Mechanical Designer / Tooling & Machine Design

Job Description

Job Description

Job description:

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, motivated Mechanical Designer / Tooling Designer to join our in-house Engineering and Tooling team.

With over 60 years of manufacturing experience, we are a vertically integrated manufacturer specializing in roll forming, stretch bending, tube bending, stamping, welding, laser cutting, tooling, and assembly. We proudly serve customers across the automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

We are looking for an individual with strong 3D CAD design experience who can develop tooling, fixtures, gages, dies, and specialty manufacturing equipment. Candidates do not need experience in every listed discipline—we welcome designers who have demonstrated proficiency in one or more areas and are eager to expand their skills.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented designer who understands how mechanical components are manufactured and assembled, enjoying direct collaboration with toolmakers, machinists, engineers, and production personnel to bring designs to life.

Key Responsibilities1. Mechanical Design & Engineering

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.
• Design and develop tooling, fixtures, gages, and specialty manufacturing equipment.
• Create designs that prioritize manufacturability, functionality, durability, and cost-efficiency.
• Prepare detailed component drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Review customer CAD models, drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Support design modifications, engineering change requests, and continuous improvement projects.
• Collaborate closely with internal Engineering, Toolroom, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

2. Tooling & Equipment Design

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired:

• Fixtures & Gages: Design of production fixtures, checking fixtures, welding fixtures, assembly fixtures, and inspection gages.
• Specialty Machinery: Design of custom manufacturing equipment, automation systems, mechanical assemblies, and special-purpose machines.
• Bending Equipment & Tooling: Design of stretch bending equipment, pressure/form bending tooling, tube bending tooling, and related machinery.
• Form Dies: Design of forming dies, trim dies, pierce dies, and other metal-forming tooling.
• Progressive Dies: Design of progressive stamping dies, including strip layouts, forming stations, piercing, and trimming operations.

3. Manufacturing & Toolroom Support

• Work directly with toolmakers, machinists, and manufacturing personnel throughout the design and build process.
• Support tooling builds, assembly, tryouts, troubleshooting, and design modifications.
• Assist in resolving mechanical design and manufacturing challenges.
• Review existing tooling and equipment to identify opportunities for improved performance and efficiency.
• Support prototype development and new product launches.
• Ensure all designs meet internal manufacturing requirements and customer specifications.

Software & Technical Requirements

Experience with one or more of the following software packages is preferred:

• Cimatron: Tooling, die design, and 3D modeling.
• Siemens NX (Unigraphics / UG): Mechanical design, tooling, and complex assemblies.
• CATIA: 3D modeling, surface design, and mechanical engineering.
• PolyWorks: 3D measurement, inspection, and reverse engineering applications.
• Note: Experience with other professional 3D CAD platforms will also be considered.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Previous experience in mechanical design, tooling design, die design, or custom machinery design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and mechanical drawing creation.
• Experience designing at least one of the following: fixtures, gages, specialty machinery, bending equipment, forming dies, or progressive dies.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Solid understanding of machining, fabrication, metal forming, and mechanical assembly processes.
• Proven ability to develop practical designs that can be efficiently manufactured and assembled.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive, aerospace, defense, or metal fabrication manufacturing.
• Knowledge of stamping, roll forming, stretch bending, tube bending, or other metal-forming processes.
• Experience designing progressive dies, forming dies, or specialized manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with CNC machining and toolroom manufacturing practices.
• Experience supporting tooling builds, tryouts, and production launches.
• Experience working with reverse engineering and 3D scanning data.
• Experience working directly alongside toolmakers and production personnel.
• Formal technical training or an engineering/design degree is a plus (not required).

What We Are Looking For

We want a designer who:

• Enjoys creating practical, functional designs built for real-world manufacturing.
• Understands the practical relationship between design, machining, tooling, and production.
• Is comfortable spending time in the Toolroom and working directly with manufacturing teams.
• Can manage multiple design projects and deliver on deadlines.
• Takes true ownership of projects from initial concept through final build.
• Is eager to learn new tooling applications and manufacturing processes.
• Brings a strong work ethic and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: Based on experience and qualifications.
• Work Schedule: Full-time, first-shift (6:00 AM – 2:30 PM).
• Overtime: Available as needed.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health benefits package.
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation and holidays.
• Stability: Long-established company with over 60 years of manufacturing excellence.
• Project Variety: Opportunity to work on a wide array of tooling, machinery, and manufacturing projects.
• Skill Growth: Direct, cross-functional collaboration with our in-house Toolroom, Engineering, and Manufacturing departments.