Tooling Designer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Tooling Designer to support the design, development, and modification of complex production tooling within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. This position will utilize advanced 3D CAD software to develop detailed tooling models and designs that support manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and production requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in tooling design, 3D modeling, CAD software, and machining processes, along with the ability to collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to develop practical tooling solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and modify 3D CAD models for manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Work closely with tooling engineers and manufacturing personnel to develop tooling configurations, layouts, and assembly designs.
• Interpret customer-provided CAD data, engineering drawings, and technical specifications to develop accurate tooling models.
• Create detailed tooling layouts, including multi-cavity designs and complex tooling components.
• Apply shrink allowances, draft angles, radii, fillets, and other design modifications to meet manufacturing requirements.
• Develop tooling designs involving complex parting surfaces, offsets, and dimensional allowances.
• Generate detailed build drawings, assembly drawings, and supporting documentation for tooling fabrication.
• Collaborate with CNC programmers and machining personnel to ensure efficient transfer of CAD models for toolpath development.
• Review existing tooling designs and recommend modifications to improve performance, quality, and manufacturability.
• Troubleshoot tooling design issues and assist with corrective actions or tooling rework.
• Verify 3D models against 2D engineering drawings to ensure dimensional accuracy and appropriate machining allowances.
• Support tooling development projects from initial concept through fabrication and production implementation.
• Identify opportunities for tooling improvements, cost reductions, and new manufacturing technologies.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, mechanical design, pattern design, or related manufacturing engineering disciplines.
• Strong experience with 3D CAD software such as Autodesk PowerShape, Inventor, Creo, Siemens NX, or comparable platforms.
• Proficiency in solid modeling, surface modeling, and complex geometric modifications.
• Ability to create detailed 3D models from 2D drawings, customer specifications, and existing CAD data.
• Experience applying shrink allowances, draft angles, offsets, and parting surface modifications.
• Strong understanding of tooling construction, machining processes, and manufacturing methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, dimensional tolerances, and technical specifications.
• Experience developing detailed tooling assembly drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Understanding of material allowances, machining stock, and tooling design requirements.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with engineering, production, and tooling personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in patternmaking, mold tooling, core tooling, or other complex production tooling applications.
• Hands-on CNC machining, toolmaking, or pattern shop experience.
• Familiarity with multi-cavity tooling, automated production equipment, and tooling assembly processes.
• Experience with CAD/CAM integration and CNC toolpath development.
• Knowledge of reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and tooling modification techniques.
• Experience supporting tooling fabrication, modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an engineering and design environment with regular interaction with tooling fabrication and manufacturing personnel.

We are seeking a detail-oriented designer with strong technical capabilities who can develop accurate, efficient tooling solutions and contribute to continuous improvement within a manufacturing operation.