Senior Tooling Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Tooling Engineer - Direct Hire

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Tooling Engineer to lead and optimize tooling performance , manufacturing efficiency , and continuous improvement initiatives in a production environment. This role requires strong expertise in tool and die engineering , process optimization , and cross-functional collaboration to support both ongoing production and new program launches.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage tooling performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives following production launch
• Ensure tools operate efficiently, meet quality standards , and support production requirements
• Perform troubleshooting , coordinate tooling repairs , preventive maintenance , and engineering modifications
• Lead cost reduction initiatives focused on tooling efficiency and operational performance
• Collaborate with production teams , quality engineering , suppliers , and customers to maintain optimal tooling conditions
• Oversee engineering change management (ECN/ECO) and implement necessary tooling updates
• Support new product launches (NPI) and ensure tooling readiness for production
• Drive corrective actions to improve tool life , reduce downtime , and increase uptime
• Monitor tooling costs , analyze performance metrics , and improve overall manufacturing productivity
• Provide technical support and engineering guidance for tooling-related challenges across operations
• Manage tooling builds at external die shops , including supplier selection , RFQ/quoting , and project timelines
• Coordinate with tool and die vendors to ensure adherence to engineering specifications and quality requirements
• Conduct tooling design reviews , progress evaluations , and approve design changes with external suppliers
• Track supplier performance , on-time delivery , and budget adherence for outsourced tooling projects
• Support tool tryouts , run-offs , and final tool validation prior to production launch

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7–10 years of experience in tooling engineering , manufacturing engineering , or related field
• Strong knowledge of cold form extrusion processes
• Experience working with tooling for steel , aluminum , and galvanized metals
• Proven ability in lean manufacturing , process improvement , and root cause analysis
• Familiarity with tool design , CAD systems , and engineering documentation
• Excellent project management , supplier management , and communication skills

Senior Tooling Engineer, tooling performance, continuous improvement, manufacturing efficiency, tool and die engineering, process optimization, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, cost reduction, quality standards, production support, engineering change management, new product launch, corrective actions, tool life, downtime reduction, uptime improvement, performance metrics, technical support, supplier management, die shops, RFQ, tooling design reviews, cold form extrusion, steel tooling, aluminum tooling, galvanized metals, lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, CAD systems, project management