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Tooling Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)

Elizabethtown, KY ยท On-site

$101K - $125K/yr

Typical tooling and processes include: injection molds, mold processing & automation, paint equipment & tooling, paint automation & processing, and secondary assembly equipment & processes. The ...

Description: JOB TITLE: Tool Manager REPORTS TO: Panel Operations Manager JOB STATUS: Full Time FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt DATE: April 23, 2025 JOB SUMMARY: The tool manager works with field service ...

Use SolidWorks to design jigs, fixtures, end effector tooling, material handling equipment, and other custom mechanical equipment from concept through completion. * Perform structural design and ...

CNC Machinist

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Overview We're hiring skilled CNC Machinists for our precision machining and tooling facility in New Albany, IN. Alongside the ultra-precise parts we're known for providing the machining industry ...

Forge Engineer

Georgetown, KY ยท On-site

$60 - $80/mo

Tooling & Equipment: * Improve tool life and reduce cost related to tooling (T/F arm, T/F fingers, bolster parts). * Collaborate with die shop, maintenance, and quality teams for engineering ...

Overview We're hiring skilled CNC Machinists for our precision machining and tooling facility in New Albany, IN. Alongside the ultra-precise parts we're known for providing the machining industry ...

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CNC Machinist

Owensboro, KY ยท On-site

$25 - $35/hr

This role involves interpreting blueprints, adjusting tooling, inspecting quality, and performing minor machine repairs. Working primarily on a single day shift, the CNC Machinist has opportunities ...

Urgent

This role leverages the latest advancements in tooling, equipment, materials, and part design to achieve the highest quality, greatest efficiency, and lowest possible production cost. Job ...

CNC Machinist

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Overview We're hiring skilled CNC Machinists for our precision machining and tooling facility in New Albany, IN. Alongside the ultra-precise parts we're known for providing the machining industry ...

CNC Machinist

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Overview We're hiring skilled CNC Machinists for our precision machining and tooling facility in New Albany, IN. Alongside the ultra-precise parts we're known for providing the machining industry ...

Showing results 41-60

Tooling information

See Kentucky salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do tooling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling in Kentucky is $20.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tooling?

Tooling jobs involve designing, creating, maintaining, and repairing the tools, dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, and other devices used in manufacturing processes. Professionals in this field ensure that production equipment operates efficiently and accurately, contributing to the quality and consistency of finished products. Tooling roles can include toolmakers, tool designers, and tooling engineers, all of whom work closely with production teams to optimize manufacturing operations and reduce downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tooling engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tooling Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, precision machining, and tool design, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD software, CNC machinery, and quality control systems is essential for designing and producing effective tooling solutions. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and collaboration skills help you excel in troubleshooting and optimizing tooling processes. These competencies ensure the efficient production of high-quality tools, supporting manufacturing productivity and minimizing downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in tooling, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in tooling often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapid advancements in manufacturing technology, ensuring the precision and durability of tools, and managing tight production deadlines. Addressing these challenges involves continuous learning, collaborating closely with design and production teams, and adopting rigorous testing and maintenance protocols. Leveraging new software tools for design and simulation can also help streamline workflows and reduce errors, making it easier to meet quality and efficiency standards.

What is the difference between Tooling vs Machining?

AspectToolingMachining
Primary FocusDesign, fabrication, and maintenance of tools and equipment used in manufacturing processesCutting, shaping, and finishing materials using machines
Skills & CertificationsBlueprint reading, tool design, CNC programming, certifications in tooling or manufacturing technologyMachine operation, precision measurement, CNC machining, certifications in machining or manufacturing
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, tool rooms, workshopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, production lines

Tooling professionals focus on creating and maintaining tools that enable manufacturing, while machining specialists operate machines to shape materials. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, often working closely but with distinct responsibilities.

Do toolmakers make good money?

Toolmakers typically earn competitive wages that vary by experience, location, and industry. Skilled toolmakers with certifications and proficiency in CAD and machining often have higher earning potential, with many earning above average salaries for manufacturing trades.

