Stamping Tooling Engineer

KI USA; Berea (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

KI USA, located in Berea, Kentucky, is seeking a skilled Stamping Tooling Engineer to enhance the metal stamping tools department. This crucial role bridges product design and production, focusing on tool design, new builds, and process optimization. Candidates with 5+ years of engineering experience in metal stamping and tool design, along with strong CAD and GD&T skills, will excel.

The position demands a detail-oriented engineer capable of managing multiple projects effectively while collaborating closely with teams and leading process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in metal stamping, tool design, or die fabrication.
• Hands-on experience working with toolmakers and press operators.
• Experience in a high-volume automotive environment desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage new tool builds and optimize process improvements.
• Review tooling processes and provide design feedback.
• Perform root cause analysis on production failures.

Skills

CAD software proficiency

Attention to detail

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Surface Grinder

Lathe

Mill (CNC and Manual)

Drill press

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and analytical Stamping Tooling Engineer to provide design, development, launch, and optimization of our metal stamping tools and die department. In this role, you will act as a critical bridge between product design and production teams. Your primary focus will be managing new tool builds, minimizing machine downtime, and driving continuous process improvements. The ideal candidate brings extensive technical expertise in progressive, transfer, or deep-draw dies, pairing it with hands‑on troubleshooting capabilities on the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Tooling Design & Development: Review 2D and 3D tooling processes, strip layouts, and die designs for new product introductions.
• Design Review: Provide early‑stage design feedback to die manufactures to ensure stampings are highly efficient and cost‑effective to manufacture.
• Vendor & Supplier Selection: Collaborate with and source external tool shops on tool build, ensuring milestones, design standards, and deadlines are met.
• Preproduction Trials: Perform tool tryouts, engineering trials, production trials and prototype development to verify tool performance and final part dimensions.
• Production Troubleshooting: Perform root cause analysis on production floor failures, working with tool and die makers to implement permanent corrective actions.
• Continuous Improvement: Track production data to reduce scrap, optimize material utilization, and extend die life.
• Preventive Maintenance: Establish and update standard work instructions, tool setup procedures, and preventive maintenance plans for all active dies.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, or a highly related technical discipline (equivalent extensive tool & die experience will be considered).
• Experience: 5+ years of direct engineering experience in metal stamping, tool design, or die fabrication.
• Technical Software: Proficiency in CAD software (such as Autodesk Inventor, Fusion, AutoCAD, etc.) and familiarity with FEA/forming simulation tools.
• Tooling Knowledge: Deep understanding of progressive dies, transfer systems, blanking, piercing, or deep draw metal forming processes.
• GD&T Proficiency: Strong ability to interpret complex blueprints and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles. Close interaction with QA is expected.
• Experience with general tool and die shop tools is necessary. In addition to general hand tools, use of the following may be required:
  • Surface Grinder
  • Lathe
  • Mill (CNC and Manual)
  • Drill press
• Attention to detail is a must in this role. Thorough documentation of project status and changes as well as craftsmanship of die work completed is required.
• This is a hands on position, tooling engineer is expected to lead implementation of engineering activities.
• Must be able to work independently to complete tasks at hand and rally the appropriate resources if needed, a reliable self‑starter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in high-volume automotive industry (compliance with IATF 16949 standards).
• Hands‑on experience working directly alongside toolmakers and press operators on the shop floor.
• It is expected to work closely with all members of team to efficiently relay and obtain information to prioritize activities.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and determine priority.
• Lead process improvement initiatives in the press department.