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Position Summary
The Manufacturing Tooling Engineer is a role that is hands-on. It is an engineering position that supports Henniges Reidsville's automotive manufacturing through part design, tooling development, machining, process influence, troubleshooting, and repair support.
This role is responsible for designing, developing, machining, and improving parts and tooling used in production equipment, manufacturing processes, molds, fixtures, and plant operations.
This position supports the full plant operation, including Engineering, Maintenance, Mold Technicians, Production, and the Tool and Die Shop.
The role requires strong CAD/CAM experience, CNC programming, CNC machining knowledge, and the ability to work independently with limited guidance.
- The ideal candidate is technically skilled, self-managed, confident in communication, and able to manage a high volume of projects in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.
- This is a highly hands-on position with high project volume (40 projects per month +/-).
- SCHEDULE: The position may require 40–50 hours per week depending on plant and project needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and create parts, tooling, fixtures, repair components, and process-related solutions for automotive manufacturing equipment and production needs.
- Use CAD and CAM to create designs, machine programming, part development from concept through completion.
- Program, set up, troubleshoot, and lead CNC machining.
- Must manage manual machining work, including manual mill, manual lathe, manual grinder, and related toolroom equipment.
- Wire EDM processes and part creation.
- Use 3D printing technology to support prototype development, tooling concepts, repair solutions, and plant improvement projects.
- Lead Tool and Die Shop activity by managing all project completion in under time constraints.
- Partner with Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, Mold Technicians, Production Leaders, and other plant support teams to diagnose, repair, and improve manufacturing equipment and processes.
- Lead new tool or part design by creating parts, developing tooling, and influencing process implementation.
- Troubleshoot issues involving tooling, equipment, machining, mold support, part design, process failures, and repair needs.
- Evaluate manufacturing problems and recommend practical, hands-on solutions that support safety, quality, production, and efficiency.
- Manage multiple projects and deadlines at the same time with limited daily direction.
- Communicate project updates, technical concerns, repair recommendations, and process feedback clearly to plant leadership and support teams.
- Provide technical advice and feedback related to tooling, machining, process design, repair options, and part manufacturability.
- Maintain accurate records, drawings, programs, project notes, and other technical documentation as needed.
- Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying better methods, tooling improvements, machining solutions, and process opportunities.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while following all plant safety procedures and equipment requirements.
Required Skills and Experience
- Experience with CAD/CAM design and programming.
- Experience with CNC programming and CNC machining.
- Working knowledge of part design, tooling development, and machining processes.
- Experience with manual machining equipment, including manual mill, manual lathe, and manual grinder.
- Experience with or exposure to wire EDM.
- Experience with 3D printing technology.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, prints, specifications, and part requirements.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting ability.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently with limited guidance.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear direction, advice, feedback, and technical recommendations.
- Ability to support a fast-paced, high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.
- Ability to work effectively with Engineering, Maintenance, Mold Technicians, Tool and Die, Production, and Plant Leadership.
Technical Skillset Needed
- Experience with Siemens NX CAD/CAM.
- Experience with automotive manufacturing tooling, machining, or process support.
- Experience with Bambu Lab 3D printing systems.
- Minimum experience: Advanced skills in Fusion 360, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Mastercam.
- Welding experience preferred.
- Experience supporting new program launches, tooling development, process implementation, and equipment repair.
- 2-5 years prior experience supporting or leading a Tool and Die Shop environment.
Education with Experience Requirements
*Minimum requirements:
- Degree or technical certificate in Precision Machining Technology with 1–2 years of related experience; or
- Associate degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
**Preferred requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field with 1–2 years of related experience.
- 5 years equivalent combinations of education, hands-on machining experience, CAD/CAM experience, CNC programming experience, and automotive manufacturing experience.
Key Competencies
- ******Please read the full description above as all candidates will be measured on the skills, experience and knowledge mentioned until this point.******
- Must provide professional letter of reference or recommendation at the advanced stage of the interview.
Work Environment
- This position works in an automotive manufacturing plant and toolroom environment.
- The role requires frequent time on the plant floor, in the Tool and Die Shop, and around manufacturing equipment.
- The position involves hands-on technical work, troubleshooting, machining support, repair support, and collaboration with multiple departments.
- The employee may be exposed to noise, moving mechanical equipment, machining equipment, production areas, and standard manufacturing plant conditions.
- Proper personal protective equipment must be worn as required.
Physical Requirements
- The position will require standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, handling tools or materials, and working around production and machining equipment.
- The employee must be able to perform hands-on work in a manufacturing and toolroom environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Schedule Expectations
- This is a full-time position. 40 to 50 hours per week depending on business needs, project volume, production support requirements, and plant priorities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Henniges Automotive is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,000.00 - $86,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Parts design and machining: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Reidsville, NC 27320: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
