Principal Tooling Development Engineer

Custom Profile, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Custom Profile, Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is looking for a Principal Tooling Development Engineer to serve as the corporate expert on tooling and extrusion process development. This high-impact role focuses on complex new item development, advanced material trials, and mentoring technical teams across all facilities.

The ideal candidate will lead tooling redesigns and improve processes, ensuring best practices are documented and practiced. They must have extensive extrusion experience and be proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on plastic profile extrusion experience required.
• A suitable combination of advanced technical education and experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex tooling redesigns, die work, shape block modifications, material trials, and color trials.
• Develop and introduce new materials and advanced processes to the organization.
• Support and train Set‑Up Operators and Operators during first production runs.
• Troubleshoot complex existing tooling and processes.
• Coordinate across manufacturing and engineering departments.

Skills

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel)

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Job description

Description

Are you a master of the extrusion process who loves solving complex engineering puzzles and mentoring others?

We are seeking a Principal Tooling Development Engineer to serve as our resident corporate expert on tooling and extrusion process development. In this high-impact role, you will be the go-to authority for the entire organization, focusing on complex new item development, advanced material trials, and multi-facility scrap reduction initiatives.

Rather than handling standard production runs, you will collaborate closely with the Engineering Manager to tackle our most challenging, non-standard projects. A core focus of this role is institutional growth—you will champion continuous improvement and actively train and elevate the technical skills of teams across all our facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead complex tooling redesigns, die work, shape block modifications, material trials, and color trials.
• Develop and introduce new materials, cutting‑edge technologies, and advanced processes to the organization; document precise process parameters and standard work instructions.
• Partner closely with the Tooling Manager and Design Engineer to establish and document organizational best practices for tool design. Work with Sales on new part designs, dimensional tolerances, and material selection.
• Support and train Set‑Up Operators and Operators during first production runs. Review all critical dimensions and processes, following up to resolve future run issues.
• Partner with production teams to design, modify, and implement robust training programs that incorporate extrusion best practices.
• Troubleshoot complex existing tooling and processes. Work alongside manufacturing teams to achieve CI goals based on a priority list jointly created with the Engineering Manager and Plant Managers across all facilities.
• Coordinate across manufacturing and engineering departments to ensure seamless completion of profiles and first production protocols.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area adhering to daily housekeeping and 5S standards. Promote a safety‑first culture and an enjoyable, efficient team environment.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on plastic profile extrusion experience required. (A suitable combination of advanced technical education and experience will also be considered).

Required Core Strengths

• Proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Solid experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Excellent organizational and follow‑up skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Streamline and flat‑back extrusion dies and vacuum calibration tools.
• Single and dual extrusions running on a single‑screw extruder.
• Blueprint reading.
• Exposure to ERP/MRP manufacturing systems.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to safely lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work effectively in a moderate‑noise manufacturing plant environment.
• Adherence to all safety protocols is mandatory; safety glasses, hearing protection, and closed‑toe shoes must be worn at all times on the production floor.
• Travel: Travel to other company facilities is required to support multi‑site development and production goals.