Tooling Engineer III

Job Summary: 

Tooling Engineer III is a senior-level role responsible for leading the design, development, and qualification of plastic injection molds and tooling systems. This position plays a critical role in ensuring tooling meets performance, quality, and cost objectives for both prototype and production environments. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the design and development of injection molds for plastic components using 2D/3D CAD software. 

• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to define tooling specifications and ensure mold performance meets standards. 

• Review customer drawings and specifications to assess feasibility and tooling requirements. 

• Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis and apply GD&T principles for molded part inspection and tooling design. 

• Manage tooling projects including budgeting, scheduling, and reporting to project stakeholders. 

• Organize and lead mold design reviews, ensuring documentation is updated and standardized. 

• Plan, coordinate, and execute mold trials to validate tooling performance and part quality. 

• Analyze trial results and implement design or process changes to optimize mold functionality. 

• Work closely with process engineers and technicians during mold sampling and troubleshooting. 

• Document mold trial procedures, outcomes, and corrective actions for continuous improvement. 

• Support tooling trials, validations, and troubleshooting to optimize mold performance and part quality. 

• Provide technical guidance to manufacturing teams and assist in resolving tooling-related production issues. 

• Oversee refurbishment and maintenance of existing molds and tooling systems. 

• Maintain detailed documentation including specifications, drawings, and work instructions. 

Tools Used in Mold Trials: 

• Injection Molding Machine (IMM): Horizontal or vertical machines used to inject molten plastic into molds. 

• Temperature Control Units: Maintain consistent mold and melt temperatures to prevent defects. 

• Cavity and Core Inserts: Define the shape and internal features of molded parts. 

• Sprue, Runner, and Gate Systems: Direct molten plastic into mold cavities efficiently. 

• Mold Flow Analysis Software: Simulate and optimize plastic flow within the mold. 

• Pressure and Temperature Sensors: Monitor real-time conditions during trials. 

• Robotic Automation Systems: Assist with part removal and handling during trials. 

• Inspection Tools: Calipers, CMMs, and visual inspection systems for part validation. 

• Trial Documentation Templates: Used to record parameters like injection pressure, speed, cooling time, and part quality. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field. 

• 5+ years of experience in plastic injection mold design and tooling development. 

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, NX). 

• Strong understanding of polymer materials, mold-making techniques, and machining processes. 

• Experience with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and ANSI/ISO standards. 

• Knowledge of plastic part design for manufacturability and cosmetic quality. 

• Excellent project management, communication, and problem-solving skills. 

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience with mold flow analysis and CAE tools. 

• Familiarity with GMP, ISO, and FDA regulatory requirements. 

• Hands-on experience in mold sampling, validation, and troubleshooting. 

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers