Tooling Project Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Overview
The Tooling Inspection Manager is responsible for overseeing the inspection, validation, and quality assurance of all tooling components and assemblies used in the manufacturing process. This role ensures all tooling meets required specifications, tolerances, and industry standards, while managing a team of inspectors and coordinating with engineering, production, and quality departments to maintain tooling integrity and performance.
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership:
Manage periodic tooling inspections (PTIs) for jigs, fixtures, and production tooling.
Oversee calibration of inspection equipment including CMMs, portable arms, laser trackers, and hand tools.
Review customer-provided tooling specifications, internal QMS requirements, and ensure all tooling is compliant with AS9100 and aerospace standards.
Review customer- and engineering-provided tooling drawings before and after build to verify compliance.
Develop, maintain, and improve tooling inspection and calibration procedures in alignment with AS9100 and customer requirements.
Support supplier audits and tooling-related oversight, including the flow-down of requirements to tooling suppliers.
Establish and monitor key metrics for tooling inspection and calibration performance.
Review and approve metrology software/hardware updates to ensure compatibility and team readiness.
Interface directly with customers during audits and inspection-related requests.
Maintain accurate documentation, inspection records, and calibration logs in support of AS9100 and customer audits.
Lead, train, and support the tooling inspection team in the use of Spatial Analyzer (SA), PolyWorks, and other metrology tools.
Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing to resolve discrepancies and support continuous improvement.
Consistently act in accordance with business professionalism principles including at company events, meetings, off-site meetings, audits, etc.
Consistently provide professional business communications to internal and external customers, staff, peers and company leadership
Team Development and Leadership:
Train and mentor inspection staff in the use of inspection tools, GD&T, and quality procedures.
Conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Ensure direct reports in supervisor/manager/lead roles are carrying out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws with the guidance of HR; including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems
Foster a culture of collaboration and team work to staff at all levels
Provide clear communication and direction to staff at all levels
Financial Management:
Develop and manage budget ensuring cost control and profitability
Prepare and present operational performance reports for executive leadership
Continuous Improvement:
Drive improvements in tooling inspection processes through automation, data analysis, and lean methodologies.
Reduce scrap and rework through proactive inspection and early detection
Identify opportunities to enhance efficiencies
Has authority to stop any production order for quality concerns
Ensure all employees wear appropriate PPE in designated areas as required
Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:
Team oriented with strong leadership and coaching skills
Detail oriented with meticulous work habits and strong project management skills
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
Willingness to apply hands-on approach in supporting customer activities and to step in when needed, not just observe
Strong ability to set priorities, solve problems, and be resourceful when under pressure
Comfort and experience interfacing with various levels of staff and management while working in a fast-paced environment
Must demonstrate a sense of urgency and dedication to supporting customer requirements
Quality orientated, must understand requirements of AS9102
Qualifications
Preferred Education/Experience:
5+ years of experience in aerospace tooling inspection, calibration, or quality management.
Proficiency with metrology equipment (CMMs, FARO/Romer arms, laser trackers).
Strong knowledge of Spatial Analyzer (SA), PolyWorks, and GD&T (ANSI Y14 standards).
Experience managing calibration programs and inspection documentation to AS9100 requirements.
Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and customer teams.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.