Tool Designer

Job Description

Tool & Die / Fixture Designer/CNC Programmer Manager – Prototype Stamping

Synergy Prototype Stamping is seeking an experienced Tool & Die and Fixture Designer/CNC Programmer Manager with a strong background in prototype and low-to-medium volume sheet metal stamping. Preferably utilizing Fusion 360 and/or NX11.

This role is ideal for someone who understands when simple, effective tooling is the right answer, and when added complexity is justified. The successful candidate will combine practical prototype-shop judgment with strong CAD and tooling knowledge to balance speed, cost, functionality, repeatability, quality, and real-world shop conditions. The ideal candidate will also have CNC programming and management experience and knows enough CNC programming and ccutting to effectively manage the toolroom and a still get a majority of the design work done.

Responsibilities

· Design prototype and low-volume stamping dies.

· Design check fixtures, check aids, welding fixtures, and assembly fixtures.

· Support fast-paced prototype and early-production programs with changing customer requirements and tight timelines.

· Make practical decisions between simple tooling that relies on skilled job leaders and more detailed tooling designed for repeatability.

· Balance speed, cost, functionality, repeatability, safety, and manufacturability in real-world shop conditions.

· Work from customer CAD data, drawings, sketches, specifications, and other shop information to develop tooling needed to form and fabricate parts.

· Create and maintain accurate 3D models, 2D detail drawings, assembly drawings, bills of material, and other design-release information needed for internal or outside tool build.

· Apply sound tooling-design practices related to sheet metal forming, clearances, tolerances, material flow, press requirements, access, serviceability, and buildability.

· Interpret and apply GD&T, datum structures, tolerances, customer specifications, and engineering changes when developing tooling and fixtures.

· Work closely with the shop foreman, Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Project Management, Quality, and outside vendors to confirm scope, material, timing, design intent, and build strategy.

· Participate in design reviews and identify manufacturability, tooling, capacity, material, cost, timing, or quality concerns before release.

· Coordinate with internal toolmakers and outside vendors during tool build, answer design questions, and provide revisions or clarifications when approved changes are required.

· Support tool build, tryout, debug, dimensional correction, and final buy-off; troubleshoot tooling or part-quality issues and recommend practical design corrections.

· Maintain accurate revision control and update released or as-built design data so current tooling information remains available for future work.

· Support estimating, feasibility reviews, and continuous-improvement efforts when tooling knowledge can improve cost, timing, quality, or manufacturability.

· Follow ISO 9001:2015 standards, procedures, and document-control requirements.

· Complete all required paperwork and maintain accurate design and project records.

· Communicate schedule risks, missing information, design issues, and required decisions early enough for the team to act before they affect delivery.

· Consider programming time, machining time, tooling availability, and shop capability when selecting design approaches so the design is not unnecessarily complex or costly to manufacture.

· Support resolution of CNC/manufacturing issues involving tooling geometry, machining access, tolerances, fixtures, setup, or design intent.

· Coordinate with CNC on current and upcoming jobs, including stock requirements,…