Tooling Engineer
Gilder Search Group, Spartanburg, SC, United States
Expert Connections - Spartanburg, SC, United States
Summary
The Tooling Engineer is responsible for directing and supporting tooling programs from early concept and prototyping through final production launch and ongoing application support. This role requires deep technical expertise in die design, build, and maintenance, with a strong focus on stamped components.
Reporting to the Tooling Manager, this position works closely with internal teams, suppliers, and international tool shops to ensure tooling programs meet technical, quality, timing, and cost objectives across multiple concurrent programs.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support tooling programs from prototype development through production release and ongoing application
Oversee tool design, build, validation, buy-off, and launch activities
Maintain ownership of multiple die sets simultaneously across their full lifecycle
Ensure tooling programs are executed on the most economical and technically sound basis
Technical Oversight & Problem Solving
Direct prototype development and obtain process and design approvals
Facilitate in-die buy-offs and production readiness reviews
Analyze and troubleshoot tooling, assemblies, and stamped components
Support production ramp-up and resolve tooling-related quality or performance issues
Supplier & Cross-Functional Coordination
Maintain ongoing follow-up with tool shops and suppliers
Coordinate tooling activities with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams
Evaluate tooling quality and performance against requirements
Quality & Process
Apply APQP and PPAP principles throughout tooling programs
Interpret and apply GD&T requirements to tooling and stamped parts
Monitor tooling quality and support corrective actions as needed
Travel Requirements
Extended international travel in defined rotations
Approximately 10–12 weeks per year, typically in 2–3 blocks of up to 5 consecutive weeks
Current travel includes China and South Korea, with occasional U.S. site visits
Required Qualifications
15+ years of tooling experience, with deep expertise in die design, build, and maintenance
Stamping experience is required
Proven experience managing dies from initial design through final production
Ability to manage multiple tooling programs concurrently
Strong hands-on knowledge of tool building and tool repair
Preferred Education & Training
Technical Skills
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and GD&T
Basic proficiency with AutoCAD, CATIA, and/or Pro-E
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Project
Professional Skills
Clear and effective communication skills
Strong planning, scheduling, and organizational abilities
Collaborative working style with a hands-on, technically driven mindset
About Expert Connections
Expert Connections is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in leadership and technical placements in manufacturing, automotive and automation industries. We partner closely with clients and candidates to deliver a high-touch, insight-driven search experience rooted in deep industry knowledge.
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Summary
The Tooling Engineer is responsible for directing and supporting tooling programs from early concept and prototyping through final production launch and ongoing application support. This role requires deep technical expertise in die design, build, and maintenance, with a strong focus on stamped components.
Reporting to the Tooling Manager, this position works closely with internal teams, suppliers, and international tool shops to ensure tooling programs meet technical, quality, timing, and cost objectives across multiple concurrent programs.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support tooling programs from prototype development through production release and ongoing application
Oversee tool design, build, validation, buy-off, and launch activities
Maintain ownership of multiple die sets simultaneously across their full lifecycle
Ensure tooling programs are executed on the most economical and technically sound basis
Technical Oversight & Problem Solving
Direct prototype development and obtain process and design approvals
Facilitate in-die buy-offs and production readiness reviews
Analyze and troubleshoot tooling, assemblies, and stamped components
Support production ramp-up and resolve tooling-related quality or performance issues
Supplier & Cross-Functional Coordination
Maintain ongoing follow-up with tool shops and suppliers
Coordinate tooling activities with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams
Evaluate tooling quality and performance against requirements
Quality & Process
Apply APQP and PPAP principles throughout tooling programs
Interpret and apply GD&T requirements to tooling and stamped parts
Monitor tooling quality and support corrective actions as needed
Travel Requirements
Extended international travel in defined rotations
Approximately 10–12 weeks per year, typically in 2–3 blocks of up to 5 consecutive weeks
Current travel includes China and South Korea, with occasional U.S. site visits
Required Qualifications
15+ years of tooling experience, with deep expertise in die design, build, and maintenance
Stamping experience is required
Proven experience managing dies from initial design through final production
Ability to manage multiple tooling programs concurrently
Strong hands-on knowledge of tool building and tool repair
Preferred Education & Training
Technical Skills
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and GD&T
Basic proficiency with AutoCAD, CATIA, and/or Pro-E
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Project
Professional Skills
Clear and effective communication skills
Strong planning, scheduling, and organizational abilities
Collaborative working style with a hands-on, technically driven mindset
About Expert Connections
Expert Connections is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in leadership and technical placements in manufacturing, automotive and automation industries. We partner closely with clients and candidates to deliver a high-touch, insight-driven search experience rooted in deep industry knowledge.
#J-18808-Ljbffr