Tooling Engineer – Die Casting & Aluminum Tooling

Strategic Systems Inc; Findlay (OH); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive engineering firm in Ohio is seeking a Tooling Engineer with strong expertise in press tooling, die casting, and aluminum mold design. This hybrid role combines technical tooling responsibilities with purchasing and validation authority. The successful candidate will review tooling packages, confirm manufacturability, and establish budgets, while managing relationships with global suppliers. Excellent communication skills and Tier 1 automotive experience are essential. This position offers high visibility and influence without direct reports.

Qualifications

• Experience in die casting tooling, press tooling, and aluminum mold construction.
• Tier 1 automotive experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements and supporting documentation.
• Ability to evaluate tooling designs and confirm readiness for production.
• Experience with tooling cost estimating and budget development.

Responsibilities

• Review, validate, and approve tooling designs for presses and die casting operations.
• Confirm manufacturability, durability, and performance expectations for tooling.
• Serve as the technical authority signing off on tooling packages before PO release.
• Manage tooling purchases and coordinate with global suppliers.
• Evaluate tooling quotes and support capital planning.

Skills

Press tooling

Die casting

Aluminum mold design

IATF 16949 standards

Budget development

Relationship management

Technical decision-making

Communication skills

Job description

We are seeking a Tooling Engineer with strong experience in press tooling, die casting, and aluminum mold design ideally within a Tier 1 automotive environment and familiar with IATF 16949 standards. This is a unique hybrid role combining deep tooling expertise with a purchasing, validation, and technical sign-off function.

You will review and approve tooling packages, confirm manufacturability, establish budgets, and issue or approve purchase orders for tooling built by global sister companies and suppliers across China, Japan, and Thailand. The position reports directly to VP-level leadership, offering high visibility and influence without direct people management. Your focus is on technical decisions and relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, validate, and approve tooling designs for presses, die casting operations, and aluminum molds
• Confirm manufacturability, durability, and performance expectations for all purchased tooling
• Serve as the technical authority signing off on tooling packages before PO release
• Manage tooling purchases and coordinate with sister plants and global suppliers (China, Japan, Thailand)
• Evaluate tooling quotes, determine accurate budgets, and support capital planning
• Partner with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and executive leadership on tooling needs
• Track tooling build progress and ensure designs meet Tier 1 automotive and IATF expectations
• Support tooling trials, dimensional checks, capability studies, and supplier validation
• Provide guidance to global tooling partners to prevent or resolve tooling issues
• Maintain records, cost tracking, approval documentation, and tooling standards
• Build and maintain strong relationships across internal teams and international suppliers

What You Bring

• Experience in die casting tooling, press tooling, and aluminum mold construction
• Tier 1 automotive experience strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements and supporting documentation
• Ability to evaluate tooling designs and confirm readiness for production
• Experience with tooling cost estimating, budget development, or capital approvals
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable working with VPs, engineers, and global suppliers
• Strong relationship-building skills across cultures, suppliers, and sister plants
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and confident in technical decision-making

Why This Role

• Unique blend of technical tooling engineering & capital purchasing authority
• High visibility with senior leadership
• No direct reports. Leadership through influence and expertise
• Global exposure: tooling built in China, Japan, and Thailand
• Major impact on tooling quality, cost, and long-term manufacturability