Tooling Manager

Insight Global; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Tool Engineering Manager in Austin, Texas. This role involves leading a team of engineers dedicated to the design and fabrication of production tools. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in tooling with a focus on leadership, project management, and collaboration within manufacturing environments. The position offers a competitive salary range of $115K to $140K annually, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in tooling design and development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials.
• Experience developing tooling design and procurement estimates.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the tooling engineering team.
• Oversee the design, development, and procurement of tooling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure tooling solutions align with production requirements.

Skills

Tooling design and development

Leadership in manufacturing

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

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This range is provided by Insight Global. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$115,000.00/yr - $140,000.00/yr

Onsite Schedule: 5 days/week, ~50 hours/week

Base Salary Range: $115K - $140K

Relocation: Lump sum available

Interview Process: [2 rounds]

Summary

Our client is conducting a search for a Tool Engineering Manager. In this unique managerial role, you will lead a team of Tooling Engineers responsible for the design, fabrication, and integration of production jigs and fixtures in all production areas. This role will be responsible for managing a team of tooling engineers to ensure the timely and cost‑effective delivery of high‑quality tooling solutions that support product development, manufacturing processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role requires a leader who can make intuitive decisions based on situational influences as needed and who will drive innovation through technology, materials, and processes.

Note: This is a working manager role—hands‑on leadership is expected. The manager will be responsible for building and leading a team up to 6–8 engineers.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will involve the coordination of resources to support tooling requirements at all levels, including the following:

• Lead and manage the tooling engineering team, including recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee the design, development, procurement, and commissioning of tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain) to ensure tooling solutions align with product and production requirements.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, cost, and improve tooling performance and quality.
• Manage tooling project timelines, budgets, and deliverables from concept through production readiness.
• Evaluate and implement new tooling technologies and materials to improve efficiency and capability.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards across all tooling operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex tooling issues during development and production.
• Foster a teaming environment for knowledge sharing.
• Promote a culture where the Tool Engineering team is a heavily relied upon and respected resource.

Strategic responsibilities include defining the tooling strategy and roadmap, deciding what should be designed in‑house vs. outsourced, and establishing a management operating system within the first 3 months. Tactical responsibilities include overseeing execution, supporting the team on the floor, and introducing tooling into production through a gated process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in tooling design and development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), and simulation tools.
• Leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent project management, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with GD&T and/or drawing interpretation.
• Experience developing tooling design, development & procurement estimates and ROIs.
• Experience incorporating ergonomics and human factors into design.
• Knowledge of composites manufacturing.
• Experience championing process improvements.
• Experience with design for manufacturability and advanced material handling technologies.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and team‑building skills.
• Knowledge of propulsion integration, and launch vehicle integration processes.

Compensation

$50,000 per year annual salary.

Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education. Benefit packages for this role may include healthcare insurance offerings and paid leave as provided by applicable law.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan