Tooling Design Engineer – Fastener Innovator (High-Volume)

Michael Page; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Unlimited PTO

Benefits package (BCBS)

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer for a fastener manufacturing client in Illinois. The role focuses on designing, developing, and improving tooling used in high-volume production, bridging engineering design with shop-floor execution.

You will lead tooling projects, support NPD, and apply GD&T and process improvements. Ideal candidates have 5+ years of tooling engineering experience in fastener manufacturing, CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), and a strong background in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years tooling engineering experience in fastener manufacturing.
• Experience with cold heading, thread rolling, die/punch design, forming.
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) and GD&T knowledge.
• Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
• Experience in high-volume production environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve tooling for fastener manufacturing, including cold heading, thread rolling, trimming, forming, and secondary processes.
• Support new product development through tooling design, prototyping, and process validation.
• Analyze tooling performance and implement improvements to increase productivity, quality, and tool life.
• Troubleshoot complex tooling and manufacturing issues affecting production efficiency and conformance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to improve process capability and throughput.
• Develop tooling specifications, prints, setup instructions, and maintenance procedures.
• Apply GD&T principles and engineering standards to tooling and process development.
• Conduct root cause analysis of tooling wear, breakage, and dimensional variation.
• Partner with tooling vendors and internal machine shops to ensure tooling meets performance requirements.
• Evaluate and implement new tooling technologies, materials, coatings, and manufacturing methods.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, cycle time improvement, and cost savings.
• Provide technical guidance to toolmakers, machinists, operators, and manufacturing personnel.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Process improvement

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Michael Page is seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer for a fastener manufacturing client in Illinois. The role focuses on designing, developing, and improving tooling used in high-volume production, bridging engineering design with shop-floor execution.

You will lead tooling projects, support NPD, and apply GD&T and process improvements. Ideal candidates have 5+ years of tooling engineering experience in fastener manufacturing, CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), and a strong background in