Tool Design Engineer

Role & responsibilities

Tool Design & Development

• Design tools, dies, and fixtures for sheet metal components (progressive, compound, bending, deep draw tools, etc.).
  
• Select appropriate tooling concepts based on part complexity, production volume, and customer requirements.
  
• Develop 2D drawings and 3D models using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, NX).
  
• Optimize tool designs for manufacturability, efficiency, and cost.

Tool Manufacturing & Vendor Coordination

• Create BOMs and coordinate with vendors for tool fabrication.
  
• Review tool progress, conduct design reviews, and assist vendors with technical clarifications.
  
• Approve tool trials (T0, T1) and ensure tools meet specifications.
  

Trial, Validation & Troubleshooting

• Support tool trials and

  First Article Inspection (FAI)

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• Analyze tool performance and implement design changes to resolve issues like springback, wrinkling, cracking, etc.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Design, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams.
  
• Provide support during the production ramp-up phase and handover to manufacturing.
  

Cost and Timeline Management

• Estimate tooling cost and time for new components.
  
• Ensure timely delivery of tools as per project timelines.
  

Preferred candidate profile

Key Skills:

• Tool design for progressive, compound, and stage tools
  
• Expertise in sheet metal component design and manufacturing
  
• Hands-on experience in 2D & 3D CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, UG NX, etc.)
  
• Knowledge of DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability/Assembly)
  
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
  
• Die design blanking, piercing, forming, bending, and drawing operations
  
• Basic understanding of material properties (CRCA, SS, Al, etc.)
  
• Vendor coordination and tool trial follow-ups
  
• Simulation tools like AutoForm (optional but preferred)
  
• Tool cost estimation and BOM preparation