We are seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer to support the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of production tooling onsite in our fast-paced Staunton, VA manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for creating innovative tooling solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance across manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in tooling design, manufacturing processes, and project management, with a proven ability to lead tooling projects from concept through production release. What You'll Do
- Design and develop production tooling including fixtures, jigs, gauges, molds, dies, injection molding assemblies, and related manufacturing equipment.
- Create and maintain 3D models, engineering drawings, and tooling documentation using CAD software.
- Support manufacturing operations by troubleshooting tooling-related issues and implementing corrective actions to reduce downtime, scrap, and rework.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Production, Maintenance, and suppliers to develop tooling solutions that improve productivity and process performance.
- Manage tooling projects from concept through fabrication, validation, and production release.
- Conduct tooling trials, inspections, and capability studies to ensure tooling meets quality and dimensional requirements.
- Coordinate tooling maintenance, repairs, modifications, and lifecycle management activities.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on tool life, cycle times, setup reduction, safety, and cost savings.
- Support quality and manufacturing qualification activities, including PPAP, APQP, FAI, and new product launches where applicable.
- Ensure tooling designs comply with applicable safety, ergonomic, customer, and industry requirements.
What We're Looking For
- Minimum 5 years of Tooling Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
- Experience designing tooling such as fixtures, gauges, molds, dies, and production support equipment.
- Strong proficiency with CAD software and engineering drawing development.
- Working knowledge of GD&T, DFM/DFA principles, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience solving tooling and production challenges through root-cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting injection molding, automation, or high-volume manufacturing operations.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM, simulation software, and project management tools.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
- PMP, Lean Six Sigma, CAP, or other relevant certifications are a plus.
Work Environment This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular interaction with production equipment and personnel. Candidates must be able to walk and stand for extended periods, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, and wear required PPE while on the production floor. Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to play a key role in developing and improving the tooling systems that drive manufacturing excellence. You'll work on challenging engineering projects, collaborate across multiple functions, and directly impact safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance. If you're a hands-on engineer who enjoys taking ideas from concept to production and driving measurable improvements in manufacturing performance, we'd love to hear from you.
Consistent with Cadence's career architecture, this position may be staffed at varying experience levels. Criteria evaluated when determining level and compensation is based on experience, skills, and other job-related factors.
Regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts during standard business hours and will be determined in partnership with the hiring manager based on business needs. Flexibility is required to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours as business needs dictate.