Tool Designer II

Job Description

Job Description

Tool Designer II

Eldridge, IA – Full Time

Productive Resources ( is seeking a candidate to be part of our engineering team at our customer's facility in Eldridge, IA. As a member of our team, the selected candidate will be responsible for designing new or evaluating and updating existing fixtures, gauges, and special tooling used in machining and assembly operations. This role develops and maintains accurate 2D drawings and 3D CAD models along with detailed drawings to support manufacturing requirements. The individual collaborates closely with Application Engineers, Process Engineers, Product Engineers and CNC programmers to ensure tooling designs are practical, efficient, and aligned with production needs. Appropriate materials, fits, and tolerances are selected based on functional requirements and application conditions. 

This is a full-time position that is indefinite in duration with the opportunity of professional growth, and additional opportunities within our organization. 

Duties:

• Design, develop, and refine complex tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment to support production requirements, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams to develop precise, reliable, and safe tooling solutions that optimize machining and assembly processes.
• Apply advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, machining capabilities, and design principles to create innovative tooling solutions and improve existing designs.
• Perform tool validation, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure designs meet quality, safety, and performance requirements; analyze trial results and implement design improvements as needed.
• Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings, models, and specifications using CAD software while ensuring accurate documentation of tooling designs, revisions, and modifications.
• Provide technical support and guidance to production teams by troubleshooting tooling issues, recommending improvements, and assisting with proper tool utilization.
• Support procurement activities by identifying, sourcing, and specifying machined components, standard catalog hardware, and specialty tooling components required for design completion.
• Independently develop and execute fixture designs ranging from simple to moderately complex applications, ensuring manufacturability, functionality, and ease of use.
• Integrate advanced work holding solutions including hydraulic and pneumatic clamping systems, zero-point clamping, and modular fixture concepts to improve setup efficiency and repeatability.
• Design tooling solutions with automation integration in mind, incorporating scalable and future ready configurations to support evolving manufacturing processes.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Tool Designer I team members, supporting their development in advanced design practices, CAD proficiency, and tooling methodologies.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology.
• Proficiency in at least one 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, PowerShape, Fusion 360) for creating detailed, production-ready models and drawings.
• Demonstrates advanced understanding of engineering principles, material properties, manufacturing processes, and industry-specific requirements to develop effective tooling solutions.
• Proficiency in Creo Parametric is essential for creating accurate, complex designs and detailed manufacturing documentation.
• Possesses strong knowledge of machining, welding, fabrication methods, and production processes to design tooling that is functional, manufacturable, and aligned with operational requirements.
• Apply advanced problem-solving skills and creative thinking to overcome complex design challenges, including intricate geometries, material limitations, manufacturing constraints, and cost considerations.
• Utilizes an iterative design approach by evaluating potential risks, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing effective solutions through testing, feedback, and continuous refinement.
• Maintains a strong focus on precision, innovation, and continuous improvement by developing tooling solutions that enhance productivity, improve repeatability, reduce costs, and support evolving manufacturing needs.

Preferred:

• 6+ years of experience designing, developing, and/or building machining fixtures and tooling solutions within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Creo.
• Strong experience designing machining fixtures, work holding devices, or production tooling for CNC machining operations.
• Ability to independently develop and refine tooling solutions with minimal supervision.

As a condition of employment consideration, Productive Resources conducts pre-employment screening, including a background check and drug test. In addition, an employment candidate is required to provide proof of identity and legal authority to work in the United States.

Why work for Productive Resources?

Productive Resources is a full-service engineering firm with over two decades of experience serving leading global clients. Our expertise is project-based product development and manufacturing engineering support. Our primary focus industries are off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, defense, mining, recreational, industrial, and specialty machines. We lead with our reputation for quality, teamwork, and innovative solutions. We invest in our people, providing resources andopportunities for ongoing development. Our workplace fosters innovation, prioritizes the well-being of our team, and encourages creativity. Our diverse experience and client base will challenge your technical skills and provide greater opportunities for growth.

We Offer Competitive Benefits:

• Group Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance available
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident Insurance available
• Long-Term Disability
• Short-term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plans for Medical Expenses and Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Programs available
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health Care Support Program complimentary health advocacy program provides 24/7 assistance.
• Adoption Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Caregiver Support Programs
• Financial Wellbeing Support 
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Training and Development

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly