Lead Tooling Engineer

AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing•Detroit, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

#TeamAAM is looking for a Lead Tooling Engineer to join our Metal Forming team. This role is located at our World Headquarters in Detroit. Initiates, oversees, and implements process optimization and cost reduction projects, evaluating new cutting tool technologies and applying significant cutting tool engineering knowledge. Supports plant production requirements and continuous improvement activities across multiple plants and processes to optimize perishable and durable tooling and cutting parameters on broad scope of machining equipment; troubleshoots and problem solves machining issues including cycle time, tool life, chip control and more. Coordinates with site teams at multiple plants to communicate tooling and machining best practices. Maintains standard tooling records such as performance to budget, tool evaluations and test reports, design, and set-up data. The ideal candidate has the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others, encouraging a positive work environment and improving efficiency. This person should also have a proven track record to manage and complete large projects, with the ability to plan and prioritize optimally. Ready to join the team that is Bringing the Future Faster? Apply today! Job Description: Facilitates the comprehensive management of site tooling in alignment with the AAM Tooling System standards. Drives continuous improvement and promotes multi-functional cooperation with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, and general stores to ensure tooling-related topics and concerns are communicated optimally. Identifies and supports continuous improvement activities for quality (scrap reduction), productivity (cycle time), and cost (CPU), following the AAM Tool Testing Procedure and fair testing practices. Maintains technical tooling documentation, including the Plan for Every Tool (PFET), tooling drawings, and tool layouts (AutoCAD or similar). Supports plant tool presetting operations to ensure accuracy, organization, and best practices. Supports the management of tooling inventory, tool reconditioning, and scrap tooling processes. Uses problem solving and troubleshooting techniques to resolve machining issues. Quotes cost per unit of new jobs based on tooling selection and expected tool life. Works closely with tooling manufacturers and integration partners on new projects, continuous improvement activities, and unexpected machining events. Teaches and mentors tooling and manufacturing engineers at the plant level. Interacts with plant tool rooms to support their forge tool manufacturing processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
10+ years of relevant experience in the manufacturing industry, with a focus on machining
Detailed knowledge of cutting tools and manufacturing processes
Strong understanding of CNC machining equipment
High level of analytical ability where problems are unusual and difficult
Ability and willingness to travel both locally and internationally, approximately 50% of the time. Primarily weekday travel

Responsibilities

Initiates, oversees, and implements process optimization and cost reduction projects
Supports plant production requirements and continuous improvement activities across multiple plants and processes
Coordinates with site teams at multiple plants to communicate tooling and machining best practices
Maintains standard tooling records such as performance to budget, tool evaluations and test reports, design, and set-up data
Facilitates the comprehensive management of site tooling in alignment with the AAM Tooling System standards
Drives continuous improvement and promotes multi-functional cooperation with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, and general stores
Identifies and supports continuous improvement activities for quality (scrap reduction), productivity (cycle time), and cost (CPU)
Maintains technical tooling documentation, including the Plan for Every Tool (PFET), tooling drawings, and tool layouts (AutoCAD or similar)
Supports plant tool presetting operations to ensure accuracy, organization, and best practices
Supports the management of tooling inventory, tool reconditioning, and scrap tooling processes
Uses problem solving and troubleshooting techniques to resolve machining issues
Quotes cost per unit of new jobs based on tooling selection and expected tool life
Works closely with tooling manufacturers and integration partners on new projects, continuous improvement activities, and unexpected machining events
Teaches and mentors tooling and manufacturing engineers at the plant level
Interacts with plant tool rooms to support their forge tool manufacturing processes