Principal Tooling Engineer
Skills
About the role
This is a full-time, on-site principal tooling engineering role in Louisville, Kentucky for engineers with at least seven years of tooling procurement and tool-and-die design experience. You'll lead tooling projects for metal-stamping manufacturing, including specification, supplier coordination, installation, qualification, and operational handoff. The role combines technical ownership with factory collaboration, mentoring, lean manufacturing, safety, and program-delivery responsibilities.
What you’ll do
- Manage tool and die procurement from specifications through supplier selection, installation, and qualification.
- Design tooling and equipment plans that support reliability, cost, quality, delivery, and equipment effectiveness.
- Coordinate part-design engineers, factory teams, internal customers, and suppliers.
- Own assigned project budgets, schedules, reliability, quality, and labor metrics.
- Lead production-preparation activities for tooling, equipment, and processes.
- Ensure tooling and equipment meet environmental health and safety requirements.
- Apply lean, ergonomics, maintenance, manufacturing-control, and design-for-manufacturing practices.
- Mentor junior tooling engineers and cross-functional colleagues.
- Develop manufacturing control plans and instructions.
What they’re looking for
- At least seven years of tooling procurement experience and knowledge of tool-and-die design, components, and applications.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD such as NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or an equivalent tool.
- A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline, equivalent technical or manufacturing experience, or completion of a certified tool-and-die apprenticeship.
Nice to have
- Experience managing tooling or equipment procurement projects.
- Experience specifying, designing, and installing tool-and-die equipment in high-volume manufacturing.
- Experience with die-change systems and associated processes.
- New product introduction program experience.
What’s on offer
- An on-site position in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Travel of up to 20% during peak project periods, including supplier or plant visits.
- Off-shift and weekend work may be required.
- Work in a high-volume manufacturing environment that includes frequent plant walking and safety equipment.
- The role may involve lifting materials or products up to 30 pounds.
Questions about this role
Where is the Principal Tooling Engineer job located?
The role is located in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Is this a remote role?
No. The posting describes work in a high-volume manufacturing environment in Louisville.
How much experience is required?
The posting requires at least seven years of tooling procurement and tool-and-die design experience.
Which CAD tools are relevant?
The listing requires proficiency in 3D CAD such as NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or an equivalent tool.
Does the role require travel?
Yes. The posting says up to 20% travel may be needed during peak project periods.
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