Tooling Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Tooling Design Engineer

Job Description

The Tooling Design Engineer develops, standardizes, and delivers final assembly tooling that meets engineering intent and production requirements. This role works closely with external tooling vendors and cross-functional internal teams during both advanced program planning and development phases to identify necessary tooling, drive cost-saving opportunities, and ensure robust, efficient solutions. The engineer also mentors less-experienced engineers, sharing best practices and explaining the rationale behind tooling decisions to build organizational capability.

Responsibilities

• Specialize in and deliver final assembly tooling that fully meets engineering and production intent.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams during advanced program planning to identify required tooling and define specifications for new and existing equipment.
• Identify and drive cost-saving opportunities in existing and future tooling and equipment.
• Provide a consistent level of proficiency in implementing engineering standards, lessons learned, and employee training related to tooling and processes.
• Foster and mentor Final Assembly Engineering (FAE) engineers and tooling integrators through the tool design process to ensure production tooling aligns with engineering intent and is appropriate for each application.
• Maintain process and launch expertise in tooling and process design for final assembly.
• Lead or support the development of operator interface tooling for final assembly applications, ensuring usability, safety, and efficiency.
• Work closely with tooling vendors to define requirements, review designs, and oversee the delivery of final tools.
• Support automotive production launches by ensuring tooling readiness, resolving issues, and validating performance on the production line.
• Analyze and resolve root causes of tooling-related problems, including issues involving hydraulic lift assists and other final assembly equipment.
• Utilize virtual manufacturing tools to evaluate tooling concepts, layouts, and integration with existing processes.
• Apply data-driven problem-solving techniques and statistical tools to monitor performance, identify trends, and implement improvements.
• Prepare and deliver clear communication and presentations to stakeholders on tooling concepts, project status, and issue resolution.
• Manage tooling-related tasks within program timelines, including planning, coordination, and tracking of deliverables.
• Ensure final tool design and delivery meet quality, timing, and functional requirements for final assembly operations.
• Collaborate effectively with Final Assembly Engineering Integrators to align tooling solutions with process and product requirements.
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and standards for final assembly tooling to support continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Approximately 5 years of experience with final assembly tooling processes and facilities or equivalent experience with automotive OEM tooling standards.
• Experience with at least one major automotive or comparable production program launch.
• Experience working with tooling vendors on design, development, and delivery of production tooling.
• Experience in the development of operator interface tooling for final assembly applications.
• Experience with integration of tooling into production processes and analyzing root causes of tooling-related problems, including hydraulic lift assist equipment.
• Final tool design and delivery experience for production environments.
• Familiarity with Final Assembly Engineering (FAE) processes, tooling, and joining equipment.
• Data-driven mindset with strong problem-solving techniques.
• Program management skills to coordinate tooling activities within broader program timelines.
• virtual manufacturing tools for evaluating tooling and processes.
• Working knowledge of statistics, control charts, and data collection methods.
• At least 1 year of experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement in tooling and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to mentor and guide less-experienced engineers and integrators, explaining design decisions and best practices.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build excellent working relationships with Final Assembly Engineering Integrators and cross-functional partners.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, launch-focused environment with evolving priorities.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards, lessons learned, and corporate guidelines to tooling design and implementation.

Work Environment

This role operates in a highly collaborative environment that spans engineering offices, virtual manufacturing spaces, and final assembly production areas. You will regularly interact with cross-functional teams, including final assembly engineering, integrators, and external tooling vendors, to align tooling solutions with process and product requirements. The position involves participation in advanced program planning and active support during production launches, which may require presence on the shop floor to observe operations, troubleshoot tooling issues, and validate performance. You will work extensively with digital tools, including virtual manufacturing software and Microsoft Office applications, to develop concepts, analyze data, and communicate findings. The environment emphasizes data-driven decision-making, structured problem-solving, and adherence to engineering standards and lessons learned. Work hours generally follow standard business schedules, with some flexibility needed around key launch milestones or critical tooling activities. Dress expectations vary between office and production areas, with appropriate attire and safety gear required when working on the shop floor or near operating equipment

This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.

The pay range for this position is $42.30 - $46.53/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Dearborn,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.