What job categories do people searching Tooling jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Tooling jobs in Kentucky are:

Infographic showing various Tooling job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,510 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)

spidf

Elizabethtown, KY โ€ข On-site

$101K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: ย Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  FLSA STATUS:ย  Exempt

REPORTS TO:ย  General Manager

SUMMARY

This is a technical and managerial position responsible for directing the manufacturing engineering team at a Summit Polymers manufacturing facility. While working collaboratively with plant and corporate resources in program development, the manufacturing engineering manager is responsible to develop and deliver robust product designs, tooling and processes to production. Typical tooling and processes include:ย  injection molds, mold processing & automation, paint equipment & tooling, paint automation & processing, and secondary assembly equipment & processes. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager provides tooling and process support for three shift production operations through life of program. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is a champion of effective root cause problem solving and driving continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Is responsible for the following major tasks:

  • Directs, prioritizes and schedules activities of subordinates to achieve plant and department performance objectives for safety, quality, productivity, and delivery
    • Ensures proper training of engineers and mentors them and other key personnel to ensure a competent workforce
  • Owner of capable manufacturing processes throughout plant
    • Directs the development, validation, documentation, control of all:
      • Injection molding processes and molding automation systems
      • Paint processes, robot programs and paint automation systems
      • Assembly processes
      • All other processes
      • Develops standardized work (Operator Instruction Sheets) and trains key manufacturing personnel
    • Leads root cause problem solving and continuous improvement activities, working with manufacturing and maintenance, to solve problems related to safety, scrap, operational availability (machine up time), and productivity (cycle times)
    • Collaborates with the plant lean manufacturing team on eliminating waste and implementing lean tools and practices.
  • Collaborates with corporate engineering, advanced manufacturing, and plant staff on new products in development and production engineering changes( ECs)
    • Provides necessary plant Manufacturing Engineering resources necessary to complete KBPD development
    • Participates in program quote development, provides feedback and assumptions based on customer data received, ensures quoted machine sizes, cycles times and scraps rates can be achieved
    • Reviews part and system design for manufacturability considering molding, painting, assembly, and packaging perspectives
    • Leads development and maintenance of PFMEAs
    • Participates in Mold Design Reviews, assessing designs for robust tooling conditions, process and part removal optimization, and ease of maintenance
    • Leads paint process planning and directs and reviews paint rack concepts and prototypes assessing ergonomics, density, part retention, and ability to paint all surfaces per requirements
    • Participates in assembly process planning, reviews machine design for safety, ergonomics, robustness, and productivity
    • Directs customer, internal, and supplier product packaging development.
    • Champions introduction of new product tooling and processes into plant, collaborating with plant staff to schedule, train, process, trial run, document as required to fully prepare for production
    • Communicates ECs with the plant and schedules and manages implementation of changes to injection molds, paint, and assembly machines and processes
  • Directs tooling and equipment preventive maintenance and repairs
    • Molding - Develops preventive maintenance instructions & schedules and directs repairs of injection molds, end of arm tooling, and degaters.ย 
    • Paint - Develops preventive maintenance instructions & schedules and directs repairs of paint racks, paint fluid equipment, and paint lines
    • Assembly โ€“ Develops preventive maintenance instructions & schedules and directs repairs of assembly equipment
    • Directs outside vendors when required for maintenance and repair
  • Ensures compliance with all OSHA and other regulatory and safety standards
  • Supports development of and adherence to IATF 16949 systems and procedures
  • Ensures compliance with environmental procedures and reporting requirements
  • Administers and tracks cost reduction efforts.
  • Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelors degree in related engineering discipline
  • Five yearsโ€™ engineering experience in an automotive environment
    • Required - working knowledge of injection mold design, maintenance and repair, scientific injection mold processing, robotic part removal end of arm tooling and programming
    • Desired โ€“ working knowledge of paint processing and robotic programming, and secondary assembly processes (including plastic welding techniques, PLC programming)
  • Supervisory or managerial experience in an automotive environment
  • Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem solving skills is essential
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing at all levels in the organization
  • Outstanding leadership, team building, coaching and decision making abilities
  • High energy level and the ability to lead and motivate others

ย 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.

  • A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive section).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does require less than 5% travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.ย  Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.