Tooling Engineer

Location: Bolingbrook, IL

Pay: $45-58 hr

Hire Type: Contract to hire

Experience: 3+ years of mold design/tooling engineering experience

Position Summary: Our client is seeking a Tooling Engineer II to design and implement new tooling projects supporting advanced molding operations. Reporting to the Tooling Manager, this position will focus heavily on the design and development of injection mold assemblies, including Solid Die Epoxy Molds, Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Molds, vacuum-casting tooling, and related molding applications. This is a hands-on engineering role combining mold design, CAD, tooling development, project management, supplier coordination, and manufacturing support. The ideal candidate has at least three years of experience designing molds for thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, or similar materials. This is an excellent opportunity for a mold/tooling engineer who enjoys combining detailed design work with hands-on manufacturing support and seeing tooling projects through from concept to production.

What You’ll Do: Design manufacturing molds, tooling, fixtures, and equipment using 3D CAD software. Lead injection mold assembly designs from concept through implementation. Develop tooling for epoxy, liquid silicone rubber, vacuum-casting, and other molding processes. Create prototypes and conduct testing to validate tooling functionality, performance, and durability. Partner with Manufacturing and Operations to troubleshoot tooling and molding issues and minimize production downtime. Identify tooling and process improvements that increase productivity, quality, and manufacturing efficiency. Develop project timelines, provide status updates, and participate in cross-functional design reviews. Create cost estimates and manage tooling project expenses. Source tooling components, materials, and outside services. Work directly with suppliers and vendors on quality, cost, and delivery. Maintain accurate tooling drawings, specifications, designs, and test documentation. Ensure tooling designs meet applicable quality, safety, and engineering standards. Support corrective actions and root cause problem-solving related to tooling performance. Mentor junior engineers and technicians on tooling design and implementation.

What We’re Looking For: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.3+ years of tooling/mold design and engineering experience within a manufacturing environment. Hands-on mold design experience with thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, or a combination. Proficiency with 3D CAD software, such as Solid Works or AutoCAD.Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and tooling technologies. Experience taking tooling projects from design through build, testing, and production implementation. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Project management experience, including managing timelines, priorities, resources, and deliverables. Ability to communicate effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Solid Die Epoxy, Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR), vacuum casting, or similar molding technologies. Knowledge of ISO, ASME, or other applicable industry standards. Lean Manufacturing experience. Experience with FEA and/or simulation software. Previous supplier and tooling vendor management experience. Ability to travel occasionally for supplier visits, customer meetings, or industry events. Qualified 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.