Technology and Tooling Engineer

Department: Manufacturing Engineering
Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Position Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday; extended hours and occasional weekend work may be required
Travel: Travel to vendor and customer worksites may be required

Job Description

The Technology and Tooling Engineer is responsible for supporting, developing, and improving manufacturing technology, tooling, CNC equipment, and collaborative robotic (cobot) applications. This position works closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and other technical teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment performance, and cost.

The Technology and Tooling Engineer will lead CNC and cobot programming activities, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, optimize tooling, support new equipment and product launches, and lead continuous improvement and cost-reduction activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Program and support CNC and collaborative robotic (cobot) equipment.
• Lead CNC and cobot programming activities.
• Develop and maintain CNC and cobot preventive maintenance plans.
• Monitor the condition and performance of CNC equipment, cobots, and end-of-arm tooling.
• Troubleshoot CNC, cobot, tooling, and process-related issues.
• Train engineers on CNC and cobot programming.
• Train Production Team Leaders on CNC operation and perishable tooling use.
• Create and maintain "golden part" and "golden cycle" routines for cobot applications.
• Optimize perishable tooling to improve tool life, product quality, and cost.
• Support tooling design, including material selection and DLC coating.
• Evaluate and prescribe appropriate forming lubricants.
• Maintain documentation for perishable tooling and manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate machine and tooling modifications.
• Work with outside vendors on tooling development and purchasing.
• Support the purchase of tooling and capital equipment as directed by the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.
• Develop countermeasures for safety-related issues.
• Assist with the day-to-day resolution of manufacturing equipment and process problems.
• Lead problem-solving and cost-reduction activities with technical and hourly associates.
• Perform process validation and tooling tryouts.
• Support plant layout changes and coordinate movement of equipment.
• Assist with procurement of new and used manufacturing equipment.
• Document machine capacities and track uptime, downtime, scrap, and efficiency.
• Maintain timelines for new product launches and engineering projects.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.
• Document and communicate engineering activities throughout the organization.
• Request and self-assign work orders to document machine and equipment activities.
• Train backup employees on basic machine setup and programming.
• Participate in APQP activities, including PFMEA, Control Plans, and other related activities.
• Assist Quality with gauge checks, gauge development, and inspection frequencies.
• Support customer quality issues, rejections, and development of countermeasures.
• Participate in daily manufacturing activities and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Engineering, or a related field; OR
• Currently pursuing an Associate's degree in Manufacturing or Engineering Technology with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical manufacturing role.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively using the metric system.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to lead problem-solving teams and improvement activities.
• Ability to manage projects, priorities, and timelines.
• Ability to work effectively with both technical and hourly production employees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CNC programming and operation.
• Experience with collaborative robots/cobots.
• Experience with tooling design and optimization.
• Knowledge of perishable tooling, tooling materials, and coatings.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance and equipment condition monitoring.
• Experience with process validation and tooling tryouts.
• Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Experience with continuous improvement and cost-reduction activities.
• Experience working with outside tooling and equipment vendors.
• Understanding of Japanese production methods.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Problem Solving – Ability to identify root causes and develop effective countermeasures.
• Technical Knowledge – Understanding of CNC equipment, cobotics, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Project Management – Ability to manage projects, timelines, and competing priorities.
• Communication – Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Continuous Improvement – Ability to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Teamwork – Ability to collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Production, Maintenance, and other departments.
• Analytical Skills – Ability to evaluate equipment performance, capacity, uptime, downtime, scrap, and efficiency.

Work Environment

This position operates in both a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibration, and moderate levels of noise.

Required personal protective equipment includes gloves, safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection in accordance with applicable safety requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 32 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to assemble products, tooling, or machinery as required.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to differentiate between colored wires, tabs, and electronic components.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or other protected status.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business and organizational needs.