Tooling Manager

Sterling Engineering, Inc.; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering, Inc. in Bolingbrook, IL seeks an experienced Tooling Manager to lead its Tooling Engineering and Toolroom teams in a high-precision manufacturing environment. You will oversee design, development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of molds and tooling.

The role demands hands-on mold/tooling expertise, strong leadership, 3D CAD skills, and a track record of reducing costs and improving quality, safety, and delivery through rigorous problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/related engineering.
• Experience leading Tooling Engineering and/or Toolroom operations.
• Strong knowledge of mold design and tooling development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Tooling Engineering and Toolroom teams, including hiring and mentoring.
• Manage tooling projects supporting mold design, manufacturing equipment, automation, and new product development.
• Lead tooling development, tooling improvements, repairs, preventive maintenance, and emergency tooling support.
• Ensure molds and tooling are designed for manufacturability, performance, reliability, and long-term production use.
• Partner with NPD and Engineering teams on design for manufacturability (DFM) and new product launches.
• Maintain tooling documentation, 3D models, assemblies, drawings, specifications, and revision control.
• Develop and manage a visual tooling preventive-maintenance scheduling and tracking system.
• Prioritize tooling maintenance and repair activities based on production requirements.
• Work with outside tooling vendors on repairs, modifications, and outsourced projects.
• Lead tooling-related cost reduction, quality improvement, and mistake-proofing initiatives.
• Drive structured problem solving using root cause analysis, Gage R&R, A/B testing, and statistical analysis.
• Establish and track department and project KPIs.
• Manage projects involving scope, schedule, cost, risk, resources, and change management.
• Support equipment selection, capital expenditures, and installation of new manufacturing equipment.

Skills

Mold tooling

Tooling engineering

Toolroom leadership

3D CAD

Manufacturing problem-solving

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

DFM

NPD collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Tooling ManagerLocation: Bolingbrook, ILHire Type: Direct HireSalary: $125,000–$150,000 + BonusPosition SummaryOur client is seeking an experienced Tooling Manager to lead its Tooling Engineering and Toolroom functions in a highly technical manufacturing environment. This role will oversee tooling design, development, maintenance, repair, and continuous improvement while leading a team of engineers and technical staff.The ideal candidate brings strong experience with mold tooling, tooling engineering, toolroom leadership, 3D design, and manufacturing problem-solving. This position will play a key role in advancing molding processes and improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on tooling leader who can combine technical mold/tooling expertise with team leadership and continuous improvement to help advance a growing manufacturing operation.What You’ll DoLead the Tooling Engineering and Toolroom teams, including hiring, training, mentoring, performance management, and employee development.Manage tooling projects supporting mold design, manufacturing equipment, automation, and new product development.Lead new tooling development, tooling improvements, repairs, preventive maintenance, and emergency tooling support.Ensure molds and tooling are designed for manufacturability, performance, reliability, and long-term production use.Partner with NPD and Engineering teams on design for manufacturability (DFM) and new product launches.Maintain tooling documentation, including 3D models, assemblies, drawings, specifications, and revision control.Develop and manage a visual tooling preventive-maintenance scheduling and tracking system.Prioritize tooling maintenance and repair activities based on production requirements.Work with outside tooling vendors on repairs, modifications, and outsourced projects.Lead tooling-related cost reduction, quality improvement, and mistake-proofing initiatives.Drive structured problem solving using root cause analysis, Gage R&R, A/B testing, and statistical analysis.Establish and track department and project KPIs.Manage projects involving scope, schedule, cost, risk, resources, and change management.Support equipment selection, capital expenditures, and installation of new manufacturing equipment.Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and leadership.Develop high-potential employees and build technical capabilities within the tooling organization.What We’re Looking ForBachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, Plastics, Polymer Processing, Materials Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in tooling and mold development.Previous experience managing Tooling Engineering and/or Toolroom operations.Strong knowledge of mold design, tooling development, maintenance, and repair.Experience using 3D CAD/drafting software.Strong manufacturing troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.Experience leading, mentoring, and developing engineers and technical employees.Ability to manage multiple tooling and engineering projects simultaneously.Strong cross-functional communication and project leadership skills.Preferred ExperienceTooling engineering, design, procurement, and vendor management.Six Sigma, Red X, or similar structured problem-solving methodology.Simulation software and understanding of material flow, cure characteristics, and molding-process simulation.Experience with reaction injection molding (RIM), APG, silicone molding, and/or epoxy molding.Experience driving tooling improvements in a high-volume or technically complex manufacturing environment.#INC1Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.