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Tooling Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Services

Tooling Engineer

Torrance, CA

$55 - $65/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position will work closely with manufacturing, engineering, suppliers, and external tool shops to improve tooling performance, manufacturing efficiency, and product quality. Key Responsibilities

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with tooling capabilities. * Lead tooling projects from concept through production launch, including ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsTooling Engineering JobsTooling Engineering Jobs in California

Tooling Engineering information

What is tooling engineering?

Tooling engineering is a specialized field focused on designing, developing, and maintaining tools, dies, molds, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. Tooling engineers ensure that production tools are efficient, precise, and durable to support high-quality and cost-effective manufacturing. They work closely with design, production, and quality teams to optimize tool performance and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the production process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tooling engineer?

To thrive as a Tooling Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, CAD design, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and relevant manufacturing systems, as well as certifications in areas like GD&T or Six Sigma, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and resolve production challenges. These skills are crucial for designing efficient, cost-effective tooling solutions that ensure product quality and seamless manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges faced by tooling engineers when introducing new tooling into manufacturing processes?

Tooling Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring that new tooling designs meet both production efficiency and product quality standards, coordinating with cross-functional teams to integrate tooling with existing equipment, and managing tight project timelines. Additionally, troubleshooting unexpected issues during initial production runs and balancing cost constraints with technical requirements are frequent hurdles. Successful Tooling Engineers proactively communicate with production, quality, and maintenance teams to address these challenges and ensure a smooth transition from design to full-scale production.

What is the difference between Tooling Engineering vs Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectTooling EngineeringManufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesign, development, and maintenance of tooling and fixtures used in manufacturing processesPlanning, designing, and optimizing overall manufacturing processes and production workflows
Skills & CertificationsCAD/CAM, tooling design, machining, certifications like CATIA or SolidWorksProcess improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, manufacturing systems
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, manufacturing plants, tooling design labsProduction floors, plant operations, process development centers
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsAutomotive, industrial equipment, consumer goods

Tooling Engineering primarily focuses on creating and maintaining the tools and fixtures needed for manufacturing, while Manufacturing Engineering oversees the entire production process. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries and often collaborate to ensure efficient production and high-quality output.

How much do tooling engineers make in the US?

Tooling engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior tooling engineers or those with specialized skills can earn over $100,000 annually. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What does a tooling engineering do?

A tooling engineer designs, develops, and maintains tools, dies, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production and high-quality output. They analyze product specifications, select appropriate materials, and collaborate with production teams, often using CAD software and precision measurement tools. Their work helps optimize manufacturing operations and reduce costs.
Tooling Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Tooling Engineer

Kelly Services

Torrance, CA

$55 - $65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Tooling Engineer

Location: Torrance, CA
Work Setting: On-site
Employment Type: Temp-to-Hire
Pay Range: $55.00–$65.00/hour, depending on experience
Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer to support manufacturing operations in Torrance, CA. This is a temp-to-hire opportunity with the intent to convert the selected candidate to a regular full-time employee based on performance and business needs.

The Tooling Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and ongoing support of injection molds and tooling systems. This position will work closely with manufacturing, engineering, suppliers, and external tool shops to improve tooling performance, manufacturing efficiency, and product quality.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and optimize injection molds and tooling systems.
  • Lead tooling projects from concept and design through build, validation, and production implementation.
  • Review product designs for manufacturability, tooling feasibility, and potential production risks.
  • Support new product introductions (NPI), prototype builds, tooling trials, and production launches.
  • Evaluate tooling performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Troubleshoot mold, tooling, and manufacturing issues using structured problem-solving techniques.
  • Work with manufacturing and engineering teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Coordinate tooling projects with suppliers, vendors, and external tool shops.
  • Review tooling designs, specifications, quotations, and project timelines.
  • Develop and maintain tooling documentation, drawings, specifications, and engineering records.
  • Support engineering changes and tooling modifications throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Provide hands-on technical support to manufacturing, tooling, and production personnel.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, (A PLUS) or a related technical experience.
  • 4–6 years of tooling engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, injection molds, tooling systems, and mold construction.
  • Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, NX, or similar platforms.
  • Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), GD&T, and engineering change management.
  • Experience supporting tooling development from initial design through production.
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tooling projects and priorities.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with mold flow analysis.
  • Experience working directly with tooling suppliers and external mold/tool shops.
  • Experience supporting NPI, tooling validation, and production launches.

Important: Candidates must be able to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.


As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.