Tooling Engineer

pridgeonandclay; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Premium medical coverage

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

Pridgeon and Clay is seeking a Tooling Engineer to support Launch teams, ensuring tool and gage requirements are met and in compliance with our quality standards. The role emphasizes APQP, tool design, and collaboration with die shops and customers.

The candidate will manage tooling projects, drive on-time delivery, and engage in continuous improvement while maintaining strong communication with clients and internal teams. Willingness to travel up to 20% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or 5+ years in an engineering role with stamping dies.
• Experience managing build process of transfer/progressive stamping dies and tool design.
• Understanding of GD&T and SPC.
• Experience using CAD and 3D modeling software.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint).
• Ability to lead APQP process.
• Experience with AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA).
• Excellent communication and customer interaction skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Be the Launch representative between Launch and Die Shops related to tool design, build, revisions, reviews, and sign-off with suppliers.
• Serve as SME for tooling and ensure launch program goals are met.
• Request and evaluate quotes; provide sourcing options to Launch Teams.
• Coordinate part development for welded or secondary assemblies.
• Review tooling project schedules and assist with on-time completion and validation.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Objective

The Tooling Engineer for Launch teams ensures that outside sources meet all contract requirements on all new tool and gage and/or modifications, and that they are in compliance with company tooling and quality standards to ensure a robust process in an exemplary manner according to the company quality policies.

Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor's Degree in engineering, or 5 years of experience working in an engineering function with emphasis on stamping dies
• Experience managing the build process of transfer and/or progressive stamping dies and tool design
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D modeling software program
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint)
• Ability to lead and drive the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process
• Experience with AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA)
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience interacting both professionally and positively with customers
• High level of self-motivation and organizational planning
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and drive on-time completion of programs
• Ability to work varied hours and travel up to 20% of the time
• An excellent work record, including attendance

Outstanding candidates will possess the following Desired Requirements:

• Previous experience in a metal-forming manufacturing environment
• Experience using SolidWorks

(Minimum requirements are updated annually to meet the demands of various positions; employees hired prior to the latest revision update may not meet all current requirements)

Essential Functions:

Project Engineering/Tooling:

• Be the Launch representative and liaison between Launch and Die Shops related to tool design, tool build, part print revisions, tool design reviews, strip layout review, sample requirements, try out steel, capability runs, reviewing CAD model integrity, archiving tool CAD data, and tool sign off at the tooling supplier source.
• Be the Launch representative and subject matter expert related to tooling.
• Meet all company goals related to the launch programs. Including understanding and applying all plant and launch metrics.
• Request/Provide external and internal quotes for the plant and provide sourcing options to the Launch Teams for projects as needed.
• Coordinate and manage part development when required for welded assemblies or other types of secondary assembly or manufacturing processes.
• Review tooling project scheduled, including reviewing die shop schedules to ensure due dates are met. Be a key point of contact assisting with enduring on-time completion and validation of early parts for internally and externally sourced tools as needed on key programs.
• Provide technical support at customer meetings when needed to answer process questions, provide solutions for application fit-up challenges, negotiate print tolerance, and to discuss feasibility issues for new business and engineering changes to existing business.

Quality/Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP):

• Attend meetings and maintain requirements for APQP team involvement.
• Verify that new and/or existing tool and gage projects meet part design and quality requirements through capability studies and the capability process.
• Assure tooling sources meet Pridgeon & Clay die standards.
• Participate in the creating of departmental metrics, tracking department metrics, documenting lessons learned, creating APQP process improvements, continuous improvement activities, and updating departmental documentation.

Quality/Safety:

• Follow all ISO/IATF policies and procedures.
• Consistently follow safety procedures during all phases of work: set-up, installation of dies, loading material, operating presses, etc.
• Use designated personal protective equipment for the work environment.
• Identify potential safety issues and take appropriate action.

Continuous Improvement:

• Work with production units and tool room personnel to drive process improvements which affect quality, productivity, error-proofing, ergonomics, etc.
• Interface with tool room personnel to create tooling Preventative Maintenance plans and order tooling back-up components.
• Coordinate preliminary and final material specifications with Material Planners.
• Actively seek and implement cost reduction and cost avoidance plans.
• Participate in lean initiatives such as continuous improvement events, and identify and eliminate all types of waste.

Teamwork/Professionalism:

• Collaborate with the Launch Teams in a professional manner to implement best practices that will lead to successfully launched products that will meet customer quality standards and be cost effective for manufacturing.
• Professionally work problems to achieve all goals set by Director and leadership team.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management. Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.
• Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job. Work necessary overtime, as needed, to ensure timely and accurate completion of all assigned tasks.
• Organize and maintain efficiency of personal work area and department/5S zone.
• Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, AIAG, IATF 16949 and safety regulations.
• Accept instructions and duties in a positive manner.
• Treat all co-workers with dignity and respect. Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity, and positive attitude) for employees and managers to emulate.
• Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Ownership, We Can If..., Safety) daily, through thoughts and actions.

In return, Pridgeon and Clay will provide:

• A competitive total compensation including a comprehensive benefit plan including premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement.
• A safe, team oriented work environment with a leadership team that treats you like family and values your input
• An opportunity to participate in shaping the success of the organization through continuous improvement and problem solving events
• A positive work/life balance
• An opportunity for career growth - Over 70% of our leaders have been promoted from within