Assistant Tooling Manager

Magna International•Bowling Green, KY

About The Position

The Assistant Tooling Manager supports the Tooling and Engineering teams in troubleshooting complex tooling and manufacturing issues, coordinating tooling modifications, analyzing tooling performance, and advancing product launches, engineering changes, quality improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role applies engineering drawings, CAD models, dimensional tolerances, GD&T principles, material specifications, and manufacturing standards to tooling evaluation and modifications. It also provides technical direction to Tool & Die Technicians and supports die design reviews, root-cause investigations, process improvements, and validation of tooling changes. The position supervises maintenance activities and supports management and maintenance personnel, serving as a liaison on policy application and continuous improvement. Tool & Die Technicians report directly to the Assistant Tooling Leader, while performing work as assigned by the Tooling Manager, Assistant Tooling Manager, Area Leaders, and Team Leaders. The role also includes hands-on tool-room and die work, welding, troubleshooting, training, documentation, safety and quality compliance, and other job-related duties as requested by the leader.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical discipline.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD data, dimensional tolerances, and material specifications.
Strong understanding of manufacturing principles, tooling systems, die construction, process capability, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience supporting engineering functions through technical analysis, troubleshooting, tooling modifications, and process improvements.
Proficiency in applying engineering concepts in a manufacturing environment.
General knowledge of troubleshooting, materials and methods, machines and tools, and practical application of tooling.
Sound knowledge of die work and operations, press and assembly operations, and quality procedures.
Ability to run tool-room equipment and use measuring instruments.
Ability to perform TIG and MIG welding and hand-work die parts, including heat treatment.
Ability to perform Lock Out / Tag Out procedures and follow plant safety policies.
Reliable and predictable attendance.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is preferred.
Basic knowledge of automation.

Responsibilities

Supervise the maintenance department, monitor maintenance activities, support management and maintenance personnel, and act as a liaison regarding policy application and continuous improvement.
Support Engineering and Tooling teams in troubleshooting complex tooling and manufacturing issues.
Apply engineering drawings, CAD models, dimensional tolerances, GD&T principles, material specifications, and manufacturing standards when evaluating tooling performance and modifications.
Lead and coordinate tooling modifications for product launches, engineering changes, quality improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Analyze tooling performance data and recommend corrective actions.
Collaborate with engineers on die design reviews, root-cause investigations, process improvements, and validation of tooling changes.
Provide technical direction to Tool & Die Technicians.
Perform TIG and MIG welding and hand-work die parts, including heat treatment of materials.
Operate tool-room equipment and measuring instruments; apply knowledge of die work and operations.
Apply knowledge of press and assembly operations and quality procedures.
Assist in determining spare-parts requirements and maintain accurate documentation.
Train operators and new team members.
Recommend modifications to existing equipment.
Communicate with team members and support departments.
Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing processes; help ensure product quality and follow quality procedures.
Troubleshoot tooling in and out of presses.
Work from blueprints, CAD data, and sketches.
Perform Lock Out / Tag Out procedures and follow plant safety policies and procedures.
Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts; calculate or visualize dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies from specifications.
Smooth and polish flat and contoured die-part surfaces using abrasive stones, filers, emery cloths, or power grinders, and spot dies into proper running condition.
Identify tool stacks and determine how to heat treat them.
Maintain reliable and predictable attendance.
Perform other duties as required or requested by the leader.