Job Description
Job Description
About the Role:
The Tool Design Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving tooling, fixtures, and dies used in metal stamping and precision machining operations, with a strong emphasis on progressive and compound stamping dies. This role supports production, quality, and tool room operations by delivering robust, manufacturable tooling solutions that meet safety, performance, cost, and delivery objectives. The ideal candidate brings hands on experience in metal stamping die design and a deep understanding of tooling used in high volume manufacturing environments.
Responsibilities:
-
Design and develop progressive, compound, and single hit dies for metal stamping applications, ensuring durability, repeatability, and manufacturability.
-
Create tooling fixtures, jigs, and work holding solutions to support CNC machining, welding, press brakes, and secondary operations.
-
Develop detailed 3D models and fabrication drawings using CAD software such as SolidWorks, LogoPress, or AutoCAD.
-
Collaborate with tool room machinists to ensure tooling designs align with shop capabilities and manufacturing best practices.
-
Support quoting and costing processes by providing tooling layouts, strip layouts, and die concepts for new part evaluations.
-
Conduct design reviews to ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety requirements, and customer specifications.
-
Oversee tooling builds, modifications, repairs, and engineering changes to enhance tool life and performance.
-
Troubleshoot die and tooling issues on the manufacturing floor and implement corrective design improvements.
-
Support new product introductions by designing and validating required stamping dies and production tooling.
-
Apply knowledge of material flow, tonnage calculations, strip development, and die clearances in stamping die design.
-
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, cycle time optimization, and quality enhancement.
-
Maintain tooling documentation, revision control, and engineering records in accordance with quality management systems.
-
Develop and update manufacturing work instructions and process documentation to ensure consistent production performance.
Qualifications:
-
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
-
Minimum of three years of experience designing tooling in a manufacturing environment.
-
Direct experience designing metal stamping dies is strongly preferred.
-
Strong understanding of sheet metal stamping processes, die construction, and tool steel selection.
-
Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, LogoPress, or AutoCAD.
-
Knowledge of machining processes, CNC operations, welding fixtures, and fabrication methods.
-
Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to resolve tooling and process challenges.
-
Ability to communicate effectively and work cross functionally with production, quality, tool room, and engineering teams.
Desired Qualifications:
-
Experience in high volume metal stamping or precision fabrication environments.
-
Familiarity with lean manufacturing, SPC, and continuous improvement methodologies.
-
Hands on tool room or die build experience.
-
Experience supporting ISO compliant quality systems.
-
Ability to spend time on the manufacturing floor supporting die tryouts and production troubleshooting.