Tooling Engineer

W3Global; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a Tooling Engineer in Akron, Ohio to lead injection mold tooling projects from concept through production. You will collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure timely, cost-effective tooling solutions that meet specifications.

The role requires hands-on mold design review, MFA interpretation, and solid project management skills across ERP-driven processes. Expect close interaction with Manufacturing, Quality, and Procurement to drive successful tool

Qualifications

• BS in Plastics/Polymer/Mechanical Eng or equivalent mold experience.
• 6+ years of injection molding, tooling, and engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molds, mold design/build, and resins.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience setting up MFA and interpreting results.
• Project management skills to manage schedules, budgets, and suppliers.
• Proficient with MS Office and collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead tooling projects from design through completion, on schedule and budget.
• Act as primary liaison between customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Review moldability and make improvements for cost and lead times.
• Approve mold designs and coordinate molds with suppliers.
• Use ERP, APQP and CAD to track progress.
• Support mold approval, release and production transition.

Skills

Mold design understanding

MFA interpretation

APQP

Project coordination

Cross-functional communication

Education

B.S. in Plastics/Polymer/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ERP systems

SharePoint

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Tooling Engineer is responsible for ensuring the successful design, procurement, development, and implementation of injection molds. This role combines tooling engineering, injection molding expertise, project management, supplier coordination, and customer communication to deliver quality tooling on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage tooling projects from design through completion, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Review customer products for moldability, steel conditions, cost-saving opportunities, lead-time improvements, and quality considerations.
• Review and approve injection mold designs to ensure compliance with specifications and tooling standards.
• Coordinate external tool suppliers and oversee mold design, build, modifications, testing, and delivery.
• Manage APQP activities, project timelines, milestones, scope changes, and project reporting.
• Lead project review meetings and communicate project status, risks, issues, and corrective actions to stakeholders.
• Support cost estimating and preparation of customer quotations.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Scheduling, Procurement, and suppliers to resolve project and tooling issues.
• Use ERP, APQP, CAD, and standard project management/reporting systems to track project progress.
• Support mold approval, release, and transition into production.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Plastics, Polymer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; equivalent tooling/mold-making experience may be considered.
• 6+ years of experience in injection molding, tooling, and engineering preferred.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molds, mold design/building, thermoplastic and engineering resins, injection equipment, and molding processes.
• Experience with 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks, including viewing, translating, and modifying customer/tooling designs.
• Hands-on experience setting up, running, and interpreting Mold Filling Analysis (MFA).
• Strong understanding of injection molding processes and operations.
• Knowledge of GD&T, drafting, and tolerancing.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage schedules, budgets, scope, and suppliers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional-level SolidWorks experience.
• Mold-making or scientific molding background.
• Product design experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Project Management certification and/or experience with formal project management methodologies and software.

Additional Requirements

• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends/overtime and support across shifts, as required.
• Ability to perform both office-based engineering work and hands-on manufacturing/tooling activities, including occasional lifting and extended periods on your feet.