Tooling Specialist

Tooling Specialist

The Tooling Specialist applies theoretical and practical knowledge in manufacturing and mechanical engineering sciences with the direct support of the Maintenance department. This position contributes to the design, analysis, and upkeep of progressive dies, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes, playing an important role in production efficiency, tooling reliability, and quality performance across metal and plastics operations.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain SolidWorks 3D models and 2D drawings for progressive dies, tooling, and fixtures.
• Execute progressive die build-to-print processes and apply dimensional tolerancing to verify manufacturability.
• Prepare and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), part numbering, and engineering part specifications in accordance with company standards.
• Update and manage engineering drawings, revision control, and specification documents.
• Apply tolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T principles to support fit, function, and assembly quality verification.
• Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews, preparing data, running analyses, and summarizing findings.
• Program and validate CAD/CAM outputs and post-process CNC tool paths for milling, turning, and EDM operations.
• Apply FEA tools and perform engineering calculations to evaluate die, tool, and part performance data.
• Develop process flows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and assembly instructions to support production launches.
• Support prototype development and bench testing, including specimen preparation, test execution, and documentation of results.
• Contribute to failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), root-cause investigations, and corrective action activities.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methods to support production improvement and standardization initiatives.
• Assist in specifying material selection, heat-treatment requirements, and surface treatments for tooling and production parts.
• Support the development of quality control plans and inspection procedures; coordinate with Quality for first article and in-process inspections.
• Execute reverse engineering and 3D scan-to-CAD workflows to recreate legacy parts and support redesigns.
• Support the construction, repair, and modification of metal parts, tools, machines, and attachments.
• Perform machining operations including lathe, milling, grinder, and related equipment to produce parts per approved blueprints and specifications.
• Apply knowledge of shop mathematics, material properties, and precision measurement to execute machining tasks accurately.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and 6S/housekeeping requirements in the machine shop environment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in engineering technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field from an accredited institution.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial machining environment applying engineering technology principles.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, CAD/CAM systems, and GD&T standards.
• Experience in die design, progressive tooling, or precision machining environments.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Schedule flexibility required; schedules may vary based on business demands and project deadlines.

Physical Demands

The Tooling Specialist regularly uses hands to operate equipment, tools, and controls, and must frequently stand, walk, sit, and communicate. The ability to work overtime, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed is required. The employee must regularly lift and/or move tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.