Tooling Engineer

Position Title: Tooling Engineer

Department: Engineering

Who We Are

Central Power Systems & Services is a privately held company with deep roots dating back to 1954.

Our mission is forging long-lasting partnerships by providing first-class customer support. We accomplish that by designing and manufacturing industry-leading power generation equipment while investing in innovative processes, advanced technology, and exceptional people.

We are seeking a highly motivated Tooling Engineer to develop innovative tooling and fixture solutions that improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys designing practical solutions, collaborating across departments, and driving continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing process.

Job Summary

The Tooling Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing tooling, fixtures, gauges, and production equipment used throughout our generator manufacturing operations. This position partners closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Manufacturing, and outside suppliers to develop reliable tooling solutions that improve productivity, reduce manufacturing costs, and ensure the highest level of product quality.

From concept through production launch, the Tooling Engineer manages tooling projects while supporting new product introductions, manufacturing improvements, automation initiatives, and ongoing production needs.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop manufacturing tooling, welding fixtures, assembly fixtures, checking fixtures, gauges, and production aids using 3D CAD software.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, manufacturing drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and technical documentation.
• Develop tooling concepts from engineering drawings, production requirements, and manufacturing specifications.
• Manage tooling projects from concept through production launch, including budgeting, scheduling, procurement, validation, and implementation.
• Coordinate with internal manufacturing teams and outside vendors to fabricate, assemble, and commission tooling.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production, and full-scale manufacturing by troubleshooting tooling issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Conduct tooling design reviews to ensure manufacturability, operator safety, ergonomics, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Improve existing tooling to increase production efficiency, reduce downtime, improve quality, and minimize maintenance requirements.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis to verify tooling accuracy and dimensional compliance.
• Develop preventative maintenance recommendations for production tooling and fixtures.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions involving tooling or manufacturing issues.
• Assist with equipment installation, process validation, and production startup activities.
• Maintain engineering documentation and revision control within engineering document management systems.
• Partner with Quality to develop inspection fixtures, gauges, and measurement systems.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, engineering standards, and quality requirements.
• Support additional engineering projects as assigned.

What Makes You Successful

• Strong mechanical aptitude and engineering design skills.
• Passion for solving manufacturing challenges through innovative tooling solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects while meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, and outside suppliers.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Positive attitude with a team-first mindset.

Why Join Central Power?

At Central Power Systems & Services, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on how our products are built. We believe in empowering our engineers with the tools, technology, and support they need to innovate, solve complex manufacturing challenges, and continuously improve our operations.

Benefits Include

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Training & Professional Development
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program
• Stable, Growing Company with a Team-Oriented Culture

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Two (2) to eight (8) years of tooling engineering or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar 3D CAD software.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience creating manufacturing drawings, fabrication drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Knowledge of machining, welding, fabrication, and mechanical assembly processes.
• Experience working with tooling suppliers and outside vendors.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred

• Experience designing robotic welding fixtures and manufacturing tooling.
• Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic workholding systems.
• Experience supporting robotic manufacturing cells and industrial automation.
• Familiarity with FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or KUKA robotic systems.
• Experience performing tolerance analysis.
• Knowledge of PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience or certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.

• Autodesk Inventor
• AutoCAD
• SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software
• Product Data Management (PDM) systems
• ERP/MRP systems
• Microsoft Office Suite
• GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Manufacturing process development
• BOM management
• Engineering documentation and revision control
• Basic Finite Element Analysis (FEA) principles

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to safely access manufacturing areas for project support, equipment validation, and process observation.
• Ability to walk throughout the manufacturing facility as needed.
• Ability to wear required PPE while working in production environments.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based within a manufacturing environment.
• Frequent interaction with Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Quality, Purchasing, and Maintenance teams.
• Regular time spent on the manufacturing floor supporting tooling implementation, equipment validation, and continuous improvement projects.
• Occasional travel to supplier locations may be required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

CPS&S is a smoke-free and drug-free work environment. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen (including THC).

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified at the time of hire.

You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. to be considered for this role. We'll verify eligibility immediately upon hire.