The Tool & Product Engineer is responsible for driving the successful development and launch of deep drawn and metal-stamped products from concept through production. This role combines expertise in cost estimating, tooling design, product development, and manufacturing processes to ensure products are designed for quality, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness. Working closely with sales, product management, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers, the engineer develops accurate cost estimates for new business opportunities, evaluates tooling and process requirements, and provides technical leadership throughout the product development cycle. The position requires a strong understanding of sheet metal forming, deep drawing, progressive and transfer die stamping, material selection, and design for manufacturability principles.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES- Estimate new product part costs and associated tooling or equipment investments required to produce parts.
- Design tools to be built internally or outsource with appropriate vendors.
- Direct and train Tool Designers to design tools with design best practices.
- Support quality and production departments in new product introductions and cost reduction projects.
- Develop part production processes to meet quality and customer requirements.
- Manage tool build process, which includes: tool designer/builder selection, entering purchase requisitions, approval of tool designs, tool tryout and validation.
- Engage with other Vollrath teams as necessary based on product or processes.
- Provide manufacturing support for other departments as needed for cost reduction and process improvement efforts.
- Travel as needed to customers and vendors to follow up on projects.
- Identify and implement process improvements that result in cost reductions and/or better-quality consistency.
- Learn and use metal processing simulation software to enable product development in quoting, implementation and production phases.
- Maintain tool database with relevant tool descriptions and ownership.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES/DIRECT REPORTSTRAVEL- Up to 10% travel may be required.
QUALIFICATIONS- Minimum of degree in Tool design or Journeyman Toolmaker with CAD-based Tool Design and Project Management experience.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
- Minimum of five years of experience in Tool and Die design relating to Metal Forming and Manufacturing.
- Ten years of experience in Metal Forming Tools and Manufacturing preferred.
- CAD experience, preferably SolidWorks.
- Tool and Die knowledge.
- Understanding of inspection/measurement equipment.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Ability to react to manufacturing needs or modify project processes as they arise.
- Ability to manage several projects at different stages of development.
- Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes to accurately estimate product and tooling costs.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Work time is mainly in an office environment, with some work in production areas required when developing processes.
- Some lifting required when working with new tool and product development, generally
- Personal Protective Equipment required when in Manufacturing facilities.
