How to hire a tool design engineer

How to hire a tool design engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step tool design engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a tool design engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new tool design engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a tool design engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The tool design engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a tool design engineer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a tool design engineer that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of tool design engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Tool Design Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Tool Design Engineer	Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.	$27-49
   Mechanical Engineer	Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues... Show more	$27-46
   Staff Engineer	Staff engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and inspecting various products, equipment, or structures. These professionals may perform varied duties depending on their specialization that includes overseeing the design and construction of buildings, bridges, sewer systems, and other infrastructure, estimating the financial costs of construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations... Show more	$33-80

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Solidworks
   • Jigs
   • GD
   • Engineering Drawings
   • Aerospace
   • NX
   • Design Reviews
   • Autocad
   • CNC
   • Assembly Fixtures
   • Product Design
   • Catia V5
   • Design Engineering
   • FEA

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage automation projects including purchasing, scheduling fabrication and assembly, debugging, and delivery to customer.
   • Design, document and procure prototype and production ready tooling using AutoCad, ProE and SolidWorks.
   • Draft and revise new and current drawings using computer aid programs such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
   • Used both manual drafting techniques and CAD/CAM systems.
   • Compile programs for use with wire EDM operations.
   • Compose CNC manual code for turning operations and grinding template for finish machining of gear tooth profile.

   More tool design engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the tool design engineer job description is a good way to get more applicants. A tool design engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a tool design engineer in Florida may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level tool design engineer. Additionally, a tool design engineer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average tool design engineer salary

   $76,918yearly

   $36.98 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level tool design engineer salary

   $57,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average tool design engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$121,306	$58
   2	Washington	$101,888	$49
   3	Texas	$87,090	$42
   4	Maryland	$81,694	$39
   5	Arizona	$77,848	$37
   6	Oregon	$75,076	$36
   7	Virginia	$74,099	$36
   8	Michigan	$71,882	$35
   9	Colorado	$71,864	$35
   10	New York	$69,935	$34
   11	South Carolina	$69,474	$33
   12	North Carolina	$68,771	$33
   13	Wisconsin	$65,992	$32
   14	Alabama	$65,838	$32
   15	Indiana	$63,326	$30
   16	Ohio	$59,296	$29

   Average tool design engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Google	$138,453	$66.56	128
   2	Apple	$134,287	$64.56	628
   3	Joby Aviation	$121,532	$58.43	30
   4	Hyperloop Transportation Technologies	$115,809	$55.68
   5	Amazon	$114,199	$54.90	521
   6	Harley-Davidson	$94,234	$45.30	5
   7	Greif	$92,264	$44.36
   8	Tesla	$89,711	$43.13	1
   9	BorgWarner	$88,892	$42.74	6
   10	Siemens	$84,979	$40.86	32
   11	AMETEK	$82,674	$39.75	31
   12	Standard Motor Products	$81,931	$39.39	5
   13	Aerojet Rocketdyne	$81,753	$39.30
   14	General Electric	$81,168	$39.02	216
   15	General Dynamics	$81,123	$39.00	98
   16	Major Tool & Machine	$78,915	$37.94	4
   17	Boeing	$78,712	$37.84	293
   18	SpaceX	$78,571	$37.77	247
   19	Northrop Grumman	$78,498	$37.74	216
   20	Global Packaging USA Corporation	$78,389	$37.69

4. Writing a tool design engineer job description

   A good tool design engineer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a tool design engineer job description:

   Tool design engineer job description example

   The Saint-Gobain facility in Orange, CT is seeking a
   
   Tooling Engineer
   
   Saint-Gobain is a Global Top Employer. We offer competitive salaries, matching 401k, pension plan, bonus program, medical/RX/dental/vision, tuition reimbursement and so much more.
   
   This position is responsible for the design, optimization, detailing, and manufacturing project management of new die forming/roll forming tools, machining/work holding fixtures, and other tooling as required using CAD tools. This position is also responsible for design/print modifications to existing tooling.
   
   * Use Solidworks and other CAD software as required to design/modify and detail machining fixtures, tooling, and die forming/roll forming tools. Select the correct geometry, material and finishes based on internal guidelines and safety reviews. Ensure that the design meets customer print and specification requirements as required, and that the designs are optimized for safety, manufacturability, assembly, and production use. Use best practices and historical data to ensure optimized tool designs and functionality.
   * Support the sourcing of material and components required for tools and fixtures. Develop material requirements list and support the quoting process with the purchasing department as required.
   * Support the quote process, vendor selection, and design reviews for vendor supplied tooling procurement projects. Participate in 3rd party tool reviews and recommend design changes as needed to ensure that tool designs are compliant with internal requirements.
   * Provide support to production and the tool room with tool/fixture designs, modifications, or assembly. Communicate the intent of the design or assembly to ease installation and use. Support Engineering/Operations in product development/process improvements through tooling/fixture optimization to improve yield, runtime, or other projects related to safety, quality, delivery, or cost.
   * Assist in managing the manufacturing planning, scheduling and on time completion of internal tooling orders through proper communication and critical thinking to support the effort to reduce lead time for new products and ensure project timelines are met.
   
   Required Qualifications
   
   * Bachelors' Degree in Engineering OR Equivalent Work Experience is required
   * 2+ years' experience in Tooling Design in a Manufacturing Environment is required
   * 2+ years' experience in Solidworks or Similar software is required
   * 1+ years' experience in Die Form Tooling Design/Roll Form Tooling Design/Precision Sheet Metal Forming is preferred
   * Able to listen, understand and convey customer requirements
   * Excellent interpersonal communication skills
   * Ability to multitask, be hands on and dive deep as needed, perform under pressure and meet deadlines
   * Work from drawings, sketches and or scanned images, customer drawings, and or specifications.
   * An excellent grasp of engineering and design principles.
   * Provide design and specification development support to end users, integrators, and distributors
   * Experience in die forming process & machining processes
   * Proficiency in 3D CAD or design software (Solidworks, AutoCAD)
   
   Legal Statement
   
   Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find tool design engineers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your tool design engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit tool design engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit tool design engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new tool design engineer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the tool design engineer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new tool design engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a tool design engineer?