Manufacturing Tooling Engineer

Ford Motor; Chennai; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Motor in Chennai seeks a Manufacturing Tooling Engineer to develop and deploy tooling solutions for safe, efficient manufacturing of engine components. You will collaborate with product engineering, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to design, procure, install, validate, and continuously improve tooling to achieve high quality and reduced costs.

Responsibilities include leading tooling reviews, optimizing machining parameters, managing tool life, and supporting launches from concept

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in mechanical or related engineering.
• 8–10 years of experience in manufacturing tooling or powertrain environments.
• Strong knowledge of cutting tool selection and machining operations.
• Hands-on CNC machining experience.
• Experience with supplier collaboration and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global tooling systems and standards.
• Lead tooling design reviews and supplier audits.
• Manage tooling procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Analyze machining parameters to improve productivity and tool life.
• Support launches and production readiness with tooling development.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial)

Tools

CAD software

Tooling management systems

Job description

Manufacturing Tooling Engineer The Manufacturing Tooling Engineer will be responsible for developing and deploying tooling solutions that support safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing processes for engine components. This position collaborates closely with product engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful tooling design, procurement, installation, validation, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will drive tooling innovation, optimize machining performance, improve tool life, reduce manufacturing costs, and support new product launches from concept through production stabilization.

Tooling Development & Manufacturing Engineering

• Develop and implement global tooling systems and standards for powertrain manufacturing operations.
• Design, specify, and select cutting tools including drills, end mills, reamers, taps, broaches, inserts, and grinding tools.
• Evaluate manufacturing feasibility and support Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) activities.
• Develop tooling strategies aligned with manufacturing process requirements and Bill of Process standards.
• Create and maintain tooling standards, setup documentation, tooling layouts, process sheets, and technical specifications.

Supplier & Project Management

• Prepare and issue Request for Quotations (RFQs) to tooling suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier proposals, perform cost comparisons, and select optimal suppliers.
• Lead tooling design reviews, supplier audits, pre-production validations, and acceptance activities.
• Manage tooling procurement, delivery, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Ensure timely delivery of tooling documentation, drawings, layouts, and technical records.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze machining parameters including cutting speeds, feeds, and depths of cut to improve productivity and quality.
• Monitor tool life, wear patterns, and failure modes to improve tooling performance.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through tooling standardization, advanced tooling technologies, and process improvements.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce downtime, scrap, and tooling costs.
• Support minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) initiatives and tooling management systems.

Launch & Production Support

• Support new program launches through tooling development, validation, machine prove-out, and production readiness activities.
• Coordinate with product engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supplier teams during launch phases.
• Lead tooling-related issue resolution during production ramp-up and stabilization periods.
• Provide Job 1 and post-launch support to ensure tooling performance meets quality and productivity targets.

Inventory & Tool Management

• Support tool crib planning and inventory management activities.
• Monitor tooling consumption, inventory levels, and replacement schedules.
• Develop strategies to optimize tooling inventory and operational efficiency.

Required

• Required Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in manufacturing tooling, machining processes, cutting tool engineering, or powertrain manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of cutting tool selection, machining operations, and tooling applications.
• Hands-on experience in experience with CNC machining processes and production manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of tooling design, process development, and manufacturing launch activities.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred

• Preferred Master's Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience in engine, powertrain, or automotive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with CAD software and manufacturing process documentation.
• Experience with tooling management systems and Industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies.

Experience Level Senior Level