Tooling and Fixture Design Engineer

We are looking for an experienced and innovative Senior Tooling and Fixture Design Engineer to lead the development of complex, high-precision tooling and fixturing solutions that support and optimize manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical design, hands-on experience with production tooling, and the ability to lead projects from concept through implementation. This role involves working cross-functionally with design, production, quality, and vendor teams to ensure tooling efficiency, accuracy, safety, and repeatability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Tooling & Fixture Design Leadership

• Lead the design and development of complex jigs, fixtures, gauges, and special tools for machining, welding, assembly, and inspection.

• Ensure tools are designed to meet manufacturing requirements, product tolerances, and ergonomic best practices.

• Provide advanced CAD modeling and detailed 2D documentation (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, etc.).

2. Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage tooling projects from concept through release, including timelines, resource allocation, and cost control.

• Work closely with production, quality, maintenance, and design engineering teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot problems, and validate solutions.

• Coordinate with external suppliers for tool fabrication, modification, and delivery.

3. Process Optimization & Innovation

• Analyze existing tooling and fixtures for performance, cycle time, and usability improvements.

• Develop and implement modular, lean, or automated fixture solutions to reduce waste and increase production flexibility.

• Champion DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) practices.

4. Validation & Quality Assurance

• Supervise tool trials, capability studies, and dimensional validation using CMM and other precision instruments.

• Support root cause analysis and problem-solving for tooling-related quality issues.

• Ensure compliance with GD&T, ISO, and safety standards.

5. Mentoring & Documentation

• Guide and mentor junior tooling engineers and designers.

• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation including BOMs, CAD libraries, SOPs, and maintenance instructions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Tool & Die Design, or a related field.

• 6+ years of experience in tooling and fixture design within a manufacturing or industrial setting.

• Expertise in 3D CAD design and drawing creation using tools like SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, or Inventor.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes: machining, forming, welding, injection molding, and metrology.

• Proficiency in GD&T, tolerance analysis, material selection, and ergonomic design.

• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement tools is a plus.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

Key Focus Areas:

• Complex Tooling & Fixture Design for High Precision Manufacturing

• Project Leadership and Vendor Coordination

• DFM/DFA, Lean Tooling, and Process Optimization

• Tool Validation, Quality Standards, and Safety Compliance

• Mentoring, Documentation, and Knowledge Sharing

• Cross-functional Integration with Production, QA, and R&D Teams

Work Environment:

• Office and production floor involvement.

• Regular interaction with fabrication, machine shops, and vendors.

• PPE compliance required during hands-on tooling trials and shop floor activities.