Senior Tooling Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking company is seeking a Senior Tooling Engineer to oversee tooling strategy and implementation in automotive manufacturing. In this pivotal role, you will manage tooling timelines, support new business development, and lead process improvements. Your expertise in CAD software and strong background in automotive tooling will be crucial as you collaborate with various teams to optimize designs and ensure compliance with quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in automotive tooling and metal forming environments.
• Strong knowledge of progressive and transfer dies.

Responsibilities

• Lead tooling engineers and manage tooling build timelines.
• Approve tool layouts and oversee vendor negotiations.

Skills

Automotive Manufacturing

Tool Design

Project Planning

Vendor Management

Communication Skills

Education

Mechanical Engineering Degree

Technical Diploma

Tool & Die Apprenticeship

Tools

CAD Software (VISI, SolidWorks, AutoCAD)

MS Office Tools

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Please remember to be sure candidates have the needed experience in automotive/automotive manufacturing, and requisite position experience as well.

• All positions are full-time, on site only, no remote or hybrid schedules available.
• Candidates must be legally allowed to work in the U.S.
• The positions are eligible for extra effort pay for hours worked over 45 hours/week, paid at straight time

Senior Tooling Engineer
Reports to: Director of Manufacturing Engineering

Summary:
The Senior Tooling Engineer oversees tooling strategy, design, development, and implementation across all North American Structural & Mechanisms divisions. This includes managing tooling timelines, supporting new business development, approving tool designs, and leading process improvements and innovation through the Center of Excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support tooling engineers across divisions; manage tooling build timelines (Tool Tracker)

• Approve tool strip layouts, forming simulations, and metal forming tooling

• Oversee tool sourcing, vendor negotiations, and tooling buy-offs

• Support New Business Development (NBD) with tool design, costing, and material optimization

• Ensure PPAP readiness and compliance with quality and scrap targets

• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, reports, and best practices

• Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, maintenance, and vendors on tooling and process improvements

• Provide support for assembly tooling, quality issues, and preventative maintenance strategies

Qualifications:

• Mechanical Engineering degree, technical diploma, or Tool & Die apprenticeship

• 5+ years in automotive tooling and metal forming environments

• Strong knowledge of progressive, transfer, tube, and roll forming dies

• Proficient in CAD software (VISI, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and MS Office tools

• Skilled in GD&T, tool design, process simulation, and project planning

• Excellent communication, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration skills