SAPA Transmission is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – Tooling who will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and lifecycle management of all tooling used in the manufacturing and production environment. This role ensures that tooling solutions support safe, efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective production across machining, inspection, assembly, and forming operations. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with tooling systems, CAD, and manufacturing processes, and will collaborate closely with manufacturing, production, and quality teams.
Responsibilities:
- Own all aspects of tooling for manufacturing and production operations, including:
- CNC machining fixtures and workholding
- CMM inspection fixtures and gages
- Assembly tools, fixtures, and error-proofing devices
- Press bed tools and forming fixtures
- Manual and hydraulic clamping systems
- Design, specify, and release tooling using CAD systems; manage tooling data and revisions.
- Lead tooling projects from concept through design, build, validation, and production release.
- Utilize NX and Teamcenter to manage CAD models, drawings, and configuration control.
- Work with internal teams and external suppliers to source, fabricate, and qualify tooling.
- Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing robust tooling that meets production volume, quality, and safety requirements.
- Troubleshoot tooling issues on the shop floor and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve ergonomics, increase tool life, and lower manufacturing costs.
- Ensure tooling complies with safety standards, ergonomic guidelines, and company policies.
- Develop and maintain tooling documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, work instructions, and maintenance requirements.
- Support process capability studies, validation runs, and production readiness reviews.
- Coordinate tooling maintenance, repair, and replacement strategies to minimize downtime.
- Collaborate with Quality Engineering on inspection methods, gage R&R, and measurement system analysis.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment with tooling responsibility.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes and workholding principles.
- Experience with CMM fixtures, inspection tooling, and dimensional control.
- Proficiency in CAD software; NX experience preferred.
- Experience designing and implementing manual and hydraulic clamping systems.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
- Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on approach to manufacturing challenges.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies to support continuous improvement initiatives.
Benefits:
- 6% retirement plan contribution by SAPA Transmission (regardless of employee contribution to 401k plan).
- Paid Holiday, Time Off (PTO), and sick time.
- Medical, Rx, dental, vision and life insurance benefits with minimal employee contribution.
- Short and long-term disability.
