Tooling Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Process Engineer is a hands-on engineering role responsible for bridging product design and production execution. This position focuses on designing and optimizing manufacturing processes, developing tooling solutions, supporting production operations, and driving cost efficiency through value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings strong production engineering fundamentals combined with manufacturing design, tooling, and cost optimization expertise to ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively at scale.

Production & Manufacturing Engineering

• Support  day-to-day production operations by identifying and resolving manufacturing issues related to equipment, tooling, processes, and workflows.
• Design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes for new and existing  products.
• Analyze production performance, cycle times, yield, and throughput; recommend process and layout improvements.
• Partner with production, quality, and maintenance teams to ensure stable, repeatable manufacturing operations.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for production, tooling, and quality issues.

Manufacturing Design & DFM

• Provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) input during product development to ensure manufacturability, quality, and cost targets are met.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, quality, and supply chain to transition designs into full-scale production.
• Apply GD&T principles and ANSI standards to support robust designs and manufacturing documentation.

Tooling & Equipment Engineering

• Design, develop, and maintain tooling, jigs, fixtures, molds, and dies using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred; CREO acceptable).
• Conduct tooling feasibility studies, cost analysis, and ROI evaluations.
• Oversee tooling fabrication, installation, testing, and qualification.
• Troubleshoot tooling and equipment issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure tooling designs meet safety, ergonomic, and quality requirements.

Value Engineering & Cost Optimization

• Identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising safety, quality, or performance.
• Perform design-to-value and value engineering analyses to optimize materials, processes, and tooling.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to source cost-effective materials, components, and manufacturing methods.
• Support make-versus-buy decisions and continuous cost improvement initiatives.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, and 5S methodologies.
• Develop and maintain accurate manufacturing documentation, including process flows, work instructions, tooling specifications, and change records.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards, regulatory requirements, and internal safety and quality policies.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in production or manufacturing engineering with exposure to tooling, process design, and cost optimization.
• Technical Skills: 
  • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred; CREO acceptable).
  • Strong understanding of machining, sheet metal fabrication, and injection molding processes.
  • Working knowledge of ERP systems (NetSuite preferred).
  • Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and ANSI standards.
• Methodologies: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, and 5S.
• Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving ability, project management skills, cross-functional collaboration, and clear written and verbal communication.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience with manufacturing fabrication processes such as CNC machining, welding, and press brakes.
• Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM), including optimization for 3D printing technologies (e.g., FDM) and materials.
• Experience with cost modeling, tooling ROI analysis, and capital justification.
• Familiarity with production equipment commissioning and process validation.
• PMP or Value Methodology (VMA/AVS) certification is a plus.

Benefits 

• 401(k) with company matching
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition reimbursement

EPC Power is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.