Manager, Tooling Engineering
Manufacturing & Production · Production & Assembly · Manufacturing Engineering · Production Management
In short
Saab is looking for a Manager, Tooling Engineering in West Lafayette, IN to lead a team in managing the full lifecycle of production tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, molds, and dies. This role involves directing design, overseeing maintenance and calibration, and managing vendor relationships to support the manufacturing of the T-7A Redhawk aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.
Responsibilities
- Own the full lifecycle of production tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, molds, and dies.
- Develop and maintain a tooling master plan aligned to production schedules and program launches.
- Establish and enforce tool control procedures.
- Direct the design or redesign of tooling for new part introductions and continuous improvement.
- Review and approve tool designs for manufacturability, ergonomics, and compliance.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Design Engineering on make/buy decisions for tooling.
- Oversee preventive maintenance, repair, and calibration programs for all production and inspection tooling.
- Ensure all tooling and gauging remain within calibration and are audit-ready.
- Maintain accurate tooling records.
- Manage, mentor, and develop tool designers, toolmakers, tool room technicians, and tool crib staff.
- Set performance goals, conduct reviews, and manage staffing levels.
- Foster a safety-first culture in the tool room.
- Source, qualify, and manage relationships with external tooling vendors and machine shops.
- Negotiate cost, lead time, and quality terms for outsourced tooling builds and repairs.
- Manage the tooling capital budget.
- Ensure tooling availability meets production schedules.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for tooling-related downtime.
- Support first article inspections (FAI/AS9102) and production part approval processes.
- Drive continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) initiatives.
Requirements
- BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in tooling design, tool room operations, or manufacturing engineering.
- At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Strong working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and customer-specific quality requirements.
- Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tool design review.
- Familiarity with CNC machining, composite layup tooling, sheet metal forming dies, or assembly jigs/fixtures.
- Understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and dimensional inspection methods (CMM, gauges).
- Experience with calibration systems and tool control/traceability software (ERP/MES tooling modules).
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage direct reports in a fast-paced production environment.
- Strong project management skills, including budget ownership and vendor negotiation.
- Excellent communication skills for interfacing with Quality, Engineering, Production, and external auditors.
- Comfortable working on the shop floor and adapting priorities in response to production needs.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
- Six Sigma/Lean certification a plus.
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
- Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
- 401(k) with employer contributions
- Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
- Wellness and employee assistance resources
- Employee stock purchase opportunities
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Excellent working environment
- Professional growth opportunities
- Competitive wages
- Work-life balance
- Business casual atmosphere
#tooling#engineering#manufacturing#aerospace#defense
Company
Saab
Job Posted
1 month ago
Expires
in 1 month
Employment Type
Full Time
WorkMode
On Site
Experience Level
Mid-Senior
Locations
West Lafayette, United States of America
Qualification
Bachelor
Applicants
Be an early applicant