Tooling Research Engineer*

National Black MBA Association; Maplewood, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is seeking a Tooling Process Engineer to design specialized tooling and precision molds supporting next-generation products. You will transfer processes from lab to production, enabling successful product commercialization and contributing to high-growth markets.

The role emphasizes laboratory-to-plant transfer, process optimization, and metrology excellence, with on-site work at 3M Center in Maplewood, MN. Strong CAD and GD&T skills, plus data-driven decision making, are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Industrial, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (completed and verified prior to start).
• Three (3) months of CAD experience in a private, public, government or military environment.
• Additional qualifications that could help you succeed include experience with Precision Machine Tools, GD&T, metrology, and multi-axis programming.

Responsibilities

• Interact with NTI/NPI teams to develop new tooling designs to support growth programs from concept to launch.
• Engage with production staff to transfer and implement learnings related to microreplication tool manufacturing and process improvements.
• Drive process optimization and continuous improvement of microreplication tool manufacturing to deliver high-quality products.
• Develop, document, and implement new test methods with data-driven decision-making.
• Create and document intellectual property.

Skills

Multi-axis machining

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Cross-functional communication

R&D to production transfer

Quality improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX CAD/CAM

M&G Code

Job description

Job Description:

Tooling Process Engineer

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

The individual selected for the role of Tooling Process Engineer will play a pivotal role in advancing research and development efforts through the design and development of specialized tooling that supports the creation of innovative new products. This position is responsible for transforming design concepts and technical requirements provided by internal stakeholders into precision-machined molds capable of producing high-quality finished components.

In addition, the Tooling Process Engineer will serve as a critical link between laboratory innovation and manufacturing execution by transferring newly developed processes from the lab environment to production plants, enabling successful product commercialization. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to emerging and high-growth market applications through the precision machining of metal molds used in the development of next-generation products.

The successful candidate will oversee all laboratory-related aspects of machine tooling, including process optimization, quality enhancement, and metrology, ensuring technical excellence and continuous improvement throughout the development cycle.

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Interact with NTI/NPI teams to develop new tooling designs to support growth programs from concept to launch
• Engage with production staff to transfer and implement key learnings related to microreplication tool manufacturing, test methods, and other process or quality improvements
• Drive process optimization and continuous improvement of microreplication tool manufacturing and products to deliver world class quality products

• Develop, document, and implement new test methods with data-driven decision-making
• Create and document intellectual property

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Industrial, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (completed and verified prior to start)
• Three (3) months of CAD experience in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Experience with Precision Machine Tools
• M&G Code experience
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) experience
• Metrology experience with white light interferometer, optical microscopy, or related techniques
• Experience in mechanical design for products, including design of complex components, assemblies, and mechanisms
• Experience working in R&D and plant settings
• Multi-axis machine programming experience
• Deep emphasis on applied statistical applications and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively in cross-functional teams
• Experience running small scale investigative experimentation in a laboratory or pilot plant.
• Demonstrated ability to drive quality improvement
• Experience with commercialization of new products/process with accelerated timelines
• Proficiency with data analysis software packages
• Demonstrated strong troubleshooting and creative problem-solving skills
• Siemens NX CAD/CAM software experience
• Competence in Microsoft Office Tools (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Self-motivated with work-related leadership abilities and a growth mindset.

Work location:

• This role has on-site working model, with the employee working at least four days a week in the office at 3M Center, located in Maplewood, MN.

Travel: May include up to 5% domestic

Relocation Benefits: not authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.

U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum.

To comply with these laws, 3M must help assess candidates' U.S. person status.

The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position.

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.

Applicable to US Applicants Only: The expected compensation range for this position is $81,983 - $100,202, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.Good Faith Posting Date Range 09/09/2026 To 10/09/2026 Or until filledAll US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.