Sr. Tooling Engineer

Silgan Dispensing Systems Thomaston Corporation; Thomaston (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Silgan Dispensing Systems Thomaston Corporation in Thomaston, CT is seeking a Senior Tooling Engineer to support plastics injection molding tooling design, procurement, maintenance, and continuous improvement. You will lead tooling projects and collaborate across engineering to optimize manufacturability and quality.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in tooling and a solid grasp of plastics and mold design principles, with CAD and mold flow analysis experience.

Qualifications

• BS degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
• 3+ years in injection mold tooling engineering.
• Strong understanding of plastics materials and injection molding processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and mold flow analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving and project-management skills.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, and mold design principles.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new tooling and fixtures to support plastics injection molding production.
• Improve existing tooling and fixtures to enhance efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure new products are designed for manufacturability.
• Select appropriate materials, finishes, coatings, and heat treatments for tooling based on application requirements.
• Specify tolerances for machined parts and assemblies, ensuring compliance with GD&T standards.
• Generate detailed tooling drawings, 3D models, and manufacturing instructions using CAD software.
• Manage tooling projects from concept through completion, including vendor coordination, quoting, timelines, and delivery.
• Conduct mold flow analysis and feasibility studies during the design phase to optimize tooling performance.
• Provide technical support for tool repairs, modifications, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Lead root-cause analysis of tooling-related issues and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Train production personnel on proper use and handling of tooling and fixtures.
• Maintain accurate documentation of tooling designs, modifications, history, and maintenance records.
• Work closely with toolmakers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure tooling meets production and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in tooling design, performance, and lifecycle management.

Skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Manufacturing collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Mold flow analysis tools

Job description

About Silgan Dispensing: Silgan Dispensing is a global manufacturer of packaging solutions that help brands enhance lives. Our broad portfolio of trigger sprayers, pumps, fine mist sprayers, and closures are used by iconic brands for personal care, beauty, fragrance, home, garden, and healthcare markets. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the Silgan Dispensing team includes approximately 6,000 employees across North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. We are proud to have created a diverse workforce that is innovative, sustainably focused, respectful, inclusive, driven to excel and customer-oriented - held together by the belief that we are best when we work as One Team. Our culture of engagement, collaboration and accountability is what enables us to be the dispensing partner brands rely on to grow their business

Summary

We are seeking a Senior Tooling Engineer to support our plastics injection molding operations. This role is responsible for the design, procurement, maintenance, and continuous improvement of injection molding tools and fixtures. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in mold design, troubleshooting, and process optimization within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop new tooling and fixtures to support plastics injection molding production.
• Improve existing tooling and fixtures to enhance efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure new products are designed for manufacturability.
• Select appropriate materials, finishes, coatings, and heat treatments for tooling based on application requirements.
• Specify tolerances for machined parts and assemblies, ensuring compliance with GD&T standards.
• Generate detailed tooling drawings, 3D models, and manufacturing instructions using CAD software.
• Manage tooling projects from concept through completion, including vendor coordination, quoting, timelines, and delivery.
• Conduct mold flow analysis and feasibility studies during the design phase to optimize tooling performance.
• Provide technical support for tool repairs, modifications, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Lead root-cause analysis of tooling-related issues and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Train production personnel on proper use and handling of tooling and fixtures.
• Maintain accurate documentation of tooling designs, modifications, history, and maintenance records.
• Work closely with toolmakers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure tooling meets production and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in tooling design, performance, and lifecycle management.

Education / Experience

• A Bachelor of Science degree is preferred; candidates with equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in injection mold tooling engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of plastics materials and injection molding processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and mold flow analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving and project-management skills.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, and mold design principles.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hot runner systems and multi-cavity mold design.
• Familiarity with scientific molding practices.
• Hands-on experience working with toolmakers and mold shops.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting is required frequently throughout the shift.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. un-assisted.
• Other physical requirements include but not limited to sitting, standing, climbing, walking, lifting, carrying, pulling & pushing, stooping & crouching, color determination, grasping, reaching, speaking and listening.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status. Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

Silgan Dispensing creates dispensing solutions for some of the world's most iconic brands - from triggers and pumps to sprayers and closures. When you join our team, you become part of a global community where your unique perspectives help shape our future. You'll have the opportunity to be hands-on, get directly involved in meaningful work, and make a tangible impact from day one.