Tooling Design Engineer

TRUMPF North America; Farmington (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TRUMPF North America is seeking a Tool Design Engineer to lead the development of custom punch and die tooling for sheet metal applications. You will own the full lifecycle from initial conversations to final validation, ensuring tools meet stringent performance standards and deliver measurable value to customers.

Requirements include 5+ years in sheet metal fabrication or tool and die, proficiency with CAD (Solidworks/HP ME10) and EDM programming, and knowledge of TRUMPF punch equipment and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in sheet metal fabrication, tool and die making.
• Proficiency with CAD software (Solidworks, HP ME10, or equivalent) and hard milling programming.
• Knowledge of EDM processes and TRUMPF punch equipment and ToPs software

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer punch and die tooling for sheet metal punching and forming applications, balancing customer specifications with manufacturing feasibility.
• Develop and program EDM (electrical discharge machining) processes, including electrode design and hard milling operations.
• Collaborate with the tool design team to troubleshoot production challenges and refine designs based on real-world performance.
• Create and maintain technical documentation—drawings, specifications, and test records—that clearly communicates design intent to production and quality teams.
• Conduct product testing and validation, document findings, and communicate results to ensure tooling reliability and performance.
• Process design change notices (ECNs) and implement updates as customer needs or production learnings require.
• Provide pre-sales and post-sales technical support, consulting directly with customers to understand their requirements and troubleshoot issues.
• Issue production orders based on finalized specifications

Skills

Hands-on tooling fabrication

Clear communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field

Tools

CAD software (Solidworks, HP ME10)

Hard milling programming (TopCam, CamTek)

EDM processes knowledge

ToPs software

Job description

As a family-run, high-tech company with nearly 19,000 employees at 71 locations worldwide, we are looking for forward thinkers with unconventional ideas and drive to join our team. Our company culture, which values collaboration and mutual trust, creates the ideal framework for boldly trying new things and questioning the status quo. Our technologies inspire people to develop and produce things that are currently unimaginable. Whether lasers, machine tools, EUV or electronics - TRUMPF is building technological worlds for future generations. Are you ready for new challenges?

TRUMPF's sheet metal fabrication tooling division is looking for a Tool Design Engineer to lead the development of custom punch and die solutions that enable our customers to innovate faster. You'll own the complete lifecycle—from initial customer conversations through final validation—ensuring every tool meets exacting performance standards and delivers real value to our customers.

What You'll Do

• Design and engineer punch and die tooling for sheet metal punching and forming applications, balancing customer specifications with manufacturing feasibility
• Develop and program EDM (electrical discharge machining) processes, including electrode design and hard milling operations
• Collaborate with the tool design team to troubleshoot production challenges and refine designs based on real-world performance
• Create and maintain technical documentation—drawings, specifications, and test records)—that clearly communicates design intent to production and quality teams
• Conduct product testing and validation, document findings, and communicate results to ensure tooling reliability and performance
• Process design change notices (ECNs) and implement updates as customer needs or production learnings require
• Provide pre-sales and post-sales technical support, consulting directly with customers to understand their requirements and troubleshoot issues
• Issue production orders based on finalized specifications

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in sheet metal fabrication, tool and die making, or a related field
• Proficiency with CAD software (Solidworks, HP ME10, or equivalent) and hard milling programming (TopCam, CamTek, or similar)
• Working knowledge of EDM processes and TRUMPF punch equipment and ToPs software
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to teammates and customers—both in writing and face-to-face
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Education & Background

• Associate degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field preferred
• 2+ years of formal technical training or related industry experience
• Equivalent experience in tool design, fabrication engineering, or CAD-driven manufacturing will be considered

Why This Role Matters

Custom tooling is where precision meets creativity. As a Tool Design Engineer at TRUMPF, you'll work on solutions that enable manufacturers across automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors to produce better products faster. Your designs don't just sit on a shelf—they go into production facilities worldwide, directly impacting how our customers compete.

TRUMPF Inc. endeavors to make TRUMPF careers pages accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance in completing the applications process, please contact our HR department at 860.255.6000 or at [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and can not be used to inquire about the status of application.