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Tooling Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

CNC Programmer -- Mastercam

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$60K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues directly on the shop floor * Support and improve legacy parts and existing production processes * Collaborate with international engineering and ...

Cost Engineer

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Identify optimal machining methods, tooling strategies, and machine selection for each part. * Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering (MFE) and CAM teams to validate cycle times and setup ...

Engineering Technician

Camas, WA ยท On-site

$25.49 - $33.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and document processes and tooling * Assist in transferring products to manufacturing ... Experience supporting engineers working with lasers, fiber optics, electro-optic or opto-mechanical ...

Engineering Technician

Camas, WA

$25.49 - $33.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and document processes and tooling * Assist in transferring products to manufacturing ... Experience supporting engineers working with lasers, fiber optics, electro-optic or opto-mechanical ...

Engineering Technician

Camas, WA ยท On-site

$25.49 - $33.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and document processes and tooling * Assist in transferring products to manufacturing ... Experience supporting engineers working with lasers, fiber optics, electro-optic or opto-mechanical ...

CNC Programmer -- Mastercam

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$60K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues directly on the shop floor * Support and improve legacy parts and existing production processes * Collaborate with international engineering and ...

Cost Engineer

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Identify optimal machining methods, tooling strategies, and machine selection for each part. * Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering (MFE) and CAM teams to validate cycle times and setup ...

Cost Engineer

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Identify optimal machining methods, tooling strategies, and machine selection for each part. * Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering (MFE) and CAM teams to validate cycle times and setup ...

Be Seen First

Process Engineering Technician 2 (CNC Programming)

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$34 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develops, writes, and/or tests manufacturing processes, tooling requirements, and other manufacturing needs using predetermined methods. Responsibilities as a Process Engineering Technician 2: * ...

New

Be Seen First

Process Engineering Technician 2 (CNC Programming)

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$34 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develops, writes, and/or tests manufacturing processes, tooling requirements, and other manufacturing needs using predetermined methods. Responsibilities as a Process Engineering Technician 2: * ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Tooling Engineering information

See Portland, OR salary details

$57.3K

$116.6K

$173.4K

How much do tooling engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for tooling engineering in Portland, OR is $116,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $130,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 work closely with production teams, use CAD software, and often require knowledge of materials and manufacturing methods to optimize tool performance and durability.

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.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Tooling Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,642 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

CNC Programmer -- Mastercam

Ascentec Engineering

Tualatin, OR โ€ข On-site

$60K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Ascentec Engineering is hiring a CNC Programmer in the Machining division who will be responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting robust machining processes for advanced precision components. This role requires deep Mastercam experience and the ability to design, troubleshoot, and improve complex machining processes on 4- and 5-axis CNC machines.
The selected candidate will have project-level ownership of critical components, including new development and legacy production parts. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, hands-on problem solving on the shop floor, and close collaboration with machinists, operators, quality personnel, and international engineering partners. This position plays a key role in maintaining product quality, improving manufacturability, and raising overall production capability.
This position is on-site (not remote/not hybrid) at our Tualatin, Oregon headquarters and is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.
Requirements
Job Responsibilities:
  • Develop and program machining processes for complex precision components using Mastercam
  • Design machining strategies and fixtures for 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines
  • Own assigned projects from initial concept through production release and ongoing support
  • Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues directly on the shop floor
  • Support and improve legacy parts and existing production processes
  • Collaborate with international engineering and manufacturing partners, demonstrating professionalism, cultural awareness, and clear technical communication
  • Work closely with the Quality team to interpret CMM reports, dimensional data, and inspection results
  • Use precision measuring tools to validate setups, processes, and corrective actions
  • Provide manufacturability feedback to engineering and customers
  • Support, mentor, and help develop machinists, operators, and other programmers
  • Assist in standardizing best practices for programming, setups, and process documentation
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by leadership
  • Leading process reviews for other programmers' work
  • Training and mentoring new or less experienced programmers
  • Supporting continuous improvement initiatives related to machining and CAM workflows
  • Acting as a technical resource across departments

Job Qualifications / Experience & Technical Skills:
  • 5+ years of hands-on Mastercam programming experience
  • Proven experience programming and designing fixturing for horizontal 4 axis machines and horizontal and vertical 5-axis CNC machines
  • Experience with 5 axis mill with turning a plus
  • Strong ability to design and troubleshoot complex, multi-step machining processes
  • Solid print reading and GD&T fundamentals
  • Ability to read and interpret CMM and other quality reports and verity data with traditional measuring tools
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of tooling, materials, and machining methods
  • Comfortable working directly on the shop floor to diagnose and resolve issues
  • Ability to work effectively as part of an international team across time zones
  • Professional communication style with awareness of cultural differences
  • Strong computer skills and understanding of file and data management
  • Associate degree (or higher) in a manufacturing-related field is a plus

Personal Qualifications:
  • Self-motivated with strong ownership of work
  • Professional, respectful, and culturally aware in all interactions
  • Flexible and willing to support team needs as priorities change
  • Strong problem-solving mindset focused on practical solutions
  • Quality-driven with attention to detail
  • Honest, reliable, and dependable
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment

Working Conditions:
  • May sit for extended periods while programming
  • Frequent interaction with production areas; noise levels range from low to moderate
  • Must be flexible to work varying schedules and hours as required
  • The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Compensation/Benefits:
  • $60,000 to $105,000 DOE
  • Medical / Dental / Vision
  • 401k with company match up to 4%
  • Tiered Quarterly Bonus Program
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability
  • Tuition Assistance or Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid time off / paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Programs

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Salary Description
$60,000 to $105,000 per year DOE