Lead Tooling Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Tooling Engineer

Location: Acme Wire Products Address: 2915 18th Ave, Broadview, IL 60155

Job type: Salaried Full Time, (40 hours/Week) Schedule : Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Edward Echeverria

Job Overview:

Acme Wire Products is seeking an experienced Tool Room Manager to lead and improve our Tool Room Department. This individual will be responsible for tooling strategy, fixture and gauge development, procurement, supplier management, inventory control, and supporting manufacturing operations across all departments. The Tool Room Manager will lead a team of 2-5 staff and be responsible for training new engineers.

The ideal candidate will be expected to bring a seasoned manufacturing perspective, help establish best practices, improve department organization, and implement systems that support long-term operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Tool Room Operations

Lead the day-to-day operations of the Tool Room Department, ensuring tooling, fixtures, gauges, and equipment are available, maintained, and properly managed to support production requirements. Establish priorities, allocate resources, and ensure projects are completed on time while maintaining a high level of quality and organization.

Operational Excellence

Develop, implement, and maintain systems related to inventory management, tool tracking, preventative maintenance, documentation, and workflow management. Continuously evaluate department performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Shipping, and Management teams to identify and implement solutions that support company objectives. Serve as a technical resource across all departments and coordinate the procurement of tooling and systems required to improve departmental performance and manufacturing capabilities.

Department Management, Procurement & Continuous Improvement

Oversee the operational performance of the Tool Room Department, including tooling expenditures, inventory levels, supplier relationships, project status, workplace organization, and departmental efficiency. Take ownership of sourcing and procuring tooling, fixtures, gauges, equipment, and manufacturing support systems while developing strong supplier partnerships and negotiating competitive pricing and delivery schedules. Utilize performance metrics and data-driven decision-making to improve operational effectiveness, reduce costs, support strategic planning, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment while ensuring compliance with company safety policies and promoting professional workplace standards.

Fixture & Gauge Design Leadership

Provide experienced leadership in the development, review, and management of fixtures, gauges, work holding devices, inspection tools, and manufacturing support equipment. Evaluate existing designs and processes while implementing best practices that improve quality, repeatability, and efficiency.

Manufacturing & Quality Support

Utilize advanced blueprint interpretation, GD&T knowledge, DFMEA, and PFMEA methodologies to support manufacturing operations and quality initiatives. Participate in problem-solving efforts, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement projects aimed at improving product quality and process reliability.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, mentor, and develop 2-5 Tool Room personnel by establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management activities while encouraging professional growth and cross-functional collaboration.

Process Improvement

Drive initiatives that improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce downtime, enhance quality, and support production goals. Bring a seasoned manufacturing perspective to help establish systems, improve communication, strengthen department organization, and support the long-term growth of Acme Wire Products.

Education: (highly preferred)

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Tool & Die Technology, or a related technical field.
• Advanced training, certifications, or continuing education in manufacturing, quality systems, project management, or leadership development.

Preferred Experience:

Ten (10) or more years of experience in Tool Room Management, Tool & Die, Manufacturing Engineering, Production Support, or a related manufacturing environment.

Required Experience

• Previous leadership, supervisory, or department management experience.
• Experience supporting production environments and manufacturing operations.
• Experience managing tooling, fixture, gauge, and manufacturing support projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience coordinating activities across multiple departments and managing competing priorities.
• Experience developing and implementing process improvements that drive efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.

Skills:

• Advanced blueprint reading and interpretation.
• Strong understanding of GD&T principles and manufacturing tolerances.
• Experience with fixture design, gauge design, tooling systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of DFMEA and PFMEA methodologies.
• Root cause analysis and corrective action experience.
• Inventory management and procurement experience.
• Supplier and vendor management experience.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred but not required.

Benefits:

Base Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability.

• Weekly pay
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Profit Sharing
• Cash Balance Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation

Paid Time Off (PTO) & Vacation

• During the first year of employment, paid vacation time is accrued based on hours worked.
• Upon completion of one (1) year of continuous service, employees become eligible for one (1) week of paid vacation.
• Upon completion of two (2) years of continuous service, employees become eligible for two (2) weeks of paid vacation.
• Additional vacation benefits may be earned based on years of service and company policy.
• Benefits eligibility and participation are subject to the terms and conditions of applicable company benefit plans and policies.

Acme Wire Products (AWP) is a wire formation manufacturing business with two campuses in Broadview, IL. AWP primarily specializes in stainless steel & brite basic wire products ranging in gauges from 1/16 - 3/8. Many products are used in the barbeque and smoker industries, research & medical laboratories, restaurants and universal shelving/storage applications.

The company maintains a robust in-house tool & die workshop that collaborates with our design engineers to develop custom molds to ensure each product adheres to quality standards. Our departments include straight and cut, wire forming, TIG welding, resistance welding, trimming, passivation (degreasing), shipping & receiving (North Campus).

AWP has been family owned for the past 20 years and prides itself on a supporting the professional development of all employees. We are looking to hire motivated and capable employees with a growth mindset.

Company Description

Acme Wire Products (AWP) is a wire formation manufacturing business with two campuses in Broadview, IL. AWP primarily specializes in stainless steel & brite basic wire products ranging in gauges from 1/16 - 3/8. Many products are used in the barbeque and smoker industries, research & medical laboratories, restaurants and universal shelving/storage applications.\r\n\r\nThe company maintains a robust in-house tool & die workshop that collaborates with our design engineers to develop custom molds to ensure each product adheres to quality standards. Our departments include straight and cut, wire forming, TIG welding, resistance welding, trimming, passivation (degreasing), shipping & receiving (North Campus).\r\n\r\nAWP has been family owned for the past 20 years and prides itself on a supporting the professional development of all employees. We are looking to hire motivated and capable employees with a growth mindset.