Tool Room Engineer/Manager

The Tool Room Engineer/Manager manages and oversees all aspects of the day‑to‑day tool room operations and activities in Chicago. This includes the repair, modification, and improvement of existing tooling and compliance with current and future codes, regulations, and inspections. The role works with shift leads, assigns and prioritizes activities based upon input from Production Control and Operations, and is responsible for resource planning for both headcount and equipment. The Engineer/Manager provides direction on tooling condition and replace/repair recommendations and works closely with the Safety department to ensure the Chicago tool room stays in compliance.

This is a 1st shift position supporting operations from 6 am to 2 pm.

The base compensation range for this position is $96,500 - $125,000. Placement within the range will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity.

Essential Functions

• Develop, maintain, and improve preventative maintenance programs for tooling
• Provide recommendations to improve tooling performance and efficiency
• Work with foremen to schedule tool room personnel
• Control overtime and costs of the department
• Assist with in‑house design and fabrication of equipment and spare die components
• Work closely with the EHS Manager to ensure safety is a top priority at the division
• Participate as required in audits and inspections
• Monitor and report status of tool room projects
• Assess performance of the team and provide feedback and guidance
• Assign work requests and projects to the appropriate person
• Ensure all paperwork and reporting are kept up to date and completed in a timely fashion
• Communicate goals, objectives, and policies to team members
• Oversee the tool room apprentice program
• Work on the succession planning of personnel and identify technical disciplines that are understaffed; make recommendations for succession planning and staffing
• Maintain the associated cribs
• Work with production managers and superintendents to improve throughput and quality by monitoring and improving key KPIs
• Participate in production meetings as required and communicate information back to appropriate departmental personnel

Education and Experience

• 10 or more years working with stamping dies required (Journeyman certification preferred)
• Ability to lead and influence people and work as a team member
• Takes ownership of personal and employee development
• Must have an understanding of stamping tooling components and materials used to make tooling
• Must have an understanding of preventative maintenance programs
• Experience with CMMS software

Competencies

• Ability to operate machines and hand tools
• Ability to read engineering drawings
• Ability to disassemble and reassemble tooling
• Ability to work collaboratively with others as part of a team
• Ability to understand and enforce company policies
• Plan, prioritize, and organize work effectively to produce measurable results
• Keep current with new work methods and technology
• Ability to use Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint software

Work Environment

• Regularly works in a production environment that requires constant alertness of safety requirements and dangers, as they work near heavy cutting and material handling equipment
• Must be able to lift parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Must be able and comfortable working in a heavy‑industrial environment