Tooling Supervisor – Automotive & Aerospace

Position Overview

Linked Professional Services is seeking an experienced Tooling Supervisor to lead and oversee tooling operations within a fast-paced automotive and/or aerospace manufacturing environment. This individual will be responsible for supervising tooling personnel, coordinating tooling activities, maintaining production schedules, and ensuring tooling is available, maintained, and performing to quality and production requirements.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on tooling experience, excellent leadership abilities, and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling maintenance, CNC operations, and production requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, lead, and coordinate daily activities of the tooling department and tooling personnel.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign tooling work based on production schedules, customer requirements, and departmental priorities.
• Oversee the design, fabrication, repair, modification, maintenance, and improvement of production tooling, fixtures, dies, molds, gauges, and related equipment.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Operations to ensure tooling supports production requirements.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and identify root causes of tooling-related production problems.
• Coordinate tooling changes, repairs, preventive maintenance, and improvements to minimize production downtime.
• Review tooling requirements for new programs, engineering changes, and product launches.
• Ensure tooling is completed on schedule and meets dimensional, quality, and performance requirements.
• Support CNC machining and related manufacturing operations as needed.
• Review tooling drawings, CAD models, engineering specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Maintain accurate tooling documentation, records, maintenance schedules, and inventory.
• Monitor tooling condition and establish preventative maintenance programs to extend tool life and improve reliability.
• Work with outside tooling suppliers, machine shops, and vendors when required.
• Assist with estimating tooling costs, labor requirements, materials, and project timelines.
• Identify opportunities to improve tooling efficiency, reduce scrap, minimize downtime, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Ensure all tooling activities comply with company quality standards, safety requirements, and applicable automotive and aerospace specifications.
• Train, mentor, and develop tooling personnel while maintaining high standards of accountability and performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root-cause analysis, and process improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in tooling, tool & die, manufacturing engineering, or a related manufacturing discipline.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience within the automotive, aerospace, or high-volume precision manufacturing industry strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of tooling design, fabrication, repair, and maintenance.
• Experience with CNC machining, fixtures, dies, molds, gauges, and/or production tooling.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production workflows.
• Experience working with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Operations teams.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet demanding production deadlines.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing/ERP systems.
• CAD experience is preferred.

Automotive & Aerospace Experience

Candidates with experience supporting automotive OEMs, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, or precision machining environments are highly encouraged to apply.

Experience with quality systems such as IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar manufacturing standards is a plus.

Leadership Expectations

The Tooling Supervisor will be expected to lead by example, maintain accountability within the department, and create a culture focused on safety, quality, productivity, continuous improvement, and on-time delivery.

This position requires a hands-on leader who can effectively move between the shop floor and management while making sound decisions that support production and customer requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) options
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Stable opportunity within a growing automotive/aerospace manufacturing environment

Linked Professional Services is an equal opportunity employer.