evaluate or improve manufacturing fixtures and workflows. * Documentation Mastery: Own and maintain process ...

Tooling & Fixture Coordination: Collaborate with design and tooling engineers to evaluate or improve manufacturing fixtures and workflows. * Documentation Mastery: Own and maintain process ...

Tooling & Fixture Coordination: Collaborate with design and tooling engineers to evaluate or improve manufacturing fixtures and workflows. * Documentation Mastery: Own and maintain process ...

Position Overview: ' As a Tooling Buyer Planner, you'll bepart of our Brea, CA team working as an ... with engineering departmentto update and maintain tool drawings. ' Update/maintain bills of ...

Visual inspection of tooling as well as operating 3D scanning equipment. * Accountability ... Collaborate with engineers and other team members to discuss project requirements, progress, and ...

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Tooling Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$56.3K

$114.7K

$170.6K

How much do tooling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for tooling engineer in Riverside, CA is $114,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Tooling Engineers?

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 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Tooling Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Tooling Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Tooling Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tooling Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Tooling Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Tooling Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Tooling Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Tooling Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,746 per year, or $55.2 per hour.
Plastics Tooling Engineer

Plastics Tooling Engineer

Rivian

Irvine, CA • On-site

$85.60K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Rivian rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
As a member of Rivian's Vehicle Hardware Engineering team, you will be an intrinsic part of shaping new and exciting products - you will develop from concept and into volume production while driving the creation of sustainable, impactful and world class performing parts.
Vehicle Hardware Engineering is a place to be innovative and creative while contributing to a culture of trust and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical expertise for all injection mold tooling related topics throughout the Vehicle Hardware Engineering organization.
  • Provide injection mold tooling feasibility & support during the product development process from cradle to grave.
  • Participate & collaborate in all product design development activities to ensure optimal tooling for mass production.
  • Drive tooling best practices by reviewing tool designs with internal & external suppliers utilizing the OK to tool process.
  • Develop & maintain tooling best practice documents & processes, such as tool design standards & specifications.
  • Maintain tooling open issue lists, progress reports, trip reports, meeting minutes and presentations to peers and management as required.
  • Review and guide mold flow best practices and drive process correlation during tool qualification / tryouts.
  • Review tooling estimates & quotations to drive investment efficiencies and align with cross functional teams including purchasing / cost estimating.
  • Develop & implement tooling that enables mold in color & sustainable resins & parts.
  • Drive advanced tooling technologies & tooling enabled technologies including to improve Rivian's competitiveness.
  • Provide problem solving support & direction to tooling / part suppliers both foreign and domestic as required.
  • Lead collaborative problem-solving for production plant issues.
  • Capture & document all tooling lessons learned and publish prevent recurrence
  • Demonstrate curiosity and high learning agility.
  • Exhibit "Rivian Compass" values in everything you do.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's of Science Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or Similar.
  • 1-2+ years of injection mold tooling related experience in all aspects of tooling design, tool manufacturing, and delivery.
  • Basic knowledge of injected molded polymers (PP, ABS, PC, PET, PA6, TPO.) and processing.
  • Proven experience with handling multiple complex projects simultaneously.
  • First-class communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively across multiple sites & time zones to a wide range of audiences.
  • A demonstrated ability to solve problems using a first-principal physics-based approach.
  • An eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment.
  • Sound commercial and financial awareness.
  • CATIA V5 & Moldflow software proficiency.
  • Google suite proficiency.
  • Flexibility to travel to launch & supplier locations for extended periods as necessary.

Pay Disclosure
The salary range for this role is $85,600 - $107,000 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.
The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009