Adcole

About AdcoleAdcole has been designing and manufacturing precision measuring machines since 1957. Our systems measure cylindrical and rotating components - EV drive and rotor shafts, camshafts, crankshafts, pump shafts, and robotic reducer shafts - for customers across automotive, heavy- and medium-duty diesel, and industrial machinery markets. Manufacturers including Ford, GM, Caterpillar, John Deere, Cummins, Toyota, Honda, BMW, VW, Stellantis, SAIC, and Formula One teams such as Red Bull and Ferrari rely on Adcole systems as the gage of record for their components.We're headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, with about 100 employees across five global locations. All manufacturing happens in Massachusetts, and we ship to customers worldwide. It's a long-tenured team - people here tend to stay and build careers.The RoleWe're looking for a hands-on Senior Tooling Engineer to take ownership of the custom tooling and fixturing used across our precision metrology systems and special projects. This is a good fit for someone with real experience in tooling, fixturing, GD&T, precision machining, and shop-floor problem solving.You'll work closely with Sales, Engineering, Assembly, Test, vendors, and customers - defining tooling solutions, supporting quotes, sourcing components, troubleshooting build and test issues, and making sure tooling is properly documented from concept through customer acceptance.This is an individual contributor role with lead-level scope. Over time, it's meant to grow into the go-to technical resource for tooling applications at Adcole.What This Role OffersOwnership of a critical tooling function, with real visibility and decision-making authorityComplex, custom, low-volume work - not repetitive production runsDirect involvement in high-precision metrology systems used by customers worldwideClose collaboration with experienced machinists, engineers, assembly, test, and sales teamsA stable, Massachusetts-based manufacturer with a long-tenured workforceWhat You'll DoTooling Strategy & Technical OwnershipInterpret complex GD&T-based manufacturing drawings to define tooling requirements that support sub-micron measurement of customer componentsLead the design, development, and lifecycle management of custom applications, including camshaft/crankshaft timing, orientation, fixturing, and critical fitsDevelop detailed manufacturing drawings and assemblies using parametric 3D modeling software such as Inventor or SolidWorksSpecify and support custom tooling, including precision headstock drive centers, tailstock centers, calibrated master artifacts, and measurement probesMake independent decisions on materials, tolerances, fits, and tooling modificationsQuoting, Sales & Customer SupportLead tooling quote development based on customer requirementsProvide tooling scope, assumptions, risks, and summary notes to the Sales teamCommunicate directly with customers to clarify technical requirementsSupport new opportunities by identifying tooling needs and feasibility considerationsSupport customers on major OEM-specific engineering and spare part documentationSourcing & Vendor ManagementSource standard and custom machine tool componentsIdentify and manage key vendors for specialized tooling needsEvaluate make-vs-buy decisionsCoordinate modifications such as milling, grinding, finishing, or customization of tooling componentsProduction Support, Build & TestProvide hands-on support during assembly, testing, and customer acceptanceDiagnose tooling-related issues involving fit, alignment, function, and performanceAct as the primary tooling resource for shop-floor questions and special applicationsSupport special projects that fall outside standard gage salesDocumentation & SystemsMaintain the tooling drawing database, tooling numbers, and serial number recordsOrganize tooling files, quote folders, historical tooling records, and BOM documentationSupport tooling BOM creation and production release in Syteline or a similar ERP systemDraw on historical tooling and prior builds to support repeat or similar applicationsWhat You BringBachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering7–10+ years of experience in precision tooling design and machining, fixturing, manufacturing engineering, or a similarly high-accuracy manufacturing environmentStrong grasp of ISO drafting documentation, including GD&T, critical tolerancing, and DFM principles, with the ability to read complex technical drawingsExperience working in a quality-driven, ISO 9001-compliant environment3D modeling experience in Inventor, SolidWorks, or equivalent, plus familiarity with 2D AutoCADWorking knowledge of core machining processes - turning, milling, drilling, precision grinding, lapping - and inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, surface plates, and gage blocks/pinsHands-on experience with custom tooling, fixtures, precision components, or mechanical assembliesA track record of making sound independent decisions in ambiguous or custom applicationsPractical shop-floor experience supporting builds, testing, troubleshooting, or customer acceptanceComfort communicating across Sales, Engineering, Assembly, Test, vendors, and customersFamiliarity with ERP systems, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation - Syteline experience is a plusPreferred: experience in a custom, low-volume, high-mix manufacturing and design environmentCompensation$115,000 – $135,000. Final offer depends on experience, technical depth, and demonstrated ability to operate independently.What Success Looks Like in the First 6–12 MonthsWithin the first 6–12 months, you'll build a strong working knowledge of Adcole's tooling applications, historical records, vendors, and internal processes, and become a trusted technical resource for Sales, Assembly, Test, and shop personnel. That means being able to:Independently review customer drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to determine the right tooling approachMake sound decisions on fixturing, fits, tolerances, materials, and tooling modificationsProvide hands-on support during assembly, testing, and runoff - troubleshooting fit, alignment, timing, and function issuesSupport custom, low-volume, and non-standard applications where the solution isn't already documented or repeatableCommunicate clearly with Sales, customers, vendors, Assembly, and Test to resolve issues and keep projects movingBuild enough tooling knowledge and internal confidence to take ownership of the tooling function, with appropriate support during the transitionAdcole is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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