Job Title: Tool Designer II FLSA Status: Non-Exempt EEO Category: Professional Department: Engineering
Purpose
The purpose of this job description is to establish and define the basic function, reporting relationships, authority, requirements, responsibilities, and duties to successfully fulfill the position of Tool Designer II.
Basic Function
This position is responsible for designing new or evaluating and updating existing fixtures, gauges, and special tooling used in machining and assembly operations. The role develops and maintains accurate 2D drawings and 3D CAD models along with detailed drawings to support manufacturing requirements. The individual collaborates closely with Application Engineers, Process Engineers, Product Engineers, and CNC programmers to ensure tooling designs are practical, efficient, and aligned with production needs. Appropriate materials, fits, and tolerances are selected based on functional requirements and application conditions.
Reporting Relationship
This position reports directly to the Process Engineering Manager.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Required: High School/GED diploma or vocational school equivalent
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology
Experience
- Required: Proficiency in at least one 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, PowerShape, Fusion 360) for creating detailed, production-ready models and drawings
- Preferred: 6+ years of experience designing, developing, and/or building machining fixtures and tooling solutions within a manufacturing environment
- Preferred: Proficiency with Creo
- Preferred: Strong experience designing machining fixtures, work holding devices, or production tooling for CNC machining operations
- Preferred: Ability to independently develop and refine tooling solutions with minimal supervision
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Demonstrates advanced understanding of engineering principles, material properties, manufacturing processes, and industry-specific requirements to develop effective tooling solutions. Proficiency in Creo Parametric is essential for creating accurate, complex designs and detailed manufacturing documentation.
- Possesses strong knowledge of machining, welding, fabrication methods, and production processes to design tooling that is functional, manufacturable, and aligned with operational requirements.
- Applies advanced problem-solving skills and creative thinking to overcome complex design challenges, including intricate geometries, material limitations, manufacturing constraints, and cost considerations.
- Utilizes an iterative design approach by evaluating potential risks, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing effective solutions through testing, feedback, and continuous refinement.
- Maintains a strong focus on precision, innovation, and continuous improvement by developing tooling solutions that enhance productivity, improve repeatability, reduce costs, and support evolving manufacturing needs.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Design, develop, and refine complex tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment to support production requirements, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams to develop precise, reliable, and safe tooling solutions that optimize machining and assembly processes.
- Apply advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, machining capabilities, and design principles to create innovative tooling solutions and improve existing designs.
- Perform tool validation, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure designs meet quality, safety, and performance requirements; analyze trial results and implement design improvements as needed.
- Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings, models, and specifications using CAD software while ensuring accurate documentation of tooling designs, revisions, and modifications.
- Provide technical support and guidance to production teams by troubleshooting tooling issues, recommending improvements, and assisting with proper tool utilization.
- Support procurement activities by identifying, sourcing, and specifying machined components, standard catalog hardware, and specialty tooling components required for design completion.
- Independently develop and execute fixture designs ranging from simple to moderately complex applications, ensuring manufacturability, functionality, and ease of use.
- Integrate advanced work holding solutions including hydraulic and pneumatic clamping systems, zero-point clamping, and modular fixture concepts to improve setup efficiency and repeatability.
- Design tooling solutions with automation integration in mind, incorporating scalable and future-ready configurations to support evolving manufacturing processes.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to Tool Designer I team members, supporting their development in advanced design practices, CAD proficiency, and tooling methodologies.
Measurement of Performance
The Tool Designer will be performing at an acceptable level when:
- All duties and responsibilities are successfully performed.
- All assigned project objectives are achieved.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally required to walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach above shoulders. The employee will regularly stand, sit, talk, and listen, and will frequently use hands to finger, handle, or touch. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will occasionally lift up to 35 pounds and frequently lift up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
The employee works in a manufacturing environment and is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and works near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is loud.
Pay: $72,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
