Tooling Design Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing

Tooling Design Engineer

Trevor Frances Recruitment is seeking a hands-on and versatile Tooling Design Engineer on behalf of our client, a global leader in high-pressure die casting and advanced tooling solutions serving the automotive and industrial markets.

This opportunity is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a dynamic, smaller-plant environment where engineering, manufacturing, and production work closely together. The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, development, and optimization of large, complex tooling systems, contributing directly to product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Role Overview

As the Tooling Design Engineer, you will be responsible for leading tooling design projects from concept through production release. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure tooling designs are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with customer and operational requirements. This role offers significant visibility and the chance to make a direct impact across engineering and manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Tooling Design & Project Execution

• Lead tooling design projects from initial concept through design reviews and final release.

• Ensure project milestones are achieved while managing multiple priorities and tight timelines.

• Support engineering deliverables related to new programs, tooling modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality & Technical Excellence

• Deliver high-quality tooling designs that meet customer specifications and internal engineering standards.

• Serve as a technical liaison, translating customer requirements into practical and effective tooling solutions.

Manufacturability & Efficiency

• Optimize tooling designs for manufacturability, cost efficiency, cycle time, and production reliability.

• Collaborate closely with shop floor, machining, and assembly teams to incorporate real-world feedback into design improvements.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Support the development and implementation of improved engineering processes, standards, and best practices.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling performance, design efficiency, and workflow optimization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with manufacturing, quality, project management, and production teams to ensure smooth transitions from design to build and launch.

• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment where engineers are involved across multiple functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

• 5+ years of mechanical or tooling design experience, ideally within automotive manufacturing, tool & die, or high-pressure die casting environments.

• Strong proficiency with CAD software such as Siemens NX, CATIA, or equivalent.

• Solid understanding of design for manufacturability, tooling principles, and mechanical design fundamentals.

• A proactive, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where adaptability is key.

Why This Opportunity

This role offers the chance to join a technically advanced manufacturing organization where tooling design plays a critical role in production success. Engineers in this environment have direct influence over tooling performance, product quality, and operational efficiency — making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to broaden their impact and take ownership of meaningful projects.

About Trevor Frances Recruitment

Trevor Frances Recruitment is a specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified professionals with permanent opportunities at great companies across engineering, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. We work closely with both candidates and clients to ensure long-term success.