Tool Design Engineer - Contract Position

Barnes Group; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes Group in Warren, Michigan is seeking a talented engineer to design and develop manufacturing tooling and fixtures. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and ensure tooling designs meet production requirements.

This contract role offers significant visibility within engineering and operations and allows the selected candidate to contribute to strategic initiatives including solar project tooling development and continuous improvement projects across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of tooling design experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens NX CAD software.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop manufacturing tooling and fixtures using Siemens NX.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure tooling designs meet production requirements.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.

Skills

Siemens NX CAD software

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Design, model, and develop manufacturing tooling, fixtures, gauges, and related equipment using Siemens NX.
• Create detailed tooling drawings, assemblies, and engineering documentation in accordance with company standards.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) programs through tooling design and CAD modeling activities.
• Develop tooling solutions for product transfer projects and production readiness activities.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program Management teams to ensure tooling designs meet production requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, feasibility assessments, and root cause investigations.
• Support continuous improvement (CI) initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and process optimization.
• Maintain configuration control and documentation for tooling designs and revisions.
• Provide technical support during tooling fabrication, validation, and implementation.
• Assist with troubleshooting tooling-related manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of tooling design experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens NX CAD software.
• Demonstrated experience designing complex manufacturing tooling and fixtures.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience creating detailed drawings and BOMs for fabrication and assembly.
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace or precision manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.
• Knowledge of machining, assembly, inspection, and special process tooling.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and aerospace manufacturing requirements.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of DFM/DFA principles and manufacturing process development.
• Experience working with machine shops and tooling vendors.

Why Join This Project?

This role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to several strategic initiatives, including:

• Solar project tooling development
• Combustion case NPI programs
• Windsor transfer support activities
• Continuous improvement projects across manufacturing operations

The selected candidate will have significant visibility within engineering and operations teams while helping drive successful program execution and production readiness.

Note: This is a contract position with an expected duration of 6 to 12 months.