Tool Designer

Tool & Die / Fixture Designer/CNC Programmer Manager – Prototype Stamping

Synergy Prototype Stamping is seeking an experienced Tool & Die and Fixture Designer/CNC Programmer Manager with a strong background in prototype and low-to-medium volume sheet metal stamping.  Preferably utilizing Fusion 360 and/or NX11.

This role is ideal for someone who understands when simple, effective tooling is the right answer, and when added complexity is justified. The successful candidate will combine practical prototype-shop judgment with strong CAD and tooling knowledge to balance speed, cost, functionality, repeatability, quality, and real-world shop conditions.  The ideal candidate will also have CNC programming and management experience and knows enough CNC programming and ccutting to effectively manage the toolroom and a still get a majority of the design work done.

Responsibilities

·        Design prototype and low-volume stamping dies.

·        Design check fixtures, check aids, welding fixtures, and assembly fixtures.

·        Support fast-paced prototype and early-production programs with changing customer requirements and tight timelines.

·        Make practical decisions between simple tooling that relies on skilled job leaders and more detailed tooling designed for repeatability.

·        Balance speed, cost, functionality, repeatability, safety, and manufacturability in real-world shop conditions.

·        Work from customer CAD data, drawings, sketches, specifications, and other shop information to develop tooling needed to form and fabricate parts.

·        Create and maintain accurate 3D models, 2D detail drawings, assembly drawings, bills of material, and other design-release information needed for internal or outside tool build.

·        Apply sound tooling-design practices related to sheet metal forming, clearances, tolerances, material flow, press requirements, access, serviceability, and buildability.

·        Interpret and apply GD&T, datum structures, tolerances, customer specifications, and engineering changes when developing tooling and fixtures.

·        Work closely with the shop foreman, Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Project Management, Quality, and outside vendors to confirm scope, material, timing, design intent, and build strategy.

·        Participate in design reviews and identify manufacturability, tooling, capacity, material, cost, timing, or quality concerns before release.

·        Coordinate with internal toolmakers and outside vendors during tool build, answer design questions, and provide revisions or clarifications when approved changes are required.

·        Support tool build, tryout, debug, dimensional correction, and final buy-off; troubleshoot tooling or part-quality issues and recommend practical design corrections.

·        Maintain accurate revision control and update released or as-built design data so current tooling information remains available for future work.

·        Support estimating, feasibility reviews, and continuous-improvement efforts when tooling knowledge can improve cost, timing, quality, or manufacturability.

·        Follow ISO 9001:2015 standards, procedures, and document-control requirements.

·        Complete all required paperwork and maintain accurate design and project records.

·        Communicate schedule risks, missing information, design issues, and required decisions early enough for the team to act before they affect delivery.

·        Consider programming time, machining time, tooling availability, and shop capability when selecting design approaches so the design is not unnecessarily complex or costly to manufacture.

·        Support resolution of CNC/manufacturing issues involving tooling geometry, machining access, tolerances, fixtures, setup, or design intent.

·        Coordinate with CNC on current and upcoming jobs, including stock requirements, material availability, machining priorities, and design questions that could affect schedule.

·        Design tooling with CNC machining strategy in mind, including stock size, cutter access, setup limitations, tolerances, sequencing, and material removal.

·        Work closely with CNC programmers/machinists to ensure tooling designs are practical to machine and efficient to program.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of tool design experience.

Prototype or job-shop tooling experience.

Strong background in prototype and low-to-medium volume sheet metal stamping.

Strong understanding of sheet metal forming, stamping die construction, tooling components, fixture design, tolerances, and practical shop-manufacturing methods.

Ability to design using NX11, Fusion 360, KeyCreator, or other professional 3D CAD authoring software.

Working knowledge of SpinFire or similar CAD-viewing/analysis software is helpful for reviewing customer data.

Ability to interpret complex part drawings, 3D CAD data, GD&T, customer specifications, and engineering changes.

Ability to develop clear, complete drawings and design-release information that can be understood and built by internal toolmakers or outside vendors.

Ability to take tooling from concept through build, tryout, correction, approval, and release.

Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.

Ability to work independently, follow verbal or written direction, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively as part of a team.

Strong customer relations and professional communication with customers, vendors, and internal teams.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Commitment to quality, safety, customer service, and ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

Independent contractors are welcome to apply.

Alignment with all five Synergy company values:

Synergy – works well with others and supports the team.

Integrity – does it right, even when no one is watching.

Ambition – wants to get better and help the company grow.

Fun – enjoys the work and the people.

Ownership – takes responsibility and follows things through.

CNC programming knowledge is strongly preferred, particularly the ability to understand toolpaths, machining strategy, and programming implications of tooling geometry.

Ability to communicate effectively with CNC programmers and machinists and to revise designs based on practical machining feedback.

Working knowledge of CNC milling and related machining processes, including how design decisions affect programming, setup, cutter access, cycle time, and manufacturability.

Compensation

Competitive and flexible.

Based on experience, contribution, and availability.

Open to hourly, salaried, or contract arrangements.

Typical range falls within market rates for experienced prototype designers.

Why Synergy

We’re a 14-year-old, young, and hungry prototype shop working with demanding customers, tight timelines, and constantly changing designs. If you like variety, challenge, and building practical solutions that you actually get to see being used, you’ll fit in here.

Job Types

Full-time, Part-time, Temp-to-hire

Benefits

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Tuition reimbursement

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.

Experience

Tool design: 5 years (Required)

Work Location

In person