Tooling Engineer

Apera; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera in Illinois is seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer III to lead tooling design, manufacturing process improvements and new product introductions within a high-volume cold-forming environment. You will influence tooling strategy, support production launches, and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 5+ years in manufacturing engineering with tooling design and GD&T proficiency, using SolidWorks to develop robust

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• 5+ years of tooling design, tool & die, or cold-form tooling experience.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design cold-form tooling and develop forming progressions for precision components.
• Create 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks.
• Support tooling build, validation, debugging, and production launches.
• Troubleshoot tooling and manufacturing issues to improve efficiency.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations on manufacturability reviews and new products.
• Develop PFMEAs, Control Plans, and process documentation.
• Lead process improvement initiatives focusing on quality, throughput, safety, and cost reduction.
• Support equipment installations, validations, and production trials.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D CAD modeling

GD&T

Tooling design

Manufacturing engineering

Project management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software proficiency

Job description

Our client is a leading manufacturer of precision-engineered fasteners and cold-headed components serving aerospace, defense, industrial, and commercial markets. Backed by a global private equity firm, the organization is part of a larger manufacturing platform with multiple facilities across North America and thousands of employees. The company continues to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, operational excellence initiatives, and engineering talent to support continued growth and innovation.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer III to lead tooling design, manufacturing process improvements, and new product introductions within a high-volume cold-forming environment. This role offers the opportunity to influence tooling strategy, support production launches, and drive continuous improvement efforts across a growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design cold-form tooling and develop forming progressions for precision metal components.
• Create 3D models and detailed drawings using SolidWorks.
• Support tooling build, validation, debugging, and production launch activities.
• Troubleshoot tooling and manufacturing issues to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations on manufacturability reviews, quoting, and new product development.
• Develop PFMEAs, Control Plans, and process documentation.
• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on quality, throughput, safety, and cost reduction.
• Support equipment installations, validations, and production trials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• 5+ years of tooling design, tool & die, or cold-form tooling experience.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Experience with cold heading, metal forming, tooling development, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and understand GD&T.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Cold heading/cold forming tooling design.
• PFMEA and Control Plan development.
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Equipment validation and production startup support.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, private-equity-backed manufacturing organization where you'll have a direct impact on tooling innovation, manufacturing performance, and long-term business growth.