Tool Designer

Position Overview

Finish Line Staffing Services is seeking a skilled Tool Designer to support the design, development, and improvement of molds, dies, fixtures, and manufacturing tooling. This position combines CAD-based design with hands-on manufacturing support to improve product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency.

The ideal candidate has experience in tool design, machining processes, and manufacturing engineering, with strong technical skills and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Design molds, dies, trim tooling, fixtures, and related manufacturing equipment using CAD software.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings and 3D models with a focus on cost efficiency and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with Tool Room, Manufacturing Engineering, and Production teams to develop and improve tooling.
• Support tooling trials, troubleshoot design issues, and transition new products into production.
• Evaluate tooling performance and recommend improvements to reduce costs, scrap, and production downtime.
• Provide technical support for machining operations, including CNC milling, turning, and grinding.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and tolerances to ensure tooling accuracy.
• Maintain organized design files, technical documentation, and manufacturing records.
• Develop work instructions, standard procedures, and manufacturing best practices.
• Assist with research and implementation of new tooling technologies and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of CAD-based tool design experience with relevant technical education, or 3–7 years of hands-on mold and tooling design experience.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, or comparable CAD software.
• Experience designing molds, dies, fixtures, or precision manufacturing tooling.
• Working knowledge of machining processes, including CNC and manual mills, lathes, and surface grinders.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and dimensional tolerances.
• Understanding of tooling materials, metallurgy, and manufacturing processes.
• Previous experience in manufacturing or process engineering.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering, production, and toolroom teams.
• Technical degree, machining certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent practical experience preferred.