Tool & Die Engineer

he Tool & Die Engineer is responsible for the design, development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of tooling used in production, while overseeing the daily operations of the toolroom. This role supervises union toolmakers to ensure tooling is built, repaired, and maintained to support efficient pressroom and manufacturing operations.

In addition, this position provides engineering support for manufacturing processes and production equipment used in the manufacture of fire protection products, including fire sprinklers and valves. The role works closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to improve tooling performance, optimize manufacturing processes, reduce downtime, and ensure products meet all performance, quality, and regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

Tool & Die Engineering

• Design, develop, and maintain tooling used in metal stamping, forming, and secondary operations.
• Analyze tooling performance and implement improvements to increase productivity, quality, and reliability.
• Create and revise tooling, equipment, and gage drawings.
• Ensure tooling is designed and maintained to required tolerances and specifications.
• Support troubleshooting of tooling and process issues affecting production.
• Provide engineering support for manufacturing processes and equipment used in the production of fire protection components, including fire sprinklers and valves.
• Support development, optimization, and troubleshooting of manufacturing processes including forming, machining, assembly, and testing operations.
• Support new product introductions through tooling development, process validation, and production readiness.
• Collaborate with R&D engineering during early phases of product development to ensure designs are manufacturable.
• Evaluate production time, staffing requirements, and related costs to support management decisions.
• Manage engineering projects to scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Support specification, quoting, purchase, and runoff of capital equipment, tooling, and manufacturing systems.
• Maintain engineering documentation, tooling prints, and process specifications.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, Control Plans, Standard Work Instructions, and Setup Sheets.
• Utilize computerized maintenance and planning systems for work orders, scheduling, and inventory management.

Toolroom Leadership

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of toolmakers.
• Prioritize tool builds, repairs, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Monitor toolroom workflow to meet production schedules and minimize downtime.
• Maintain toolroom equipment and ensure safe operation of machinery.
• Maintain working knowledge of union contract provisions and administer them within the department.
• Interpret specifications, blueprints, and job orders and assign duties accordingly.
• Provide technical guidance and training to toolmakers and technicians.
• Interpret company policies to workers and enforces safety regulations.
• Develops, implements and maintains preventative maintenance programs for presses, fixtures, and tooling.
• Utilizes computerized maintenance, planning, scheduling, work-order and inventory management systems.
• Assists with instruction and training of employees to achieve company goals.
• Provides guidance for production workers, technicians, and interns.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent.
• High level of analytical ability. Solid problem-solving skills required.
• 8-10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of leadership and supervision experience
• Experience with tooling design, troubleshooting, stamping, forming, and secondary operations preferred.
• Knowledge of CNC machining, toolroom equipment, automation, robotics, cellular assembly, materials, and Lean manufacturing concepts.
• Understanding of GD&T, datum structures, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks; experience with Pro/Engineer (Creo) and/or AutoCAD a plus.
• Demonstrated project management, communication, and leadership skills.

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• Troubleshooting Skills
• CAD Software
• G-Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
• Engineering Degree
• Manual Machining Skills
• Wax Mold Experience
• Tool/Die/Mold Repair Skills
• Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience