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Tooling Engineering Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Tooling Engineer

Manchester, CT · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Manage new mold builds, tool refurbishments, engineering changes, repairs, and spare tooling programs. Partner with customers, mold suppliers, mold makers, and internal cross-functional teams ...

TRUMPF

Tooling Design Engineer

Farmington, CT · On-site

Associate degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field preferred * 2+ years of ... tooling is where precision meets creativity. As a Tool Design Engineer at TRUMPF, you'll work on ...

TRUMPF Group

Tooling Design Engineer

Farmington, CT · On-site

Associate degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field preferred * 2+ years of ... tooling is where precision meets creativity. As a Tool Design Engineer at TRUMPF, you'll work on ...

RTX

NPI Tooling Designer (Onsite)

Middletown, CT · On-site

$86K - $165K/yr

Analyze tooling packages from Manufacturing Engineering to understand scope-of-work requirements and develop durable tooling solutions that meet NPI and production requirements. * Conduct concept ...

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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 Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Tooling Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Manchester, CT • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Tooling Engineer
Manchester, Connecticut, United States (On-site)
Senior Injection Molding Tooling Engineer
Location: Manchester, CT
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $110,000–$150,000/year
Schedule: Full-Time | Onsite
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Injection Molding Tooling Engineer to support complex injection molding tooling programs within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. This position will lead tooling projects from initial concept and design through qualification, validation, and production launch.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience with plastic injection mold design, new mold builds, tooling qualification, DFM, troubleshooting, and multi-cavity/high-cavitation molds. This individual will work closely with customers, mold makers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and cross-functional engineering groups to deliver reliable, cost-effective tooling solutions.
Job Duties
Lead injection mold tooling projects from design through qualification, validation, and production release.
Manage new mold builds, tool refurbishments, engineering changes, repairs, and spare tooling programs.
Partner with customers, mold suppliers, mold makers, and internal cross-functional teams throughout the tooling lifecycle.
Review component and part designs for manufacturability and provide DFM recommendations to improve quality, cycle time, and tooling performance.
Coordinate mold design reviews, tool trials, process optimization, qualification activities, and final customer approvals.
Support PFMEA/FMEA activities and tooling-related risk mitigation efforts.
Troubleshoot injection molding and tooling issues to improve reliability, performance, and product quality.
Develop tooling quotations, project schedules, technical specifications, and cost estimates.
Manage multiple tooling projects simultaneously while maintaining project timelines and providing status updates to customers and leadership.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on tool life, process capability, productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience may also be considered.
6+ years of experience managing injection mold tooling projects within a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of plastic injection mold design, mold construction, and injection molding processes.
Hands-on experience qualifying complex, tight-tolerance, multi-cavity, and/or high-cavitation injection molds.
Experience with DFM, FMEA/PFMEA, process validation, and tooling qualification methodologies.
Experience working within a highly regulated manufacturing environment such as medical device, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mold and tooling issues and drive corrective actions.
Ability to manage multiple projects while coordinating with customers, suppliers, mold makers, engineering, and manufacturing teams.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications
Injection molding experience within medical device manufacturing.
Experience supporting IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities.
Familiarity with scientific molding principles and process development.
Knowledge of quality systems and regulatory requirements within highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
401(k) with company matching
Vacation and paid sick time
Tuition reimbursement
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.