Job Description
The Tooling Manager is responsible for leading all tooling-related functions across the organization, including design, fabrication, qualification, maintenance, and lifecycle management of tools, jigs, fixtures and weldment assemblies. This role ensures that all tooling used in machining, precision weldment, and production operations meets stringent quality, safety, and performance standards. The Tooling Manager is a key contributor to manufacturing efficiency, equipment uptime, and continuous improvement initiatives, and plays a pivotal role in supporting new product introduction (NPI) for semiconductor components.
Key Responsibilities
Tooling Design & Development
- Lead the design and development of tools, jigs, fixtures, and weldment assemblies to support machining, fabrication, and production processes.
- Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and product specifications to ensure tooling meets dimensional and functional requirements.
- Implement DFM/DFA principles to improve manufacturability and process consistency.
- Approve tooling designs and ensure compliance with internal engineering standards.
Tooling Fabrication, Qualification & Validation
- Oversee the fabrication of new tools through internal machining/weldment teams or external vendors.
- Lead tool qualification activities including FAI, capability studies, and performance validation.
- Troubleshoot and resolve tooling issues during initial runs and mass production.
Tooling Maintenance & Lifecycle Management
- Establish preventive and predictive maintenance schedules for critical tools and fixtures.
- Monitor tooling performance, wear, and failures to plan timely refurbishments or replacements.
- Maintain a database of tooling drawings, specifications, revision history, and documentation.
- Ensure tooling availability to avoid production downtime.
Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Work closely with Production, Machining, Welding, and Quality teams to improve tooling performance and reduce cycle time.
- Identify tooling-related opportunities to enhance yield, quality, and process stability.
- Lead cost reduction activities through tooling optimization, material selection, and standardization.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies where relevant.
Team Leadership & Vendor Management
- Lead a team of tooling engineers, technicians, machinists, and welders.
- Provide coaching, technical guidance, and performance management.
- Manage external vendors for tooling fabrication, refurbishment, coating, and specialty processes.
- Negotiate vendor terms, ensure delivery timelines, quality standards, and cost competitiveness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Support NPI projects by providing tooling input during product design and process development.
- Collaborate with Process Engineering, Quality, Production, CNC Machining, and Welding teams for integrated manufacturing readiness.
- Work with EHS teams to ensure tooling operations comply with safety and regulatory requirements.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling/Die Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 7–10 years of experience in tooling development, machining, or precision engineering.
- At least 3–5 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Strong background in: CNC machining (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis), Precision weldment, Jig and fixture design, (TIG/MIG/Orbital welding), Semiconductor or high-precision manufacturing environment (advantage)
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM tools (SolidWorks, NX, Mastercam, AutoCAD).
- Strong understanding of machining processes, cutting tools, materials, GD&T, and tolerancing.
- Knowledge of welding fixtures, weld distortion control, heat treatment, and metrology.
- Experience with FAI, PPAP, SPC, and capability studies.
- Familiarity with root cause analysis (5Why, Fishbone, DMAIC).
- Strong leadership and communication skills, effective problem-solving and decision-making, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
