Manufacturing Tooling Engineer

Saronic · Defense · Austin, TX · Production

The Manufacturing Tooling Engineer designs, develops, validates, and improves tooling, fixtures, and production equipment for manufacturing processes. This role ensures efficient, repeatable, and high-quality production, meeting cost and safety targets. Responsibilities include CAD design, material selection, vendor management, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, with a focus on DFM and NPI support. Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 2-5+ years of experience in tooling or manufacturing engineering.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design and develop tooling, jigs, fixtures, and gauges to support manufacturing operations
  2. Collaborate with product design and manufacturing teams to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
  3. Support new product introduction (NPI) by developing and validating production tooling
  4. Create detailed CAD models and engineering drawings (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX)
  5. Select appropriate materials and manufacturing methods for tooling (machining, casting, additive, etc.)

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
  • 2–5+ years of experience in tooling design or manufacturing engineering
  • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, or similar)
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (CNC machining, welding, stamping, injection molding, etc.)
  • Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Nice to have

  • Experience in high-volume or regulated industries (automotive, aerospace, defense)
  • Knowledge of automation systems, robotics, or PLC integration
  • Experience with tool life analysis and preventive maintenance systems
  • Supplier/vendor management experience
  • Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)