Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Tooling

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Full Time Professional MI, Shelby Township, MI, US

Job Overview:

SAPA Transmission is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling who will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and lifecycle management of all tooling used in the manufacturing and production environment. This role is focused specifically on tooling and fixture design for CNC machining operations, including work holding solutions for complex castings and precision components. The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on experience with CNC machining processes, work holding principles, and CAD‑based tooling design, and will collaborate closely with manufacturing, production, and quality teams.

Responsibilities:

• Own all aspects of tool design to develop and optimize production machining processes.
• Design, specify, and release tooling using CAD systems; manage tooling data and revisions.
• Lead tooling projects from concept through design, build, validation, and production release.
• Utilize NX and Teamcenter to manage CAD models, drawings, and configuration control.
• Work with internal teams and external suppliers to source, fabricate, and qualify tooling.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing robust tooling that meets production volume, quality, and safety requirements.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues on the shop floor and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve ergonomics, increase tool life, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Ensure tooling complies with safety standards, ergonomic guidelines, and company policies.
• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, work instructions, and maintenance requirements.
• Support process capability studies, validation runs, and production readiness reviews.
• Coordinate tooling maintenance, repair, and replacement strategies to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering on inspection methods, gage R&R, and measurement system analysis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing processes.
• 5+ years of experience in machining processes (turning and milling operations).
• Strong knowledge of fixture design for machining complex castings (aluminum and steel), including components such as gears and housings
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes and work holding principles.
• Experience with CMM fixtures, inspection tooling, and dimensional control.
• Proficiency in CAD software; NX experience preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing manual and hydraulic clamping systems for machining applications.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Strong problem-solving skills and hands‑on approach to manufacturing challenges.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• 6% retirement plan contribution by SAPA Transmission (regardless of employee contribution to 401k plan).
• Paid Holiday, Time Off (PTO), and sick time.
• Medical, Rx, dental, vision and life insurance benefits with minimal employee contribution.