Designer Tooling and Fabrication

Job Purpose

The Designer - Tooling Design & Fabrication is responsible for the design, development, documentation, and support of molds, trim tools, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing equipment used in thermoforming and extrusion operations. This position works closely with Engineering, New Product Development, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and external vendors to transform product concepts into robust tooling solutions that support quality, efficiency, safety, and cost objectives.

The Designer is responsible for developing detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and CNC machining programs while supporting tooling fabrication, qualification, and continuous improvement efforts.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

A. Tooling Design

• Design thermoforming molds, trim tools, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and auxiliary tooling using CAD software.
• Create 3D models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Develop tooling designs that support manufacturability, product quality, production efficiency, and maintenance requirements.
• Incorporate design for manufacturability (DFM) principles into tooling development.
• Review product designs and provide tooling recommendations to support successful commercialization.

B. CNC Programming & Fabrication Support

• Develop CNC machining programs and toolpaths using Mastercam or equivalent CAM software.
• Collaborate with machinists and toolmakers to optimize machining processes and tooling fabrication.
• Support tooling assembly, debugging, qualification, and production startup activities.
• Verify fabricated tooling conforms to engineering specifications and design intent.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and implement corrective design modifications.

C. Project Management

• Manage tooling projects from concept through fabrication, testing, and production release.
• Maintain project schedules and communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities with internal departments and external tool shops.
• Assist in estimating tooling costs, lead times and project resource requirements.

D. Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate existing tooling performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend design changes that reduce downtime, improve product quality, and extend tool life.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain tooling standards, drawing libraries, and revision control documentation.

E. Safety & Compliance

• Design tooling with safety, ergonomics, and machine guarding requirements in mind.
• Ensure compliance with company engineering standards and applicable regulations.
• Support safe operation and maintenance of tooling systems.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Associate's degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Tool Design, or related field required.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline preferred.
• 3-7 years of experience in tooling design, mold design, manufacturing engineering, or related fields.
• Experience supporting thermoforming, plastics manufacturing, extrusion, machining, or fabrication operations preferred.
• Experience designing molds, trim tools, fixtures, and production tooling.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Solid Works required.
• Proficiency in Mastercam or equivalent CAM software required.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD preferred.
• Ability to create detailed manufacturing drawings and GD&T documentation.
• Knowledge of CNC machining, milling, turning, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Understanding of plastics manufacturing, thermoforming, and extrusion processes preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Performance and Behavioral Attributes

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrates strong knowledge of tooling design, machining processes, and manufacturing methods.
• Applies engineering principles to solve complex tooling challenges.

Problem Solving

• Identifies root causes of tooling-related issues.
• Develops practical and cost-effective solutions.

Attention to Detail

• Produces accurate models, drawings, and CNC programs.
• Maintains high standards for documentation and quality.

Collaboration

• Works effectively with NPD, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and external suppliers.
• Communicates technical information clearly and professionally.

Results Orientation

• Delivers tooling projects on time and within budget.
• Supports successful product launches and production performance.

Safety and Compliance

• Adheres to all company, IT security, and safety protocols, including SQF/ISO standards.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, engineering, tooling shop, and manufacturing floor environments.
• Exposure to machinery, tooling equipment, manufacturing processes, and moderate noise levels.
• Occasional travel to suppliers, tool shops, and company facilities as required.

At-Will Employment

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the…