Tooling Designer

IDEX; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 76,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX is seeking a Tooling Designer to design, develop, and maintain high‑volume progressive stamping dies for punch press and clamp machines. You will work with engineering, quality, and operators to ensure safe, reliable tooling and continuous improvement across production lines.

The role emphasizes CAD proficiency (SolidWorks), tooling standards, and cross‑functional collaboration to optimize throughput, reduce downtime, and extend tool life in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED plus technical training or Tool & Die Journeyman.
• 5+ years in progressive die manufacturing including repair and troubleshooting.
• 2 years of SolidWorks experience.

Responsibilities

• Design progressive dies that meet safety, quality, productivity, and cost targets.
• Improve and maintain tooling for high-volume manufacturing and die life extension.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and suppliers to ensure manufacturability and readiness.

Skills

Progressive die design

CAD (SolidWorks)

GD&T

Troubleshooting

Manufacturing processes

Metrology

Documentation

Lean manufacturing

Education

High School Diploma or GED and advanced technical training or Tool & Die Journeyman

Tools

SolidWorks

Esprit

CAMWorks

Job description

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact. With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Tooling Designer plays a critical role in the design, development, and maintenance of precision progressive stamping dies for punch press and clamp machines. This role will be responsible for the design of high‑volume production dies, improving existing dies, and ensuring all tooling meets safety, quality, and reliability standards. Additionally, they will collaborate with the New Product Development team to create prototype dies, assist with new product design. This position requires close collaboration with engineering, quality, machine operators, toolmakers, and third‑party partners to optimize tooling performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement.

REPORTING TO

Tooling Engineering Manager

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Progressive Die Design & Manufacturing Performance

  Deliver progressive die designs that achieve safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives.

  Ensure tooling designs support high‑volume manufacturing requirements while maximizing die life, reliability, and maintainability.

  Drive continuous improvement of existing tooling to improve throughput, reduce downtime, minimize scrap, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.

  Establish and maintain tooling standards that promote consistency, repeatability, and best practices across manufacturing operations.

• Tooling Reliability & Lifecycle Management

  Ensure production tooling meets defined performance, durability, and maintenance expectations throughout its lifecycle.

  Develop strategies that extend tooling life and reduce unplanned downtime through effective design.

  Establish tooling documentation, standards, and processes that improve asset management and knowledge retention.

  Drive root‑cause problem solving and corrective actions for tooling‑related production issues.

• Engineering Documentation & Technical Excellence

  Maintain accurate and complete tooling designs, engineering models, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

  Ensure tooling designs effectively communicate design intent and manufacturing requirements to internal and external stakeholders.

  Leverage CAD and engineering tools to support efficient design iterations and successful implementation of tooling solutions.

  Apply sound engineering principles and material expertise to deliver reliable, manufacturable, and cost‑effective designs.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Tool & Die, and external suppliers to develop tooling solutions that support business objectives and manufacturing excellence.

  Drive successful new product introductions by ensuring tooling designs support manufacturability, scalability, quality, and production readiness.

  Develop prototype tooling and innovative manufacturing solutions that accelerate product development and reduce time‑to‑market.

  Collaborate across functions to identify opportunities for improved product designs, tooling concepts, and manufacturing processes.

  Align stakeholders around technical requirements, project timelines, risks, and performance expectations to ensure successful implementation of tooling solutions.

  Provide technical guidance and problem‑solving support for complex tooling, manufacturing, and quality challenges.

  Build strong working relationships that foster effective communication, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement across the organization.

• Continuous Improvement & Business Impact

  Identify and implement Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) and continuous improvement opportunities that reduce cost and improve performance.

  Support capital equipment planning and manufacturing capability improvements that strengthen operational effectiveness.

  Drive measurable improvements in tooling efficiency, reliability, and overall manufacturing performance.

• Safety & Values

  Ensure tooling solutions support a safe manufacturing environment and comply with all applicable safety standards and requirements.

  Demonstrate a commitment to operational discipline, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

  Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrated expertise in the design, development, and maintenance of high-volume progressive stamping dies, including tooling capable of achieving extended production cycles between preventive maintenance intervals.

Strong problem‑solving and conceptual design skills with the ability to develop robust, practical tooling solutions for complex manufacturing challenges.

Comprehensive knowledge of progressive die design principles, tooling systems, and manufacturing processes.

Extensive understanding of carbide and tool steel properties, material selection, and heat treatment processes.

Ability to design tooling solutions that support both high-volume production and prototype or low-volume manufacturing environments.

Hands‑on technical aptitude with the ability to support prototype fabrication, tooling validation, troubleshooting, and manufacturing activities when needed.

Strong attention to detail and precision in design, analysis, and documentation.

Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software, including 3D modeling, design revisions, and technical drawing creation.

Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, standards, and technical documentation.

Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals, including mechanical properties of materials and manufacturing methodologies.

Understanding of preventive maintenance principles and tooling lifecycle management.

Knowledge of good manufacturing practices, continuous improvement methodologies, and lean manufacturing principles.

Working knowledge of metals, lubricants, coatings, and other industrial materials used in stamping operations.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and with external partners.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED and advanced technical school training or Tool & Die Journeyman.
• 5+ years of experience with progressive die manufacturing including repair and troubleshooting.
• 2 years of experience with Solid Works.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting stamping dies and production tooling in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

• GD&T experience
• Experience operating presses and other manufacturing equipment in a high‑volume manufacturing facility.
• Experience with the operation of standard toolroom equipment, Lathe, Mill, Surface grinder etc.
• Experience with metrology equipment
• Experience with Esprit and/or CAMWorks software
• Experience with operation and troubleshooting of CNC machines, EDM and machining operations
• Experience working with CMMS (computerized maintenance management software) to document work and asset history

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $76,200.00 - $114,200.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application. This posting is for an existing vacancy. Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants. IDEX (NYSE: IEX) is a company that has undoubtedly touched your life in some way. In fact, IDEX businesses make thousands of products that are mission‑critical components in everyday activities. Chances are the car you’re driving has a BAND‑IT® clamp holding your side airbag safely in place. If you were ever in a car accident, a Hurst Jaws of Life® rescue tool may have saved your life. If you or a family member is battling cancer, your doctor may have tested your DNA in a quest to find the best targeted medicine for you. It’s likely your DNA test was run on equipment that contains components made by our growing IDEX Health & Science team.