Lead Tool Designer

LS3002 GE Vernova Operations LLC; United States; On-site; USD 98,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Vernova is seeking a Lead Tool Designer to guide the design and modeling of high-precision fixtures, gages, and assembly tooling to ensure repeatability, safety, and manufacturing efficiency. You will own the design lifecycle from concept to shop-floor implementation in a fast-paced production environment.

You will apply advanced GD&T practices and CAD expertise, lead design reviews, mentor junior designers, and collaborate across sites in Parsippany, NJ and Allentown, PA with travel as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s/Associate/Apprentice in machining or engineering with 4+ years CAD experience.
• MS Office knowledge (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• On-site role with travel between Parsippany, NJ and Allentown, PA.

Responsibilities

• Develop and update SolidWorks/NX models and drawings for fixtures, tools, jigs, gages, and tooling.
• Apply GD&T best practices to ensure accuracy and manufacturability.
• Lead design reviews and problem-solving discussions to drive improvements.
• Validate design specs and shop-floor application of new tooling.
• Provide cost/benefit analyses on design alternatives.
• Support tool room builds and revisions with technical guidance.
• Mentor junior designers to uphold design excellence.
• Conduct proactive risk assessments for safety and compliance.
• Plan projects, estimate design time, and track milestones.

Skills

GD&T principles

Engineering problem solving

Project leadership

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Associate’s Degree or Apprentice Graduate in related field

HS diploma with extensive CAD experience

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

Job Description Summary The Lead Tool Designer serves as a vital link between engineering precision and shop-floor performance. In this role, you will lead the design and modeling of high-precision fixtures, gages, and assembly tooling, ensuring that all equipment is optimized for repeatability, safety, and manufacturing efficiency. You will apply advanced GD&T practices and CAD expertise to solve complex work-holding challenges, while acting as a technical leader who drives design standards and collaborative problem-solving. This position is ideal for an experienced designer who takes ownership of the entire design lifecycle—from initial concept to final shop-floor implementation—to support the rigorous demands of our production environment.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

• Develop and update SolidWorks CAD models and drawings for complex fixtures, tools, jigs, gages, assembly tooling, production aides, 3D printing, etc. focusing on work holding for mills, FHD EDM, Sinker EDM, etc.
• Apply your knowledge of GD&T best practices to ensure designs are accurate and manufacturable.
• Collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization, providing clear communication and working both independently and as part of a team Lead design reviews and problem-solving discussions, offering innovative solutions and driving positive change.
• Validate design specifications and shop floor application of new product, tools, or equipment (includes Manufacturing Engineers).
• Provide cost/benefit analyses on tool design alternatives.
• Provide tactical support to the tool room for builds and revisions.
• Design quality into fixtures as well as develop, maintain, and follow standards.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior designers to foster a culture of design excellence and best-practice adherence.
• Conduct proactive risk assessments for new tooling designs to ensure operator safety and compliance with safety standards.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment while embracing and driving positive change inside and outside the organization when appropriate.
• Assist in project planning, estimating design time, and tracking milestones to ensure designs are completed on schedule to meet production demands.

What you’ll bring (Basic Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, or Apprentice Graduate in a machining, engineering, or drafting related program with minimum of 4 years of experience with graphical based CAD Software (SolidWorks, NX or similar) for modeling and drafting OR HS diploma (or equivalent) w/ 7 years of experience with graphical based CAD Software (SolidWorks, NX or similar) for modeling. MS Office user-level knowledge (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to lift/push/pull at least 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to wear all required personal protective equipment, for example: safety glasses, gloves, ear plugs, and safety shoes.
• This role requires to be 100% onsite.
• Travel between sites in Parsippany, NJ and Allentown, PA is required depending on business needs.
• Our facilities operate 24 hours per day on three shifts.
• You will occasionally be required to provide assistance to shifts outside of normal working hours.
• This role requires use of technical data subject to U.S. Government export restrictions and this posting is only for U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents and protected individuals (e.g., certain refugees and asylees)).
• GE will require proof of status prior to employment.

What will make you stand out:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including sequencing, as it relates to work holding or similar applications.
• Strong understanding and application of GD&T principals
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated proficiency interpreting drawing requirements.
• Experience with Power Generation or Aerospace Industries and components.
• Understanding of metal fabrication and welding processes.
• Knowledge of COTS fasteners, clamps, etc.
• Experience with PLM systems.
• Strong problem solving and organization skills, with above average shop math skills in geometry and trigonometry.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in all of your work.
• Ability to effectively communicate to multiple levels of the organization, both verbally and through written communication.
• Ability to multi-task and productively manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Self-motivated and self-driven proven project leadership.
• Ability to accept new challenges, take ownership, and make decisions.
• This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Additional Information

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation.

GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,000.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130%