Lead Tool Designer

Job Description Summary

The Lead Tool Designer serves as a vital link between engineering precision and shop-floor performance. In this role, you will lead the design and modeling of high-precision fixtures, gages, and assembly tooling, ensuring that all equipment is optimized for repeatability, safety, and manufacturing efficiency. You will apply advanced GD&T practices and CAD expertise to solve complex work-holding challenges, while acting as a technical leader who drives design standards and collaborative problem-solving.

This position is ideal for an experienced designer who takes ownership of the entire design lifecycle—from initial concept to final shop-floor implementation—to support the rigorous demands of our production environment.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and update Solid Works CAD models and drawings for complex fixtures, tools, jigs, gages, assembly tooling, production aides, 3D printing, etc. focusing on work holding for mills, FHD EDM, Sinker EDM, etc.
• Apply your knowledge of GD&T best practices to ensure designs are accurate and manufacturable.
• Collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization, providing clear communication and working both independently and as part of a team
• Lead design reviews and problem-solving discussions, offering innovative solutions and driving positive change.
• Validate design specifications and shop floor application of new product, tools, or equipment (includes Manufacturing Engineers).
• Provide cost/benefit analyses on tool design alternatives.
• Provide tactical support to the tool room for builds and revisions.
• Design quality into fixtures as well as develop, maintain, and follow standards.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior designers to foster a culture of design excellence and best-practice adherence.
• Conduct proactive risk assessments for new tooling designs to ensure operator safety and compliance with safety standards.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment while embracing and driving positive change inside and outside the organization when appropriate.
• Assist in project planning, estimating design time, and tracking milestones to ensure designs are completed on schedule to meet production demands.

What you’ll bring (Basic Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, or Apprentice Graduate in a machining, engineering, or drafting related program with minimum of 4 years of experience with graphical based CAD Software (Solid Works, NX or similar) for modeling and drafting OR HS diploma (or equivalent) w/ 7 years of experience with graphical based CAD Software (Solid Works, NX or similar) for modeling.
• MS Office user-level knowledge (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to lift/push/pull at least 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to wear all required personal protective equipment, for example: safety glasses, gloves, ear plugs, and safety shoes.
• This role requires to be 100% onsite.
• Travel between sites in Parsippany, NJ and Allentown, PA is required depending on business needs.
• Our facilities operate 24 hours per day on three shifts. You will occasionally be required to provide assistance to shifts outside of normal working hours.
• This role requires use of technical data subject to U.S. Government export restrictions and this posting is only for U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents and protected individuals (e.g., certain refugees and asylees)). GE will require proof of status prior to employment.

What will make you stand out:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including sequencing, as it relates to work holding or similar applications.
• Strong understanding and application of GD&T principals
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated proficiency interpreting drawing requirements.
• Experience with Power Generation or Aerospace Industries and components.
• Understanding of metal fabrication and welding processes.
• Knowledge of COTS fasteners, clamps, etc.
• Experience with PLM systems.
• Strong problem solving and organization skills, with above average shop math skills in geometry…