Tooling Designer

The function of the Extrusion Tool Designer is to produce, with minimal supervision, complete manufacturing drawings, solid models, and supporting documentation for extrusion dies and tooling systems to meet the needs of the Tangent’s plastic extrusion operations.

Requirements

Role and Responsibilities

• Design and produce detailed layout, and assembly drawings for extrusion dies, cooling tooling, and related fixtures to ensure efficient, production-friendly manufacturing and assembly.
• Analyze critical interfaces between tooling components and extrusion equipment to ensure proper fit, sealing, and alignment for optimal material flow.
• Perform design calculations and flow analysis (using CFD software) to determine appropriate die geometry, cooling configurations, and tolerances.
• Research and select appropriate materials, coatings, and wear surfaces for tooling longevity and product quality.
• Prepare and maintain bills of material for tooling projects, managing revision control throughout the design and build process.
• Update CAD drawings to reflect modifications, retrofits, or optimization changes to existing tooling.
• Collaborate directly with process engineers, maintenance staff, and production managers to develop cost-effective designs that meet performance, throughput, and quality requirements.
• Coordinate with the toolroom, CNC machinists, and external vendors to ensure timely delivery of tooling components.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required skills/abilities

• Expert-level solid modeling ability with SolidWorks & other DSS software. Other CAD experience is acceptable.
• Ability to design plastic tools & dies, knowledge of extrusion is a plus.
• Familiarity with ANSI Y14 drawing specification, and able to make compliant drawings.
• Focused on work and possess ability to work independently.
• Able to perform the necessary mathematical computations to meet project requirements.
• Good communication skills.
• Must be willing and capable of learning industry-standard machining practices and be capable of quick familiarization with various customer standards.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD.

Education and experience

• Associates degree or equivalent of minimum 2-year graduate of vocational or trade school with degree in related field of study.
• 5+ years experience of solid modeling/drafting using SolidWorks in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of plastic processing is required. Extrusion experience is a plus.

physical requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Sitting, walking, standing, and bending. Standing, stooping and bending to inspect equipment within the production facility and to inspect quality details.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs