Sr. Tooling Design Engineer

Summary:

The Senior Tooling Design Engineer will be a key member of the Footprint Engineering Tooling Design Team. This individual will have extensive experience with tooling design and will lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative and high-performing tooling solutions for Footprint’s sustainable packaging solutions. The Senior Tooling Design Engineer will leverage their advanced expertise to optimize designs for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability, while adhering to Footprint’s high-quality standards. This role requires a highly motivated and experienced individual with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and a proven ability to solve complex engineering challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of complex tooling solutions for a variety of sustainable packaging products, from concept to production.
• Utilize CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) to create detailed 2D and 3D models and drawings of tooling components and assemblies.
• Conduct advanced FEA and simulations to validate tooling designs and ensure performance, durability, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., product design, manufacturing, quality) to ensure seamless integration of tooling into the production process.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive tooling documentation, including specifications, drawings, and test reports.
• Evaluate and select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for tooling fabrication.
• Identify opportunities for tooling optimization and standardization to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior tooling design engineers.
• Stay abreast of industry, the best practices and emerging technologies in tooling design and manufacturing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of proven experience in tooling design, preferably within the packaging or plastics industry.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, including injection molding, thermoforming, and die cutting.
• Extensive knowledge of tooling materials and their properties.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with sustainable materials and manufacturing practices.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Project management experience.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to type, handle, or feel.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, prescription, dental, and vision care plans as well as HSA / FSA accounts.

• Insurance Protection: Basic term life, accidentals, short- and long-term disability, and voluntary life insurance coverage.
• Financial Security: Short and long-term disability plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Time Off Support: Flexible time off program, paid holidays, sick leave, and parental leave benefits.
• Lifestyle Benefit: Voluntary Pet Insurance.

NOTE: This position is not eligible for a relocation benefit.