Tooling Development Engineer

Preh Car Connect GmbH; Lagoa; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Preh Car Connect GmbH in Trofa, Portugal, is seeking a Tooling Development Engineer to drive development, validation, and industrialization of tooling solutions for automotive production. You will collaborate with suppliers, project teams, and production plants to meet quality, timing, and cost targets throughout the product lifecycle.

The role requires a degree in Mechanical or Polymer Engineering, 5+ years in tooling or manufacturing, and strong knowledge of plastic injection molds.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling development, industrialization, or manufacturing engineering.
• Knowledge of plastic injection molds; die-casting and stamping tools are a plus.
• Experience with 3D viewer, technical drawings, and GD&T.
• Familiarity with automotive quality tools: FMEA, APQP, PPAP.
• Proficiency in SAP and MS Office.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project coordination skills.
• Excellent communication skills; able to work in international teams.
• Fluency in English (mandatory); German a plus.
• Willingness to travel nationally or internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and industrialize tooling solutions for automotive production.
• Coordinate tooling and system suppliers through design, manufacturing, testing and approval phases.
• Conduct DFM reviews and support feasibility assessments for new projects.
• Lead tooling trials, FOT activities, and process optimization initiatives.
• Support FMEA activities, risk assessments, and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure tooling quality, timing, and cost targets are achieved.
• Technical support to Purchasing in supplier selection and evaluation.

Skills

Tooling development

Industrialization

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Project coordination

Excellent communication

English proficiency

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Polymer Engineering

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

About the Role:

As a Tooling Development Engineer, you will join our Engineering team at Preh Group (Trofa), playing a key role in the development, validation, and industrialization of tooling solutions for automotive production. You will work closely with suppliers, project teams, and production plants to ensure tooling meets quality, timing, and cost targets throughout the product lifecycle. Your contribution will be essential in driving manufacturing excellence, innovation, and successful project launches.

The Challenges in Front of You:

• Manage the development and validation of plastic injection molds (die-casting tools and stamping tools are a plus).
• Coordinate tooling and system suppliers throughout design, manufacturing, testing, and approval phases.
• Conduct DFM reviews and support technical feasibility assessments for new projects.
• Lead tooling trials, FOT activities, and process optimization initiatives.
• Support FMEA activities, risk assessments, and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure tooling quality, timing, and cost targets are successfully achieved.
• Technical support to Purchasing in selection and evaluation of suppliers

What You Bring to the Table:

You're more than your resume, you're technically driven, solution-oriented, and passionate about manufacturing excellence. To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling development, industrialization, or manufacturing engineering.
• Knowledge of plastic injection molds (die-casting tools and stamping tools are a plus).
• Experience with 3D viewer, technical drawings, and GD&T.
• Familiarity with automotive quality tools such as FMEA, APQP, and PPAP.
• Proficiency in SAP and MS Office applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project coordination skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in international teams.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken (mandatory). German is a plus.
• Willingness to travel (national and/or international) when required.

Why Join Preh?

• Be part of an international automotive company shaping the future of mobility.
• Work on innovative products and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Collaborate in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and global environment.
• Access continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation aligned with your experience and impact.

At Preh, we believe innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are the foundations of sustainable success. Join us and help drive the future of automotive manufacturing.

Contact

Eduardo Assunção,
Preh Portugal, Lda
R. Moinhos da Lagoa, 600,
4785-567 Trofa