Tool Design Engineer

Job Title : Tool Designer Progressive Stamping (Contract)

Location : [Confidential Onsite]

Department : Tooling / Manufacturing Engineering

Reports To : Tooling Manager

Employment Type : 12-Month Contract (Full-Time)

Shift : 1st Shift , 5 : 00 AM start (aligns with Tool & Die Makers)

Pay : $35.00 $45.00 per hour DOE

Position Summary :

Design single-hit and progressive stamping dies and related tooling to meet quality, cost, and throughput targets. Create strip layouts, stage sequencing, and complete detail drawings; support die tryout, debugging, and sustaining changes in partnership with Tool & Die Makers and production.

Key Responsibilities :

Develop strip layouts and determine stage count / sequence for cutting, piercing, forming, coining, and extruding operations.

Produce complete die designs (progressive and single-hit), assemblies, and detailed component drawings with correct GD&T, tolerances, and materials.

Review and interpret customer prints / models; advise on DFM changes to improve manufacturability, cost, and performance.

Select die sets, steels, and components; balance design for maintainability, speed, and projected life / volume; optimize raw strip usage.

Support press tryout and debug; perform / redline design updates and release revisions for production.

Coordinate purchase of standard and custom tooling components; maintain BOMs and documentation.

Collaborate cross-functionally (Tool Room, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Customers as needed) to resolve issues and hit launch dates.

Incorporate downstream / post-stamp processes (deburr, plating, passivation, heat treat) into design considerations and specs.

Apply and uphold safety, quality, and drawing standards throughout the design cycle.

Qualifications :

Bachelor's in Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering or minimum 5 years progressive die design experience (or equivalent combination).

Expert in progressive stamping die design, strip layout, feed progression, pilots, lifters, cams, strippers, punches / dies, and sensors.

Strong GD&T and blueprint reading; fluent with tolerancing schemes and stack-ups.

Broad knowledge of materials (stainless, low-carbon steels, copper alloys, etc.) and their stamping behavior.

Familiarity with post-processing (deburr, plating, heat treat) and its impact on tolerances / fit.

Proficient with CAD (3D preferred) and drafting standards; able to generate clear, manufacturable prints.

Solid problem-solving and communication skills; effective on the floor during tryouts and with Tool & Die Makers.

Trig / geometry shop math; comfortable with basic engineering calculations.

Nice to Have :

Experience specifying / validating sensors, in-die tapping / forming, and stock straightening / feeding systems.

Exposure to ERP / MRP for BOMs and component requisitions.

Physical & Work Environment :

Primarily office / CAD work with routine time on the shop floor during build, tryout, and debug.

Ability to stand / walk in a manufacturing environment and handle tooling components as needed (with assistance when required).