Tooling Engineer

Job Description

Seeking a Tooling Engineer with strong expertise in machining across aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. The ideal candidate will drive tooling strategy, process optimization, and cost reduction initiatives across high-mix, high-precision machining operations. This role requires deep knowledge of titanium, high-alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminum, and cast iron, with a focus on tool life improvement, cycle time reduction, and standardization to support customer requirements in mission-critical industries. Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000 per year. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Job Duties:


• Develop and optimize cutting tool strategies for CNC machining of titanium, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and alloy steels.


• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on machining efficiency, tool life, quality, and cost reduction.


• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, CNC programmers, and operators to identify opportunities for process enhancements.


• Conduct tooling trials and evaluations to validate cutting parameters, coatings, tool geometries, and materials.


• Standardize tooling platforms and maintain tool databases, reducing variability across the shop floor.


• Partner with tool vendors and suppliers to evaluate new cutting technologies and implement best practices.


• Analyze and report tool performance metrics: cost per part, tool change frequency, and total production cost.


• Support root cause analysis of machining issues related to cutting tool performance, surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and tool wear.


• Document and train operators and engineers on improved tooling methods and processes.


• Ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and customer-specific requirements for aerospace and defense machining.

The Right Person/What we need from you:


• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).


• 5+ years' experience in machining process engineering, tooling, or continuous improvement roles.


• Hands-on experience with aerospace and defense machining, including titanium and nickel alloys.


• Familiarity with CNC multi-axis milling and turning operations.


• Experience implementing lean manufacturing, Kaizen, or Six Sigma initiatives.


Preferred Technical Knowledge


• Strong understanding of cutting tool materials, coatings, and geometries.


• Proficiency with CAM systems (Mastercam, SmartCAM, TopSolid).


• Knowledge of G-code programming and CNC troubleshooting.


• Skilled in data analysis for machining performance and cost savings.


• Knowledge of tooling inventory and vending/distribution systems.

What you get from us:


*We offer immediate health benefits (1st Day of Employment): medical, dental and vision insurance


*FREE short-term and long-term disability and life insurance starting from 1st day of employment


*Hire on Bonus


*401k with company match


*Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays


*Employee assistance program


*Tuition assistance


*Gain sharing bonuses


*Clean, and safe manufacturing facility


*Weekly paychecks


*10% 2nd Shift differential (in addition to hourly rate)


*Quarterly Food/Treats (Food Truck, Ice Cream, etc.)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.