Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling

A Hiring Company; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinperium-Hiniker LLC (Hiniker), a Minnesota-based manufacturer, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – Tooling with strong experience in machine tooling in a manufacturing environment. This onsite role is located in Mankato, MN.

You will own tooling lifecycle from concept to replacement, partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain, and drive safety, quality, and productivity improvements through tooling design, fabrication, and maintenance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in toolmaking, tooling engineering, or related roles.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong CAD skills and ability to read engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, fabricate, and maintain tooling, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids.
• Own tooling lifecycle from concept and cost estimation through fabrication, implementation, and replacement.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to improve safety, quality and productivity.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and perform root cause analysis to implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement through tooling optimization and standardization.
• Support fabrication, welding, machining and assembly operations as needed.

Skills

Manufacturing know-how

Root-cause analysis

Project management

Communication

Quality improvement

Education

Associate or Bachelor's in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Kinperium-Hiniker LLC (Hiniker) is a Minnesota based manufacturer. With roots in the agricultural equipment industry going back to 1970 and continuing today, we know how to build tough, productive, reliable equipment. Hiniker is known for sturdy cultivators, efficient shredders, and niche equipment such as the cover crop seeder and NH3 monitors.

In 1995, Hiniker branched into designing and manufacturing snow removal equipment, which is a trusted tool for many. Hiniker snow and ice equipment is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible. We do this with innovative and purpose-built designs like the Hiniker C-Plow and the Hiniker Scoop Plow. We also manufacture a line of spreaders and skid steer plows. In 2024, we expanded our offerings with the acquisition of Daniels Plows, further strengthening our commitment to high-quality snow removal solutions.

We are currently seeking Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling with strong experience in Machine tooling within a manufacturing environment.

This position is onsite at the facility and located in Mankato, MN.

Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer – Tooling is responsible for the design, development, fabrication, maintenance, and continuous improvement of tooling, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids that support fabrication, welding, machining, and assembly operations. This role serves as the technical owner of tooling throughout its lifecycle, from concept and cost estimation through fabrication, implementation, maintenance, and replacement. The Manufacturing Engineer – Tooling partners closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to develop tooling solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency.

Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling Responsibilities

• Tooling Design & Development: Conceptualize tooling designs and develop CAD models and drawings in support of engineering changes and process improvements.
• Tool Fabrication & Implementation: Build, modify, validate, and troubleshoot tooling.
• Cost Estimating & Vendor Management: Develop labor and material estimates, obtain supplier quotations, analyze make-versus-buy decisions, and manage tooling project budgets.
• Tooling Maintenance & Reliability: Own preventative maintenance programs, plan corrective maintenance, monitor tooling performance, and maintain tooling records and spare parts inventories.
• Production Support: Troubleshoot tooling issues, perform root-cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and ensure tooling readiness.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements through tooling optimization and standardization.

Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling Education & Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Machine Tool Technology, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in toolmaking, tooling engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related disciplines.

Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, welding, fabrication, forming, and assembly.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Experience with CNC programming, machining processes, welding, and toolroom equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
• Proficiency with precision measuring equipment.
• Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.