Tools Management Engineer

We are seeking a Tools Management Engineer to join a client in Grapevine, TX. This is a full-time, direct hire position. The role is 100% onsite.

The Tools Management Specialist / Engineer is responsible for the strategic management, implementation, support, and optimization of engineering tools, software platforms, and technical resources that enable efficient product development and operational excellence. This role partners closely with Engineering, IT, Operations, Procurement, and external vendors to ensure engineering teams have access to reliable, secure, and cost-effective tools that support business objectives, innovation, and productivity.

The ideal candidate combines technical expertise, project management skills, and a continuous improvement mindset to evaluate emerging technologies, enhance tool performance, and drive adoption of best practices across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Tool Strategy, Selection & Evaluation

• Evaluate, recommend, and implement engineering tools, software applications, and technical solutions that support design, simulation, testing, manufacturing, and development activities.
• Conduct needs assessments and gap analyses to align tool capabilities with business and engineering requirements.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to identify opportunities for capability enhancement and innovation.
• Develop business cases and recommendations for new tool investments and upgrades.

Implementation & System Integration

• Lead end-to-end deployment of new engineering tools and platforms, including planning, configuration, testing, and rollout.
• Ensure seamless integration of engineering tools with existing systems, workflows, and enterprise applications.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to manage installations, upgrades, migrations, and system configurations.
• Establish user access controls, security settings, and governance standards.

Tool Administration, Maintenance & Support

• Oversee ongoing administration, maintenance, and lifecycle management of engineering software and technical tools.
• Troubleshoot system issues, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for tool-related support requests and escalations.
• Develop and deliver user training programs to maximize adoption and effective utilization.

Continuous Improvement & Optimization

• Monitor tool performance, user adoption, and operational effectiveness through metrics and feedback.
• Identify opportunities to improve system functionality, automate processes, and increase engineering productivity.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize workflows, configurations, and integrations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance user experience and business outcomes.

Documentation & Analytics

• Maintain accurate documentation, including system configurations, operating procedures, user guides, and troubleshooting resources.
• Track software utilization, licensing compliance, operational performance, and return on investment (ROI).
• Generate reports and dashboards that provide visibility into tool effectiveness, costs, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Present recommendations and performance updates to leadership and key stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, IT, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and other functional teams to align tool capabilities with organizational needs.
• Gather stakeholder feedback and translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Support enterprise initiatives involving digital transformation, process improvement, and technology standardization.
• Facilitate communication between users, vendors, and leadership to ensure successful tool adoption and performance.

Compliance, Security & Governance

• Ensure engineering tools comply with company policies, industry regulations, cybersecurity requirements, and quality standards.
• Manage software licensing, maintenance agreements, and vendor compliance requirements.
• Implement data governance, security controls, and access management best practices.
• Support audit activities and maintain records related to tool usage, licensing, and compliance.

Cost & Vendor Management

• Manage budgets associated with engineering tools, software subscriptions, maintenance contracts, and related resources.
• Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate pricing, contracts, and service agreements to optimize value.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining required functionality and support levels.
• Forecast future tool requirements and develop long-term technology investment plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience managing engineering software, technical systems, or enterprise applications.
• Experience with engineering, CAD, PLM, simulation, testing, manufacturing, or product development tools preferred.
• Strong understanding of system implementation, software lifecycle management, and process improvement methodologies.
• Proven project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience managing software vendors, licensing, and technology budgets is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Technical Systems Management
• Project & Change Management
• Process Improvement
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Vendor & Contract Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Training & User Enablement
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Strategic Technology Planning

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an office and engineering environment.
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required to support business operations, vendors, or project implementations.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.