Tooling Design Engineer

Company Description

Tyler Union, a division of McWane, Inc., is the nation’s leading manufacturer of Ductile Iron Waterworks Fittings and Appurtenances has an immediate opening for a Tooling Design Engineer. 

The Tooling Design Engineer is responsible for design, development, and optimization of foundry tooling (patterns, core boxes and material handling devices) used in the manufacture of ductile iron waterworks products. This position provides technical guidance for tooling design, gating development, casting process optimization, and tooling-related capital projects. Designs will consider all stages of the production process from the manufacturing of the tooling itself to the coating of the parts. The Tooling Design Engineer collaborates closely with Product Engineering, Operations, Foundry, Quality, Pattern Shop, Maintenance, and external tooling suppliers to ensure safe, cost-effective, and high-quality production of castings.

This role ensures safe operations, consistent product quality, efficient workflow, and alignment with company standards and The McWane Way principles.

This is a salaried position, with bonus potential, and an excellent benefits package with health, life, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vacation, holiday pay and 401(k).

Take a tour of Tyler Union here.

All candidates offered employment must submit to a drug screen, physical, and background check.  

Job Description

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote and uphold The McWane Way principles, values, and behaviors.
• Adhere to safety protocols outline each facility’s Safety Management Program.
• Assist managers and supervisors in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Follow ergonomic and safe lifting techniques.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report any issues.

      **Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities (**Other duties may be assigned.)

• Operational
• .
• • Review and validate product specifications to engineer comprehensive 3D models for manufacturing tooling (patterns and core boxes) and specialized material handling systems that align with product and safety guidelines.
  • Design and engineer foundry tooling for both horizontally and vertically parted molding machines, including the development of Hot or Cold box core systems for Laempe or Shell Core Machines. 
  • Run Solidification/Flow analysis Simulation (Novacast or Magmasoft) to optimize gating and risering to insure high casting quality while maintaining the best possible yields.
  • Lead Sand Core Making Simulations (Airflow, Compaction, Venting) working with external partners.
  • Coordinate with department heads to schedule sample runs, track samples through to completion, and make corrective actions as needed.
  • Requisition and coordination of all tooling builds, to include procurement of tooling quotes from approved vendors.
  • Maintain a Request for Quotations log of all competitive quotes.
  • Where required, initiate Authorizations for Equipment and Purchase Requests for approvals.
  • Review/Approve final tooling inspection reports.
  • Manage all aspects of tooling revisions.
  • Update revisions as needed.
  • Log Engineering Change Notice files.
  • Distribute to all effected departments.
  • Coordinate with corporate engineering support for related projects and services. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Product Engineering Manager.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • • Work closely with Design, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Pattern Shop, and Production teams to establish corrective and preventive actions for tooling and casting-related issues.
    • Coordinate projects and technical initiatives with corporate engineering resources and external suppliers.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure all activities comply with company safety standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Promote a proactive safety culture across the plant.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
• Minimum of one (1) years of engineering experience in a foundry or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of tooling design experience.
  • Cast iron or ductile iron products preferred.
• Experience with waterworks products, pipe fittings, valves, hydrants, or other engineered casting applications strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, coaching, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and implement effective solutions.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Competencies

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves issues collaboratively; develops effective solutions.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly; presents data effectively; listens actively.
• Teamwork: Encourages feedback and collaboration; prioritizes team success.
• Leadership: Motivates and influences others; builds confidence and trust.
• Strategic Thinking: Develops and adapts strategies to meet organizational goals
• EHS Commitment: Maintains a safe and compliant work environment.
• Innovation: Encourages creative thinking and process improvements.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of manufacturing processes.

Physical & Cognitive Abilities

• This role involves frequent physical activity, including climbing, walking, standing, stooping, balancing, and handling tools and materials. Employees must be able to lift to 50 pounds, as needed.
• The work environment varies between a standard office setting and a manufacturing plant. Plant conditions may include exposure to heat, cold, dust, and noise.
• Regular walks through the plant are required. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as needed, including safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and hard hats.
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.