Senior Tool Design Engineer

The Senior Tool Design Engineer applies advanced engineering knowledge and technical expertise to design, develop, and optimize tooling systems for manufacturing processes. This pivotal role contributes to enhancing product quality, boosting production efficiency, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Senior Tool Design Engineer is also responsible for mentoring junior engineers, providing training to machine operators, and playing an instrumental role in solving complex tooling challenges. This position requires active collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful development and implementation of innovative tooling solutions.

Job Details

Position Type: Exempt, Salaried

Pay Range: $90,000/year – $110,000/year, depending on experience

Location : Onsite, Savanna, IL

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of high-performance tooling for manufacturing equipment, ensuring tooling meets production requirements, specifications, and industry standards.

• Spearhead the research, design, and implementation of tooling enhancements and improvements to increase product quality, reliability, and production efficiency.

• Collaborate effectively with production teams, engineering departments, and quality assurance to identify tooling design challenges, develop solutions, and resolve complex production issues.

• Drive innovation by proposing and implementing creative and cost-effective tooling solutions or modifications that improve tooling performance and lifespan.

• Oversee and manage the tool change control process, ensuring compliance with internal company standards, protocols, and regulatory requirements.

• Perform functions to design new tooling and develop CNC programs to support high volume machining of Gear Blanks and Fasteners for the automotive industry.

• Write CNC lathe programs in “G” & “M” code.

• Involved in the selection of new processes and equipment for CNC machining

• Provide expert support to production teams by diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving complex tooling issues during new product launches and ongoing production runs.

• Create, update, and manage accurate and detailed CAD drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and other necessary documentation to support the manufacturing process.

• Ensure adherence to 5S standards to maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.

• Maintain strict compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures to ensure risk mitigation and operational excellence.

• Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, offering expertise to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance process reliability.

• Mentor, train, and coach junior engineers and machine operators, providing guidance on tooling design, troubleshooting, and best practices.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), with the ability to produce accurate and efficient tooling designs.

• Strong technical design skills and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to tackle tooling challenges.

• CNC experience.

• Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to assess and resolve complex issues effectively and efficiently.

• Experience in training, mentoring, and coaching team members to enhance overall team performance and skills development.

• Expertise in developing and maintaining detailed process documentation and standard operating procedures.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment while ensuring timely delivery of quality results.

• Ability to work cross-functionally and establish strong working relationships with production, engineering, and quality assurance teams.

• Comprehensive understanding of industry best practices in tooling design, manufacturing processes, and materials.

• Demonstrated ability to balance technical, financial, and operational considerations when designing tooling solutions.

Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Bachelor's

• Experience: Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on tooling design in a manufacturing environment.

• Extensive experience and advanced knowledge of tooling design and related engineering principles, with a proven track record of successful tooling implementations.

• Proven leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to effectively coach and develop junior engineers and other technical team members.

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