Tooling Design Engineering Manager

 Work Location: Portland, OR  

Go one better, together.

We’ve built something we’re extremely proud of, and we think it’s time you became part of it. Working at Oregon Tool, Inc., you’ll build your career and do your best work while contributing to the whole of the company. We're for those who lean into challenges and expect that same attitude from the people around them. We’re a goal-oriented organization that’s firmly committed to creating opportunities for Team Members’ talents to shine and inspire the individuals around them so that we all win together. 

At 2,400 Team Members across the globe, you're more than just a link in a chain. From new products, programs, and business units, Oregon Tool, Inc. gives you the space to make systemic change within our business. How will you make your mark? 

HOW YOU MAKE AN IMPACT:
The Tooling Design Engineering Manager leads a dedicated team focused on design, development and support of dies, fixtures, gauging and related tooling that enable new product development and introduction, manufacturing execution and other strategic initiatives.  This position is responsible for team leadership and development of department strategy, operations, processes, technical capabilities and competency growth and is a key member of the Product Engineering leadership team. 

THE DETAILS:

The role focuses on leading a tool design engineering team with a strong emphasis on strategic planning, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration. Key responsibilities include:

Team Leadership & Development

• Establishing and communicating tooling strategies aligned with global goals
• Driving performance, accountability, and individual development within the team
• Recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating technical staff
• Contributing to overall engineering leadership and representing the company externally

Operational Support

• Managing tooling design execution to meet cost, schedule, and quality targets
• Optimizing departmental processes and workflows
• Defining and tracking KPIs to ensure continuous improvement
• Supporting production through collaboration with trades and maintenance teams

Technical Capabilities Development

• Leading tooling initiatives for new product development and global manufacturing
• Identifying and addressing skill or technology gaps
• Providing training in quality and process control methods
• Supporting quality assurance through technical analysis and test reviews

Communication

• Facilitating effective team and cross-functional communication
• Presenting technical and operational updates to all levels of the organization
• Managing documentation and specification control
• Translating technical information in non-technical, easily understandable terms as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred) or 10+ years of equivalent experience.
• Experience: Over 7 years in engineering roles with 3+ years in leadership positions, particularly in high-volume manufacturing environments and progressive die design preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, tooling design, CAD, GD&T, and materials science (including tool steels and carbide). Skilled in interpreting product designs and translating them into manufacturing-ready tooling solutions.
• Project & Process Management: Proven project management capabilities using stage-gate processes and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience working with multi-national teams and suppliers.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Effective team leader and collaborator across globally dispersed, interdisciplinary teams. Known for strategic thinking, influencing across levels, and balancing analytical insight with creative problem solving
• Communication & Execution: Clear communicator with ability to convey complex technical concepts in non-technical, easily understandable terms as appropriate. Detail-oriented and results-driven, with a consistent track record of turning strategic goals into actionable outcomes.
• Tools & Systems: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Availability: Available to work on site as required by job; eligible for domestic and international travel several times per year up to two weeks’ duration.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Washington, Colorado, Nevada, California, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, Oregon Tool is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Oregon Tool, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $140,000 to $155,000.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits available on day one (no waiting period) 
• 401k matching (100% of first 3%, 50% of next 3% = 4.5% match on 6% contribution)
• Earn up to 120 hours vacation during your first year of service 
• One paid Community Involvement Day available per calendar year 
• Global company with small company feel 
• Casual work attire 
• Onsite Fitness center
• Public Transit access

WHO WE ARE: 

Oregon Tool, Inc. is a global, premium-branded, aftermarket-driven precision-cutting-tool platform. At Oregon Tool, Inc., it is our goal to create, cultivate and sustain a global, inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our employees and customers. We invite and encourage applications from all skilled individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company #SharperTogether.

To learn more about our company and history visit us at: www.oregontool.com

Oregon Tool, Inc. will only employ those who are legally authorized to work. Any offer of employment is contingent on a background investigation and drug screen. Oregon Tool, Inc. does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under law. 

During the application process we will not ask for or collect any confidential, proprietary, or sensitive personally identifiable information (e.g., date of birth; driver’s license number; or credit card, bank account or other financial information). If you submit such information, you do so at your own risk, and we will not be liable to you or responsible for consequences of your submission. This notice should not be construed as an offer of employment or creating any terms of employment.