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Tooling Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Inspector - Tooling and Parts

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$22.75 - $29/hr

INSPECTOR - TOOLING amp; PARTS Location: Nashville, TN Company: NWI Nashville, LLC Status: Full-time, on-site Occupation Summary This occupation requires the inspection of all materials and parts ...

3101 Tooling Products - Engr Tooling Design Position Summary: An engineer in Work Holding Engineering (WHE) Group at The Gleason Works will design the components and assemblies necessary to hold all ...

3101 Tooling Products - Engr Tooling Design Position Summary: An engineer in Work Holding Engineering (WHE) Group at The Gleason Works will design the components and assemblies necessary to hold all ...

Press Engineer

Smyrna, TN ยท On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

You will support new model launches, tooling optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced, highly automated manufacturing environment.Qualifications * Required Experience: 3-5 ...

Spvr, Tooling

Ethridge, TN ยท On-site

$23.75 - $30/hr

Through our robust product engineering, outstanding tooling capabilities and diverse process expertise, we continue to bring lightweight and innovative products to market. Job Responsibilities:

Tooling Machinist 2nd Shift

Franklin, TN ยท On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

The Tooling Machinist is responsible for producing, repairing, and maintaining precision tooling and components using manual and CNC machining equipment to support manufacturing operations and ...

Tooling Machinist 2nd Shift

Franklin, TN ยท On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

The Tooling Machinist is responsible for producing, repairing, and maintaining precision tooling and components using manual and CNC machining equipment to support manufacturing operations and ...

$75K - $115K/yr

Software Engineer, Internal Tooling This position is in Nashville, TN and requires at least 2 days in-office a week The Real Story: We're hiring a hungry engineer fresh out of school who wants to ...

Showing results 21-40

Tooling information

See Tennessee salary details

$14

$21

$30

How much do tooling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling in Tennessee is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tooling job?

A tooling job involves designing, manufacturing, or maintaining tools and equipment used in manufacturing processes. Workers in this field often operate machinery, read technical drawings, and may require skills in machining, welding, or CAD software. The role supports production efficiency and quality in industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.

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 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 for manufacturing trades.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Tooling jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Tooling jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Tooling jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Tooling job openings:
Infographic showing various Tooling job openings in Tennessee 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, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,423 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Inspector - Tooling and Parts

NWI Aerostructures

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

$22.75 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

INSPECTOR โ€“ TOOLING amp; PARTS
Location: Nashville, TN
Company: NWI Nashville, LLC
Status: Full-time, on-site
Occupation Summary

This occupation requires the inspection of all materials and parts machined and fabricated from sheet metal, forging, extrusion, composite, etc., those formed by creasing machine and the various peening processes and chemical processes and painting applications including first article inspections as directed. Also required is the inspection, repair and calibration of standard and precision measuring instruments/ gauges, the inspection of tooling including jigs, fixtures, dies, patterns, templates, etc., including test run and first check of production parts.

Work Performed
  • Determines methods of inspection and set up of parts which requires inspection from surface plate, tables, etc., and use of precision measurement tools.
  • Determines machinability and availability of material for subsequent machining operations or further fabrication as required. Inspects parts when made up into complicated assemblies for their usability, interchangeability, etc., and prepare the necessary paperwork.
  • Determines sequence of inspection operations and acceptability of alodine, anodized, shot peened and prime painted aircraft skins, panels and other parts, being guided by directives, blueprints, specifications, inspection procedures, standards and practices.
  • Inspect parts to specification, and determines allowable deviations in dimensions and finishes when not otherwise specified.
  • Inspects creased and shot peened skins, panels and other parts for uniformity of peened or hammered appearance for proper contour of formed parts to specifications.
  • Inspects materials of all kinds, using necessary information needed such as blueprints, specifications, catalogs, purchase orders, standards (both military and customer), etc., and the use of precision measuring equipment
  • Observes damage to precision measurement equipment and instruments caused by improper usage and transmits information to assist in correcting such practices. Disassembles, cleans, reassembles, adjusts and calibrates measuring instruments by repairing or replacing broken, worn, or damaged parts. Issues and receives measuring instruments, gauges, blueprints, mylars and specifications from issuance cribs. Maintains records on items issued and instruments and gauges inspected and/or repaired.
  • Determines inspection procedure including necessary inspection layout and setup of part and/or tooling according to tooling inspection standards, computational check of dimensions not shown, springbacks and allowances; assembly of complete information and data to inspect tooling coordination and etc. Determines inspection procedure for most complex types of patterns (wood, metal, plastic, plaster, etc.), jigs, tools masters, fixtures, foundry, machined dies, machine fixtures, etc.
  • Makes layout of sample part, forging or casting from blueprint by marking all location points and reference lines necessary to inspect tooling described herein. Makes layout directly on tooling to inspect layout and workmanship of toolmaker and coordination with related tools. Makes progressive inspections of tool makersโ€™ or jig and fixture buildersโ€™ layouts during fabrication as/if directed.
  • Sets up tooling on surface plate or bale, angle plate sine plate, rotary or tilting table or other base in a position suitable for taking precision measurements. Levels jigs, fixtures, etc. and inspects with precision measuring equipment and inspects for practicability by loading sample parts if required. Inspects tooling completely for dimensions, workmanship, adherence to tool design, engineering prints, shop practice and procedure, inspection standards, practicality, and coordination with associated tooling and parts. May make tool tryouts and other practicability inspections. Stamps and otherwise approves/disapproves tooling and prepares paperwork as required.
  • Performs duties incidental to the accomplishment of the assigned task and hands-on hardware audits. Mixes sealant to specification requirements.
  • Computer proficiency to navigate systems for labor charging, access work instructions, record completion of work, Paycor, MES, PIIโ€™s, etc.
  • Each employee will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and housekeeping in his work area as directed as well as assuring the accuracy of their work.
Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years machinist experience or other close tolerance machinist experience and demonstrated ability to read and interpret specifications and blueprints and make analytic mathematical calculations.
NWI Aerostructures provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.