Design Engineer- Tooling Reporting to: Manufacturing & Operations Manager Department: Manufacturing / Tooling About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Design Engineer to join our Manufacturing team. This role is responsible for the design, development, and continuous improvement of new and existing tooling to support both prototyping and mass production. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with engineering, production, quality, tool room personnel, suppliers, and customers to deliver cost-effective, high-quality tooling solutions. Key Responsibilities Design & Development Design and develop specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures for manufacturing processes using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD). Create detailed 2D drawings, 3D models, layouts, and technical specifications. Design tooling solutions for both prototype and production environments. Review technical data and apply engineering principles to improve tooling efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality. Develop prototypes, conduct testing, and implement design improvements based on performance feedback. Project & Production Support Manage tooling projects from concept through to first production run, ensuring adherence to schedules and budgets. Coordinate with tool room staff, shop floor personnel, and other departments to meet production deadlines. Assist in troubleshooting manufacturing issues and provide technical production support. Manage procurement and inventory of tooling and related equipment. Liaise with external vendors and customers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery. Quality & Compliance Assist in maintaining and updating QMS/EMS systems to meet ISO9001, IATF16949, AS9100, and ISO14001 requirements. Develop and implement quality control measures for tooling processes. Ensure compliance with company policies, PPE requirements, and management systems. Continuous Improvement & Development Collect and record relevant project and production data. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives. Continue professional development in line with departmental skills matrix and personal development plans. Stay updated with industry trends, advancements in tool design, and new materials/processes. Qualifications & Experience Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or related field. Strong knowledge of engineering drawings and drafting standards. Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD; CATIA advantageous). Experience in tooling design within a manufacturing environment preferred. Key Competencies Expertise in 3D modelling, drafting techniques, and interpretation of engineering drawings. Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T). Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, forging, and other tooling development methods. Solid understanding of material properties and their application in tooling. Familiarity with simulation software for tool performance analysis (advantageous). Knowledge of APQP and relevant departmental procedures. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Reduction in customer complaints Customer satisfaction levels On-Time In-Full (OTIF) performance Cost of Non-Quality (CNQ) Effectiveness of QMS/EMS systems Training effectiveness What We Offer Opportunity to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment Exposure to innovative tooling projects Professional growth and continuous development Collaborative and supportive team culture