Sr Tooling Engineer

Location: Oregon / Toledo, OH Area
Industry: Automotive Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

We are seeking an experienced Senior Tooling Engineer to support tooling development, design, manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives within an automotive manufacturing environment.

This position will be responsible for developing tooling concepts and specifications, overseeing tooling design and build activities, managing tooling budgets and timelines, and providing technical support to product development and manufacturing teams.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in tool design, compression molding, tooling fabrication, manufacturing processes, and project management
, with the ability to manage tooling projects from initial concept through production launch.

This role requires both strong engineering knowledge and hands‑on tooling experience, including working with tool shops, suppliers, and manufacturing operations.

• Develop tooling concepts, designs, and technical specifications for prototype and production applications.

• Manage tooling design, development, fabrication, testing, and implementation.

• Review and analyze tooling specifications, engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing requirements.

• Support the design and development of compression molding tools, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and related production tooling.

• Evaluate tooling designs for manufacturability, efficiency, quality, and cost effectiveness.

• Apply tooling standards, engineering best practices, and continuous improvement principles.

• Conduct tooling trials, test runs, and validation activities to ensure proper operation and production readiness.

• Identify tooling problems and recommend design modifications or corrective actions.

• Manage tooling projects from concept through completion, ensuring adherence to project schedules, budgets, and technical requirements.

• Track tooling program progress and coordinate design, fabrication, and implementation activities.

• Support Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes, tooling cost estimates, and supplier evaluations.

• Develop and maintain tooling matrices, project documentation, and cost tracking.

• Monitor tooling expenditures and work with Program Management to maintain project budgets.

• Coordinate engineering changes and tooling modifications throughout the product development process.

• Work closely with external tool shops and suppliers to ensure tooling quality, delivery, and performance.

• Provide technical tooling support to Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, and production teams.

• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to review tooling requirements, project status, and manufacturing challenges.

• Support new product launches, tooling installations, and production readiness activities.

• Troubleshoot tooling-related manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions.

• Identify opportunities to improve tooling performance, cycle times, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Assist with machining, tooling adjustments, and fabrication activities when required.

• Support safe tool handling, loading, unloading, and crane-assisted movements.

• Share technical knowledge, best practices, and provide training to engineering and manufacturing personnel.

• Ensure tooling activities comply with applicable automotive quality standards and company procedures.

• Support quality systems and requirements, including IATF 16949 and ISO 14001
  , as applicable.

• Follow all safety requirements, including proper machine operation, ergonomics, and environmental practices.

• Promote…