Tooling Strategy Manager - Whitehall, MI

Job Description

Job Description

The Tooling Strategy Manager will be based out of Whitehall, Michigan. Key objectives for this position include managing the overall tooling capacity versus customer demand, securing customer orders in a timely manner as needed to fulfill their end item casting demand, oversight of the manufacturing execution for these tools at our internal facilities as well as third party suppliers, and the internal and customer qualification requirements for these tools as necessary to release the tool for production. In fulfillment of these objectives the Tooling Strategy Leader will be responsible for mentoring of salaried engineers providing technical guidance in tool design and design for manufacturability of castings; develop process standardization of the tooling processes, acting as a technical liaison to ensure customer requirements are met and relationships strengthened; developing project milestones and removal of barriers to ensure on time completion; utilizing continuous improvement methodologies to improve systems and manufacturing processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the replacement tooling strategy for the facility working in conjunction with engineering and sales to maintain tooling condition.
• Evolve existing planning tools or develop new ones for aligning current tooling capacity versus customer end item casting demand which provide clear direction on what new tooling requirements are needed.
• Lead project management of tool builds from quote through qualification.
• Lead and direct new product introduction initiatives ensuring design for manufacturability with customers, project timelines, budgets, and standards are maintained.
• Mentor less experienced engineers in NPI activities, tool build project management, and qualification processes.
• Work in conjunction with other groups to advance our technical capabilities and reduce cost of manufacturing processes
• Direct and participate in run at rate analysis of future products, technology advancements needed and capital requests to support customer demand.
• Report status of tooling and NPI projects.
• Managing staff, including training, assigning projects and performance evaluations
• Coordinating development and maintenance of tooling and quality standards.
• Developing cost models and engaging in quoting activities
• Coordinates with tool designers, CNC programmers and Die Makers to develop manufacturing plans and schedules.
• Facilitating improvements in methods and techniques that improve lead times and quality of products.
• Ensure methods and accountabilities are in place for materials inventory maintenance.
• Evaluating opportunities related to equipment and manufacturing capabilities
• Interprets customer part and tooling specifications provided.
• Creates 3D solid CAD models with Siemens NX, Unigraphics to meet customer specifications.
• Engaging or directing others in CNC programming activities as needed, including support of Core Prototyping CNC operation
• Collaborates with the customers Product/Process Engineers for design development and final approvals.
• Maintains all required project documentation, approvals, process flow, time logs, etc.

Job Roles

• Anticipatory coordination-- considers what changes future capability will require; advises stakeholders from timeline and desired future state perspectives; contributes to decision-making to ensure the most desirable projects are prioritized
• Customer liaison--serves as point of contact for communication between enterprise and customer, interpreting and synthesizing requirements and capabilities to ensure successful implementations and clear expectations; increases confidence of customer with each interaction and implementation
• Business sense--recognizes the contribution of his/her work from a revenue creation perspective; invites financial accountability; understands the costs associated with testing and creation; collaborates with both customer facing and internal functions to ensure top and bottom line impact;
• Execution--manages timelines to deliver on commitments; understands capabilities to ensure accuracy of promises; recognizes potential competing interests and adjusts as necessary; follows through and takes responsibility beyond initial stages
• Project management--expert level organizational skills; employs systems and resources creatively; creates and manages milestones
• Communication--works throughout the enterprise and with external stakeholders to gain buy-in and alignment; provides regular updates; solicits feedback and input
• Continuous learning--employs lessons from previous implementations consistently; balances tested formats with new endeavor and risk; creates feedback loops with operators and other stakeholders to capture learning
• Analysis and expertise--asks questions to synthesize and evaluate; process and capability expert; leverages data to influence decision-making; relates to different functions throughout the enterprise as a fellow expert
• Mentor and coach--empowers associates; helps others understand the process; enables meaningful contributions and partnerships from others; creates opportunities for others to learn

Basic Qualifications

• BS in Engineering from an accredited university
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering, including experience in tooling
• 5+ years of leadership experience
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Good knowledge of financial data
• Strong planning skills in complex demand fulfillment environment
• Competent working knowledge of investment casting processes, customer specifications, and quality systems
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional product teams

Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit