What does a tool engineer do?
A tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.
Tool engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real tool engineer resumes:
- Manage mold vendors in the refurbishment of existing tooling and new mold construction.
- Lead cross-functional teams that develop several emerging technology laser and CCD barcode scanner products.
- Lead several independent, cross-functional projects and improve manufacturing quality, reduce cost, ensure environment are supported and FDA compliant.
- Create Perl scripts and SQL store procedures for nightly batch job streams, data loads and corporate reporting.
- Perform product design functions using AutoCad.
- Create custom SQL's in db2 and oracle for the reports.
- Position require knowledge of SPC, JIT, GDT and GMP.
- Provide troubleshooting and debugging machinery and processes utilizing ladder logic (PLC).
- Hire as QE for API testing and administrating the systems on the QA domain.
- Investigate and resolve build and release issues with development teams, operations, and QA.
- Develop and implement departmental AutoCAD standards, and train the design staff in AutoCAD productivity.
- Archive and maintain part and tool cad data, as well as tool tracking matrices.
- General knowledge of FEA apply to analyze some tool designs in order to confirm hand calculations.
- Used SolidWorks and AutoCAD to design tooling for the extrusion of medical tubing for both production and prototype product lines.
- Use SolidWorks daily for engineering changes and concept illustration
Tool engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Tool Engineers are proficient in Python, Java, and CAD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Mechanical skills, Listening skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Tool Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 16%
Designed and implemented a Python server and abstraction layer to delegate tasks to a 3rd-party data simulation tool.
- Java, 8%
Developed the XML Transformation Service using leading-edge Java EE and Web 2.0 technologies.
- CAD, 6%
Analyze customer CAD data and product design for manufacturing feasibility and provide recommendations.
- Linux, 6%
Conducted periodic patching of Windows and Linux boxes from the BSA console.
- Jenkins, 5%
Conducted configuration and the integration of SCM and Project management tools such as Perforce, Jenkins, Maven and Code Collaborator.
- Ruby, 4%
Manage deployment automation using Chef, Ruby and Perl.
Common skills that a tool engineer uses to do their job include "python," "java," and "cad." You can find details on the most important tool engineer responsibilities below.
Mechanical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a tool engineer to have is mechanical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Tool engineers often use mechanical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "designed using mechanical drawing board and tools, 2 years prior to going to cad. "
Listening skills. Another essential skill to perform tool engineer duties is listening skills. Tool engineers responsibilities require that "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." Tool engineers also use listening skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "communicated and reinforced the product development vision and strategy to engineers, designers, technicians, and administrative personnel. "
Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of tool engineers is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday tool engineer duties, as "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "used cad software (autodesk inventor and solidworks) and disassembly of components to design tooling. "
Math skills. For certain tool engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "math skills." The day-to-day duties of a tool engineer rely on this skill, as "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what tool engineers do: "utilized cad tools such as finite element analysis, catia, kinematic suspension geometry solvers, & dynamic tire envelope solvers. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for tool engineer responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of tool engineers all the time, as "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." An excerpt from a real tool engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what a tool engineer does: "investigated and resolved build and release issues with development teams, operations, and qa. "
The three companies that hire the most tool engineers are:
- General Dynamics186 tool engineers jobs
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
137 tool engineers jobs
- Boeing72 tool engineers jobs
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Compare different tool engineers
Tool engineer vs. Research and development engineer
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between tool engineers and research and development engineer. For instance, tool engineer responsibilities require skills such as "ruby," "continuous improvement," "lean manufacturing," and "ui." Whereas a research and development engineer is skilled in "c #," "data analysis," "patients," and "prototype." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Research and development engineers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $107,654. Comparatively, tool engineers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $94,406.research and development engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than tool engineers. In fact, research and development engineers are 10.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Tool engineer vs. Mechanical design engineer
A mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real tool engineer resumes. While tool engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "java," "linux," and "jenkins," mechanical design engineers use skills like "mechanical design," "creo," "ul," and "engineering design."
On average, mechanical design engineers earn a lower salary than tool engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, mechanical design engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $87,483. Whereas tool engineers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $94,406.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Mechanical design engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than tool engineers. In fact, they're 4.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for tool engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Andrea Welker Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University
Tool engineer vs. Manufacturing engineer
Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a tool engineer is likely to be skilled in "python," "java," "linux," and "jenkins," while a typical manufacturing engineer is skilled in "process control," "troubleshoot," "design engineering," and "engineering drawings."
Manufacturing engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $81,429. Tool engineers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $94,406.Most manufacturing engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to tool engineers. For example, they're 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tool engineer vs. Product development engineer
A Product Development Engineer is responsible for creating and testing new product designs. They collaborate with market researchers to evaluate market needs, existing competition, and potential costs.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between tool engineers and product development engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a tool engineer might have more use for skills like "python," "linux," "ruby," and "unix." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of product development engineers require skills like "data analysis," "prototype," "c++," and "ul. "
Product development engineers enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $86,062. For comparison, tool engineers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.The average resume of product development engineers showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to tool engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 7.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.3%.Types of tool engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
