Sr. Tooling Engineer - Injection Molding

Sterling Engineering; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Manchester, CT seeks an experienced Principal Tooling Engineer to lead injection molding tooling design, validation, and process improvements across design, process development, and shop-floor execution.

This senior, hands-on role collaborates across engineering, production, and customers; travel to Denmark is expected during initial program launch, with opportunities to mentor tooling technicians and deliver robust tooling documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in injection molding tooling design, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of thermoplastics/thermosets, mold flow, and process optimization.
• Experience in manufacturing or tool room environments and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer complex tooling solutions for molds, jigs, and fixtures.
• Participate in design reviews and perform DFM evaluations.
• Lead validation of molding tools and troubleshoot issues.
• Implement cost-effective tooling improvements and changes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on tool qualification, sampling, and part approval.
• Develop tooling documentation, work instructions, and process standards.
• Provide technical coaching to tooling technicians and staff.
• Deliver status updates aligned with timelines and customer expectations.
• Support early-phase international collaboration, including travel to Denmark.

Skills

Injection molding tooling

Design for Manufacturability

Tooling validation

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Mold flow software

Measurement tools

Process equipment

Job description

Location:

Manchester, CT

Target Pay:

$120,000-$150,000/year + 10% annual bonus

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Principal Tooling Engineer to support the development of state-of-the-art injection molding tooling for a high-visibility medical manufacturing operation. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on position ideal for a senior tooling professional who enjoys working across design, process development, and shop‑floor execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer complex tooling solutions for molds, jigs, and fixtures to meet product and regulatory specifications.
• Participate in design reviews and perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) evaluations.
• Lead validation of molding tools and troubleshoot tooling or process-related issues.
• Implement cost-effective tooling improvements and engineering changes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on tool qualification, sampling, and final part approval.
• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, work instructions, and process standards.
• Provide technical coaching and guidance to tooling technicians and internal engineering staff.
• Deliver status updates aligned with project timelines and customer expectations.
• Support early-phase international collaboration, including travel to Denmark during initial program launch.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in injection molding tooling design, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Deep expertise in thermoplastics and/or thermosets, mold flow, and molding process optimization.
• Strong background in Design for Manufacturability and tooling qualification.
• Hands‑on experience working in manufacturing or tool room environments.
• Proven ability to collaborate across engineering, production, and customer teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Medical device or regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting global manufacturing transfers or new product launches.
• Familiarity with inspection, measurement tools, and electronic/mechanical test equipment.

Why Join

• Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact medical manufacturing program.
• Visibility with global customers and leadership teams.
• Key role in bringing advanced production capability to the United States.
• Collaborative environment where senior technical expertise drives real outcomes.