Job Title: Lead Tooling Engineer

Location: Acme Wire Products Address: 2915 18th Ave, Broadview, IL 60155

Job type: Salaried Full Time, (40 hours/Week) Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Edward Echeverria

Job Overview:

Acme Wire Products is seeking an experienced Tool Room Manager to lead and improve our Tool Room Department. This individual will be responsible for tooling strategy, fixture and gauge development, procurement, supplier management, inventory control, and supporting manufacturing operations across all departments. The Tool Room Manager will lead a team of 2-5 staff and be responsible for training new engineers.

The ideal candidate will be expected to bring a seasoned manufacturing perspective, help establish best practices, improve department organization, and implement systems that support long-term operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Tool Room Operations

Lead the day-to-day operations of the Tool Room Department, ensuring tooling, fixtures, gauges, and equipment are available, maintained, and properly managed to support production requirements. Establish priorities, allocate resources, and ensure projects are completed on time while maintaining a high level of quality and organization.

Operational Excellence

Develop, implement, and maintain systems related to inventory management, tool tracking, preventative maintenance, documentation, and workflow management. Continuously evaluate department performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Shipping, and Management teams to identify and implement solutions that support company objectives. Serve as a technical resource across all departments and coordinate the procurement of tooling and systems required to improve departmental performance and manufacturing capabilities.

Department Management, Procurement & Continuous Improvement

Oversee the operational performance of the Tool Room Department, including tooling expenditures, inventory levels, supplier relationships, project status, workplace organization, and departmental efficiency. Take ownership of sourcing and procuring tooling, fixtures, gauges, equipment, and manufacturing support systems while developing strong supplier partnerships and negotiating competitive pricing and delivery schedules. Utilize performance metrics and data-driven decision-making to improve operational effectiveness, reduce costs, support strategic planning, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment while ensuring compliance with company safety policies and promoting professional workplace standards.

Fixture & Gauge Design Leadership

Provide experienced leadership in the development, review, and management of fixtures, gauges, work holding devices, inspection tools, and manufacturing support equipment. Evaluate existing designs and processes while implementing best practices that improve quality, repeatability, and efficiency.

Manufacturing & Quality Support

Utilize advanced blueprint interpretation, GD&T knowledge, DFMEA, and PFMEA methodologies to support manufacturing operations and quality initiatives. Participate in problem-solving efforts, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement projects aimed at improving product quality and process reliability.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, mentor, and develop 2-5 Tool Room personnel by establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management activities while encouraging professional growth and cross-functional collaboration.

Process Improvement

Drive initiatives that improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce downtime, enhance quality, and support production goals. Bring a seasoned manufacturing perspective to help establish systems, improve communication, strengthen department organization, and support the long-term growth