Title: Tool Designer
Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Details: Contract with ongoing need, opportunity for direct hire, fully onsite role
1st shift, 6am-2:30pm
Pay Rate: $35.00 – 50.00/hr. based on experience and benefit inclusions
Job Summary
The Tool Designer is responsible for creating practical, manufacturing?ready tooling solutions that support machining, fabrication, and assembly operations. This role requires a strong manufacturing?first mindset, close collaboration with shop-floor personnel, and full ownership of designs from concept through build and tryout. The ideal candidate is detail?oriented, hands?on, and experienced in delivering clear, well?executed designs that balance performance, cost, and manufacturability.
Responsibilities
- Create accurate 3D models and complete 2D drawing packages ready for manufacturing using solid modeling tools.
- Apply knowledge of materials, machining, welding, and fabrication processes to develop effective tooling designs.
- Design tools with manufacturability, assembly, adjustability, and serviceability in mind.
- Apply appropriate tolerances to ensure robust designs without unnecessary over?engineering.
- Produce clear, concise drawings that minimize shop-floor questions, rework, and delays.
- Follow drafting standards, documentation requirements, and revision control procedures.
- Communicate design intent clearly through drawings, discussions, and change documentation.
- Collaborate closely with machinists, welders, inspectors, engineers, and other stakeholders.
- Incorporate shop feedback and lessons learned into continuous design improvements.
- Take ownership of tooling designs from concept through build, tryout, and correction.
Years of Experience and Education
• Entry Level: 0–2 years of relevant experience with applicable internships and hands?on design exposure.
• Mid?Level: 2–5 years of tool design or related mechanical design experience.
• Senior Level: 5+ years of direct tool design experience strongly preferred.
• Engineering background required (Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field).
Skills Required
• Proficiency with Creo or similar solid modeling software.
• Strong understanding of machining, welding, and fabrication methods.
• Ability to create manufacturing?ready 2D drawings with proper GD&T and tolerancing.
• Practical, solution?oriented approach to design challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for shop?floor environments.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Willingness to work onsite and travel locally as required.
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